Networking At Career Fairs

First impressions matter. Starting with your introduction. I’ve seen too many people wing their introductions. Big mistake. Top 1% communicators never underestimate first impressions. They know how to become instantly memorable. When I work with my CEO coaching clients, I ensure they stand out. You can steal my method: Record yourself introducing yourself in 30 seconds. Then ask: Would you be interested in meeting this person? Would you remember them a day later? If not: Rewrite. Rehearse. Refine. Use these 7 strategies to ace your next intro: 1 - The Networking Pitch - Daniel Priestley 🟢 Name Say it slowly. Own the moment. Smile. 🟢 Same Say what you do in familiar terms. 🟢 Fame Share a line of credibility. 🟢 Aim What are you focused on right now? 🟢 Game End with your bigger vision. 2 - Nail Your Non-Verbal → Real smile (no fake smiles) → Stand tall, shoulders back, face them directly → Avoid awkwardness: signal handshake, hug, or wave 3 - The 5-Second Intro Practice this all-purpose 3-step formula: Who you are → What you do → Who it helps 4 - Use Micro-Stories Instead of listing titles or credentials, embed a 1-sentence story: “I used to write speeches for government leaders. Now I coach founders on how to own the room.” 5 - Show Your Energy, Not Just Expertise Most introductions are soulless and bloodless. But energy is magnetic. 6 - Tailor Your Intro To The Room: 💼 Boardroom: Lead with credibility and clarity. 🎤 Stage: Start with a story or question. ☕ Networking: Keep it casual and curiosity-driven. 7 - Avoid These Mistakes 🚅 Saying your name too fast. 🥱 Being forgettable: “I’m in communications” 🪽 Winging it – first impressions matter! What do you pay attention to when you introduce yourself? - - - - ♻️ Repost to help others, too. And follow Oliver Aust for more on leadership communications. ♟️ Want to become a top 1% communicator? Reach out here: https://lnkd.in/dc-TBhZU

8 Conversation Starters That 2x Your Networking Connections: 1. The Genuine Compliment + Question Specificity wins generic flattery. Try using this template when starting conversations: "I loved your presentation on market trends. What inspired that unique perspective on consumer behavior?" This shows you were paying attention and creates an opening for them to share something personal. 2. The Shared Challenge Approach Shared challenges create shared connections. Here's what you can start with: "I've been struggling with implementing AI tools in our workflow. Have you faced similar challenges?" This positions you as a peer seeking collaboration, not just someone asking for help. 3. The Industry Insight Question Ask for an industry insight to demonstrate you value their expertise: "What's one trend in our industry that you think isn't getting enough attention right now?" This invites them to share unique perspectives that they're passionate about. Plus it allows them to take the conversation in a direction they're excited about. 4. The Value-First Introduction Nothing says “I value your insight” more than applying it upfront. Here's how: "I read your recent article on remote team management and shared it with my department. We implemented your feedback framework with great results." This creates a positive first impression by showing you've already engaged with their work. 5. The Curiosity-Driven Career Question Career journeys are personal yet professional. They are the perfect middle ground for meaningful conversation: "I'm intrigued by your career path from marketing to operations. What was the biggest surprise in that transition?" This shows you've done your homework without being intrusive. 6. The Specific Recommendation Request People love making introductions and recommendations when they know exactly what you need. Try: "I'm looking to deepen my knowledge of data visualization. Is there a resource or person you'd recommend I connect with?" This is specific enough to be actionable but open enough to be easy to answer. 7. The Follow-Up Framework Follow-ups create a natural reason to reconnect. For example: "Thank you for sharing your insights on project management. I'm implementing your suggestion about weekly retrospectives and would love to share results in a few weeks." It shows you value their advice enough to act on it. 8. The Mutual Connection Bridge Referencing a mutual connection instantly builds credibility. Here's how you can do it: "Sarah mentioned you're an expert in healthcare analytics. I'm working on a similar project and would love to hear about your approach to patient data." This creates a sense of extended trust through your shared network. 📬 Yuping went from zero interviews to 2 per week by mastering this kind of messaging. 👉 Want to see how? Grab a free Clarity Call: https://lnkd.in/gdysHr-r

