Welcome to Post-Covid-Inflation-Recession-Era Networking

CEOs and Board members know networking is absolutely essential to their success.

So, for the CEO or member of the ELT stepping out for the first time in two years, what’s the best approach?

Some thoughts:

• Don’t bore people with the following:

  • Covid stories, new infections, and Monkey Pox

  • The Ukraine war

  • The Fed, interest rates, inflation, and the “recession”

  • Company RIFs, cost cutbacks, assigning more reasonable startup valuations

  • Lying politicians, lack of legislation meant to help people, congregational investigations, democracies leaning toward authoritarianism, etc.

• Find something new to talk about, like…:

  • A good book you are reading (Fiction especially)

  • The popularity of pickleball

  • What did you discover that you love most about your home now that you work there more?

  • Over the last two years, which habit did you drop and which did you keep?

  • What do you consider a perfect day these days, as opposed to just three years ago?

  • And more…

• There are many types of people with whom to catch-up and all kinds of subjects to get current on.

  Make a list of types of people with whom you want to re-engage and then line up some names by each category or person.

  Expand an existing friendship to a deeper level. Say: “I have not seen you in two years. Let me take you out for dinner and catch up.” (Note: This is not a brief meeting for coffee or drinks)

• Get Some Warm Introductions to New People

  Today we are in catch-up mode. Deeper insights into “what’s happening out there” matter. You may need a new set of people to expand your trust circle. Use friends-in-common for intros to key contacts who are valuable in and of themselves, and who also may be able to introduce you to others like them. Search LinkedIn to find someone important in your industry who you do not know, then use your trusted friends to connect you.

  Use “super connectors” on your Board or in your company – especially if they are a member of the ELT – who have, without a doubt, the best network connections. Try to scale Everest by connecting with someone big, or ask your VC or banker.

• Identify Some Subject Matter You Need to Know About

  In the last two years, subjects like DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) and Digital Transformation have exploded as interest areas. There are many experts in the world who can update you on these and other important trends in business and social thought.

  If you are a startup CEO, for example, find out more about:

  • What’s the latest on work-life balance

  • Workplace Equality and Team Development.

  • Applying Machine Learning to Product-Led Growth

  • Have we reached the zenith of data-centricity and AI-centricity in tech companies?

  • How do you make and grow EBITDA?

• Networking events are NOT the answer.

  Networking events are often filled with attendees who have selfish motives related to their own networks: Their next job and sales leads are the leading negatives.

• Be Prepared

  Research the people in your networking meetings through LinkedIn and Wikipedia. Make sure you find anyone with competitive issues. Use Google to find people with social issues (arrests, drunkenness, bad taste in art, etc.)

Networking in the current climate can feel a bit like learning how to walk or bike again, but it doesn’t need to. Follow the simple steps outlined above and you’ll be amazed at the impact this softest of soft skills can have on your life. Above all, remember that networking isn’t solely transactional. It’s about building true and truly rewarding relationships that can positively impact your personal and professional lives.

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