Hi and welcome back, brave human!

How have you been so far!!!!!!!

Today, let’s talk about the dirty word in the room….

Networking 👄 

Just thinking about it gives me the ick…

But we all have to do it.

In fact, according to *research 56% of job opportunities come from weak ties.  

And wt* is a weak tie you might ask?

A weak tie bridges different social circles or is someone you have a loose connection with. So think about your friend's friend, or a former colleague, or someone you met once at an event.

And how do you stand out when making a weak connection?

Nasty secrets coming in….

LFG!!!

1) Let them talk, they will think you are brilliant

Be a good listener. When people talk a lot, they feel seen, and they start to like you more. Even if, spoiler alert, you say nothing.

2) Send thank you notes

Every time someone gives you an idea, helps you out, or even just listens — thank them. Most people don’t. So when you do, it lands.

Handwritten > email.
Specific > generic.
Sincere > formal.

I’ve had people keep my notes on their desks for years. You’re not just saying thank you, you’re becoming unforgettable.

3) Slow Mail > Email

Send a postcard. A book. A handwritten follow-up. A cake. Flowers, anything!!!!!

Slow mail is the way to go.

4) Find their passion project

Everyone has something they light up about. A side hustle, a weird hobby, a dream they’re low-key scared to say out loud.

Find it. Ask about it. Encourage it.

It doesn’t have to benefit you directly, but it will.

Because people never forget the ones who believed in their “little idea” before it was big.

5) Names are cheat codes 

Use it early, use it often.

Saying someone’s name in conversation hits differently. It’s a tiny thing, but it attracts attention. Familiarity. Connection.

People perk up when they hear their name. Use it in person, use it in writing, use it when you’re pitching.

In the end, try rephrasing networking as making friends. It will feel less icky and it will benefit you in the long run.

Apply these slowly and you'll see how people will start letting you in the inner circle, slowly but surely………

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Cheers to you hacking your week!

Denisse