How many times have you logged on to Linkedin and found yet another email that starts with: "Hey [First Name]," followed by a generic pitch that does not concern your interests or needs. Sound familiar? We've all been there. And it's frustrating. As a fractional CMO/Consultant, I've seen this happen repeatedly. Businesses think they're doing personalization right but need to do better. It's not enough to use someone's name or company. 👉🏾 True personalization is about understanding their challenges, goals, and needs. For example, on LinkedIn, scroll through their feed and see what they post, talk about, like, and comment on. This helps as a starting ground on how to approach them and what to discuss. So, instead of sending a LinkedIn message that says: "I'd love to connect and learn more about your business," try something like: "I noticed you're working on [specific project]. I have some ideas on how you could [achieve a specific goal]. Would you be open to a quick chat?" See the difference? It's not just about being personal; it's about being relevant. And when you're relevant, you're not annoying — you're helpful. 👉🏾 So, think about this the next time you craft a personalized outreach campaign. →"Would I find this message valuable? →Does it address my specific needs and interests?" If the answer is no, it's time to return to the drawing board. 👉🏾 Also, tools like Crystal Knows help you fine-tune your message and tone when reaching out to maximize the impact of every conversation. Let's aim for genuinely helpful messages, not just another annoyance in their inbox. What do you think about personalized outreach? #b2bmarketing #demandgeneration #leadgeneration #ABM

Last Friday, 175 professional women in Singapore each handed me one ASK. 104 of them were the same ASK 👉 An introduction to a specific person they could not reach on their own. The ones who walked away with a real outcome were not the most senior. They were the ones who had three skills, in sequence, that almost no woman is taught. 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝟭. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. A sharp ask shrinks the senior person's network, on their behalf, to one specific person they can already see in their head. A stalled ask widens the room. "I am open to opportunities." They have to imagine your industry and their network. So they do nothing. A sharp ask narrows it to one person. "I am moving from Regional Marketing Director into a CMO seat in the next twelve months. Who in your last six months of meetings is the Board Chair who could tell me what the first year of that transition actually cost her." It names a destination. It dates it. It tells them which corner of their network to scan. And what the meeting is for. If you cannot ask in two sentences and have them nodding by the second, it is not ready. This skill does ninety percent of the work. 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝟮. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘄. Senior people do not say no to senior women. They say "let me think about who" and forget by the next meeting. The how is what you write for them before they need it. Bring the introduction email already drafted. Three sentences about you, two about why this person, one on what you want the meeting to do. Say: "I have written what you could forward. Edit anything, take my name off if you prefer." You are not putting words in their mouth. You are removing the cognitive load that stops busy people from helping. The how is good when they make one edit and forward the draft the same day. 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝟯. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄-𝘂𝗽. This decides whether the same person will spend capital on you a second time, or never. Within 48 hours, write back. Not "thank you so much." A specific sentence. "Introduction landed yesterday. Meeting Thursday at 4pm. Will tell you what I learn." After the meeting, close the loop. "Met her Thursday. The first year of that transition cost her two things she had not anticipated. I am rethinking the timing of my move. Thank you. It changed the question I am asking." A senior person who sees their action produced a result will spend capital again. One who never hears back will not. Most senior women lose the relationship here. In the silence after the ask. The three compound. ✔️ A question without a how puts the burden back. ✔️ A how without a question is a forwarded email to nowhere. ✔️ Both without a follow-up is a one-time favour. If you have been waiting to be discovered for two years, the gap is the three sentences you have not yet learned to write. We built a course for that. It is called From Mentored to Championed. The full sponsorship playbook, Link in comment

An identity wrapped up in a title is dangerous. While our job titles can be a source of pride, relying solely on them to define ourselves can be unhealthy. If you’re introducing yourself along the lines of: ↳ “I’m Lorraine and I’m an editorial director” ↳ “I’m a lawyer at Company ABC” ↳ “I’m a Senior VP at XYZ” It’s time to make a change. I used to do the same back when I was still at LinkedIn.  I tied up my identity in being a LinkedIn editor. I then did the same thing at Prezi, until I realized I wanted to be known for more than just my job.  So I started posting more on LinkedIn not about my work, but about career topics I was passionate about. I got invited to speak on stages and on podcasts — and while my company was part of my brand, it wasn’t the only thing I was known for. Then I got impacted by the mass tech layoffs. It was naturally a shock, but I also felt a sense of comfort knowing I had built a brand and presence for myself that went beyond tying my identity to my job. Next time you introduce yourself, think about these: ✅ What do you do? ✅ What’s one thing you care about? ✅ What’s the value that you bring to the table? There are multiple ways to introduce yourself that will withstand any situation you’re in. It could be: ✔️I’m [NAME] and I have always loved [PASSION]. ✔️I’m [NAME] and I’m a [TITLE] who’s passionate about [OUTCOME]. ✔️I'm [NAME] and I help businesses and individuals achieve [GOAL/S]. That’s why I’m passionate about teaching professionals from companies like Google, LinkedIn, Cisco, Northrop Grumman, and others, how to create their UPI — aka Unique, Powerful Introduction. If you want to 10x the impact of your introduction, here’s a crash course: Think beyond your role and dig into: ✅ Who your target audience is  ✅ Your team mission statement ✅ What that job title actually means Remember, you’re more than your job title. 💬 How do you introduce yourself?

The most effective networkers understand a fundamental principle that distinguishes meaningful professional relationships from transactional interactions: they prioritize contributing value before seeking assistance.   Effective networking strategies focus on mutual benefit:   Pre-Event Research: Identifying attendees and understanding their professional challenges, recent achievements, or industry focus areas where you might offer insights or connections.   Value-Forward Conversations: Initiating discussions around industry trends, sharing relevant resources, or offering introductions to valuable contacts rather than immediately discussing personal career needs.   Strategic Follow-Up: Connecting post-event with thoughtful resources, articles, or introductions that address specific challenges discussed, rather than generic LinkedIn requests.   Long-Term Relationship Building: Maintaining consistent, value-driven contact with your network through sharing relevant opportunities, insights, or connections throughout the year.   This approach transforms networking from a series of favor requests into genuine relationship building that creates reciprocal value over time.   Professionals who consistently offer value before seeking assistance develop networks that actively support their career advancement because those relationships are built on mutual benefit rather than one-sided need.   The strongest professional networks emerge when individuals position themselves as resources for others' success rather than solely focusing on their own advancement needs.   What strategies have you found most effective for creating mutually beneficial professional relationships?   Sign up to my newsletter for more corporate insights and truths here: https://lnkd.in/ei_uQjju   #deepalivyas #eliterecruiter #recruiter #recruitment #jobsearch #corporate #networking #professionalnetworking #relationshipbuilding #careerstrategist

That moment when someone asks "Tell me about yourself" or "What's your research about?" doesn't have to be the conversation killer it often becomes. Whether you're at a conference, meeting a potential collaborator, or chatting with a professor in the hallway, your introduction can be the difference between doors opening or closing. ❓ Why Your Introduction Matters More Than Your CV As Rebecca Okamoto discovered, it doesn’t matter how brilliant your research is or how perfect your qualifications are if you can’t capture someone’s attention in those first few moments. Your introduction isn’t just about grabbing attention; it’s about being seen, heard, and recognized in an academic world where networking can sometimes feel overwhelming. The Two Secrets That Change Everything Secret #1: Think soundbite, not data dump. Academic audiences may be highly educated, but they’re also distracted, multitasking, and have limited attention spans. Your goal isn't to explain every detail of your methodology; it’s to spark curiosity. Secret #2: Focus on "about them," not "about me." Instead of listing your achievements, explain what value you bring to their world, their research community, or their problem. The Five Ways to Introduce Yourself (and Your Research) in 20 Words or Less 1. The Benefit Formula "I help [target audience] achieve [benefit they desire]." ❌ Instead of: "I study renewable energy systems" ✅ "I help companies reduce energy costs while meeting sustainability goals." 2. The Breakthrough Formula "I help [target audience] achieve [benefit] without [negative consequence]." ❌ Instead of: "I study urban planning" ✅ "I help cities reduce traffic without building new roads." 3. The Passion Formula "I'm passionate about [something I value] to achieve [something the audience values]." ❌ Instead of: "I study educational inequality" ✅ "I'm passionate about leveling the playing field so every student can succeed" 4. The Strength Formula "I'm known for [my strength] to achieve [something audience values]." ❌ Instead of: "I analyze big datasets" ✅ "I'm known for turning complex data into actionable business insights." 5. The Mission Formula "I'm on a mission to [achieve something audience values]." ❌ Instead of: "I study climate change adaptation" ✅ "I'm on a mission to help communities prepare for tomorrow's climate challenges." When introducing your research, your 20-word introduction should answer: ⭕ What problem are you solving? (not what methods you’re using) ⭕ Why should they care? (the broader impact, not just your field) ⭕ What makes your approach unique? (your specific angle or breakthrough) Practice Different Versions! Different audiences value different things. Prepare multiple versions and test them out. Notice which ones feel most authentic to you and which generate the most "Tell me more" responses. Because the difference between someone walking away and someone leaning in might just be 20 words!

If you’re a recent grad applying to jobs the ‘normal’ way, you’re probably setting yourself up to fail. It’s not because you’re not talented. It’s not because you didn’t work hard. It’s because in this job market, you’re competing with people who have 3, 5, even 10 years of experience, people who were caught in mass layoffs and are now flooding the same applicant pools. And no matter what school you went to… you can’t out-resumé them. My sister "in-law" just graduated from Berkeley with a degree in data science. She has internships, projects, leadership experience, the works. She’s been applying for a year. No traction. Here’s the advice I gave her: If you can’t win the resumé game, you need to win the creativity game. My sister in law LOVES food, travel & fashion. (No, like she's actually insanely GIFTED in those areas). One of her dream companies to work at is Phia, founded by Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni. (If anyone has any connections at Phia and could facilitate a warm intro, I'd be forever grateful 👀) And instead of just sending in her resumé and generic cover letter, she's building a standout application package: ✅ A short personalized video introducing herself and sharing her passion for fashion ✅ A custom Phia-branded deck with: • Product feedback & feature improvement ideas (with frame-by-frame screenshots) • Suggestions on how to improve the user onboarding experience • Examples of “customer wins” she researched herself Clear demonstration of how she’s already thinking like part of the team. Because when you lack years of experience, you need to make up for it with personality, drive, and forward-thinking ideas. You have to make yourself the value proposition. This approach is what helped me land an internship at Condé Nast in 9th grade where I got to work closely with Kerstin Weng who would eventually become the Head of Editorial Content for Vogue Germany. It's what landed me my research assistant position with a highly accoladed professor as the only undergrad student among graduate and PhD level researches. And most recently, being mentored by an 8-figure serial entrepreneur and investor. This isn’t just about one job application. If you did this for 10–20 companies you love, while actively engaging with their founders and C-suite on LinkedIn… …you’d get way more traction than sending 200 applications into the void. Strategically building your personal brand and network online will open doors you didn’t even know existed. As a LinkedIn employee who spends 10+ hours/week on our platform, I can confidently say: We need more younger faces, college students, and recent grads showing up consistently on LinkedIn, sharing projects, ideas, and passion. You’d be an early adopter in your peer group… and you would stand out immediately. To all the recent grads reading this: Your career won’t be built on volume. It’ll be built on courage, creativity, and the extra mile no one else takes.

“Interview to acha gaya tha par pata nhi kyu selection nahi hua” As an HR Executive, I’ve conducted countless screening rounds and there’s one thing that often makes or breaks the first impression—the introduction. This is your golden moment to grab attention and set the tone, yet so many get it wrong by either rambling or sounding unprepared. If you’ve always been confused as to how to introduce yourself in a way that leaves an impact, let me share what works (and what doesn’t) based on my experience. Key Elements of a Perfect Introduction 1. Start Strong with Who you are. Think of this as your professional headline—something short and crisp that sums up your experience and expertise, Instead of launching into your life story. • Example: “I’m [Your Name], a marketing professional with 3+ years of experience in content strategy and brand growth.” 2. Highlight Key Skills/Experience Share two or three top accomplishments that directly relate to the role you’re applying for. • Example: “In my last role, I optimized workflows, saving the company over 300 hours annually, and led a team of 15 to deliver a major project three weeks ahead of schedule.” 3. Show Passion and Relevance Employers want to know why you’re interested in their company. Mention something specific you admire about the organization or role. • Example: “I’m passionate about data-driven marketing and admire how your company uses innovative strategies to connect with customers.” 4. End with a Smooth Handoff Wrap up by expressing eagerness to share more during the conversation • Example: “I’m excited to share more about how I can contribute and learn from your team.” My Honest Advice 💡 Practice without sounding rehearsed: Confidence comes from preparation, but don’t memorize it word for word. 💡 Customize for every role: A generic intro doesn’t leave an impression. Do your research and tailor your message. 💡 Keep it short and sweet: Around 60-90 seconds is ideal. You don’t need to share everything upfront. 💡 Avoid cliché statements: Phrases like “I’m a hard worker” without evidence don’t stand out. What NOT to Do❌ ❌ Don’t just repeat your resume—offer insights beyond it. ❌ Avoid irrelevant personal details (like hobbies unless they relate to the role). ❌ Don’t sound robotic—be professional but authentic. ❌Do not neglect researching about the company. If you don’t know about the company, it shows. Remember: The introduction isn’t just about telling them who you are; it’s about showing them why you’re the best fit for the role. It is your pitch—own it with confidence. How do you prefer to introduce yourself in interviews? Let’s share tips and learn from each other!

#OSACAGM2025 Networking is often misunderstood as a social activity, but in a corporate setup and especially in the security domain ,it is a strategic capability. It shapes careers, strengthens organisational resilience, and accelerates leadership growth. Its importance goes far beyond exchanging business cards or attending conferences. 1. Access to Real Time Intelligence and Ground Truth In security, information is power. Networking creates an ecosystem where professionals continuously exchange insights on: • Emerging threats and fraud patterns • New regulatory directions • Technology innovations and failure stories • Benchmarking of best practices across industries This collective intelligence keeps a security leader ahead of the curve, not merely reactive. 2. Shorter Learning Cycles for Budding Leaders For young or first time security leaders, networking acts as a career GPS: • It exposes them to senior practitioners who have navigated complex scenarios. • They get guidance not available in books, SOPs, or certifications. • They see what great leadership looks like in real life how decisions are taken, how crises are handled, and how influence is built. This gives them a North Star , a role model whose behaviours and values they can try to emulate. 3. Strong Professional Reputation and Credibility In the security domain, reputations travel fast. Networking helps build: • Trust with peers and industry bodies • Visibility for your expertise • A credible personal brand that opens doors to cross-functional roles and leadership opportunities Security is often a support function; networking ensures your function has a strategic voice at the table. 4. Collaboration Across Ecosystems Security cannot operate in a silo. Effective protection requires: • Law enforcement partnerships • Vendor and technology ecosystem engagement • Interactions with insurance, compliance, HR, and legal teams 5. Accelerated Problem-Solving Often, someone in another organisation has already solved the same problem: • Warehouse theft pattern • Vendor fraud • App abuse • Rider safety issue • Regulatory compliance challenge Networking in the corporate world and especially in the security domain is not optional. It is a strategic multiplier, enabling: • Faster learning • Real-time knowledge flow • Better decision-making • Stronger leadership pipelines • A resilient, aware, and future-proof organisation For budding leaders, networking is often the difference between functional competence and transformational leadership. It gives them not just knowledge, but a North Star to aspire to One such event which I attended yesterday was Annual General Meeting of OSAC at Microsoft campus, Hyderabad . Could get great insight through carefully chosen topics , speakers/ Panelist’s Special thanks to all the organisers who relentlessly worked behind the scenes for more than six months to make this event stand out.