Building A Networking Strategy

Too many businesses make the mistake of trying to appeal to 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦—and end up connecting with 𝘯𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦. Businesses that start with a clear niche gain traction faster, build brand authority, and create real momentum before expanding into broader markets. I’ve seen this firsthand in music, tech and cannabis. I am launching a wellness platform for a deeply engaged audience: Gamers. We are aligning with their needs, leveraging existing gaming communities and influencers, and creating packages designed specifically for them. Here’s why this works: ✅ 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 = 𝗙𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵   Gamers are already online, passionate, and looking for ways to optimize their performance and well-being. By meeting them where they are, we don’t have to fight for their attention—we just have to deliver value. ✅ 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀   Rather than building from scratch, I’m tapping into a 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘀. This allows for rapid adoption and organic credibility within the community. ✅ 𝗡𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆   When you solve a specific problem for a defined audience, you become the go-to brand in that space. Master your niche first, and expansion becomes much easier. This is a playbook that works across industries. Whether it’s wellness, tech, or consumer goods, the fastest way to scale is 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄, 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱. Who is your niche audience? Are you serving their specific needs—or trying to reach too many people at once? #scalingwellness

Scaling Business Analysis Communities for Targeted Impact Business Analysis is a versatile discipline and practice, applicable across a wide range of industries. If we were to visualize it as an organogram, it would have practitioners in diverse verticals such as Financial Services, Government, Energy, Education, and Entertainment. While the foundational skills for BAs are often similar, many sectors require specialized knowledge tailored to their unique contexts. As such, generic programs for a broad audience may lack depth and fail to meet specific needs of the members. Rather, consider creating a dedicated sub-group for BAs, for instance, in Financial Services. This group could explore industry trends, regulatory requirements, and tools like financial analysis software. Members could share insights on certifications, discuss the types of projects they work on, and guide aspiring BAs in tailoring their CVs for roles in banking, fintech, or insurance. Similarly, in the Energy Sector, a BA community might organise programs on sustainability frameworks, regulatory compliance, and even projects addressing climate change. Programs here could emphasize industry-specific terminologies. This will ensure the contents are relevant rather than generic. In the Entertainment Industry, BAs might need to be shown what it means to work on, for example, projects ranging from content management systems for streaming platforms to audience engagement analytics. Beyond sector-specific differentiation, audience segmentation is equally important. Programs for newbies, associates, or senior professionals must address their distinct needs. For example, I have observed that senior professionals often drop out of general programs we organise as they offer no new insights, while newbies sometimes find the sessions too technical. Tailoring content to audience personas ensures each group gains meaningful value. By creating niche communities across different verticals, we can enrich the broader BA ecosystem with industry-specific resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. For aspiring BAs, these communities provide clear pathways into their desired fields. For seasoned professionals, they serve as spaces to share domain specific knowledge and stay updated on trends. The goal is to scale Business Analysis as a profession while making it inclusive and impactful. When each sector feels supported, the collective strength of the community grows, enabling a vibrant ecosystem that benefits everyone involved.

For years, I struggled with networking. Every time I reached out or shared my thoughts, I battled with feelings of inadequacy: "You're not an expert." "No one cares about your opinion." "You're just another face in the crowd." It was discouraging, but through strategic networking and consistent content creation, I’ve transformed my positioning over the years. Yet, I’m always on the lookout for new strategies to enhance my approach. Today, I want to share a powerful method that has significantly improved my networking efforts. It’s simple but effective: 𝟏. 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐲 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐍𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 Understand what sets you apart and the specific value you bring to the table. This clarity will guide your networking efforts and help you connect with the right people. 𝟐. 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 Regularly post content that showcases your expertise. If you specialize in digital marketing, share insights, case studies, and actionable tips. This not only demonstrates your knowledge but also attracts a relevant audience interested in your field. 𝟑. 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 Don’t just post and wait. Engage with your audience and connect with industry leaders. Comment on their posts, join conversations, and offer support. This builds relationships and reinforces your presence as an authority in your niche. I am Dr Nisha, a tourism consultant, practitioner, academic, and corporate trainer with over 25 years of extensive management experience in the Tourism, Hospitality, and MICE industry. Many experts have used this strategy to transform their careers and become thought leaders. By consistently sharing valuable content and engaging meaningfully, you can establish yourself as an influential figure in your field. Give this approach a try, and watch your networking efforts yield impressive results. #networkingtips #personalbranding #thoughtleadership #contentstrategy #professionalgrowth

Most people say they don’t have a network. What they really mean is they don’t have the right network. You already know people. Family. Friends. Old coworkers. Former clients. People you went to school with. That’s a network. The problem is those people probably don’t live in the ecosystem where your business grows. If you sell B2B services but most of your relationships are from your old job, your neighborhood, or your social life… they may be great people, but they aren’t the ones opening doors to your ideal clients. So the real question isn’t: “How do I build a network?” It’s: “How do I build the right network?” Here’s how you start. 1. Get clear on who your ideal client actually is Not “any business owner.” Be specific. Industry. Company size. Problem you solve. If you don’t know who you’re trying to reach, you won’t know which rooms to walk into. OK, just pick and choose it makes this easier, you can change it later. 2. Identify the industries that already serve your ideal client These are your referral partners. If your ideal client is manufacturing companies, who else already sells to them? Sales Consultants Telecom or IT Providers Fractional CFOs Payroll companies Those are the people who can introduce you to your clients. 3. Go where those people gather Industry events Associations Networking groups LinkedIn conversations Don’t chase clients first. Build relationships with the people who already live in that world. 4. Ask to meet their referral partners Most people screw this up by asking for business. Don’t. Instead ask: “Who are the referral partners you work closely with?” Then ask if they would be open to introducing you. Now you’re not just meeting one person. You’re plugging into an entire referral ecosystem. 5. Play the long game Connections are not built in one coffee. Stay in touch. Make introductions for them to other potential referral partners. Show up consistently. The goal is not to collect contacts. The goal is to become someone people bring up in conversations when opportunities appear. Because in the real world of business growth… It’s not just who you know. It’s who knows you well enough to say your name in a room you’re not in.

Networking, let's get this straight, isn't a game of how many business cards you can collect; it's about sowing seeds for relationships that bear fruit over time. It's not about who you know, it's about who wants to know you. Here's how you do it: 1️⃣ Dive into the virtual world. Attend webinars, online forums, or any digital gathering where industry leaders are speaking. Don't just be another name in the attendee list. Ask questions, engage in the chat, follow up with speakers or participants afterward. Make your presence felt. 2️⃣ But don't stop there. Physical presence still counts. Hit up local industry meetups, conferences, or seminars. When you're there, don't just hover around the snack table. Introduce yourself, start conversations, listen more than you talk. Be genuinely interested in what others are doing and find common ground. 3️⃣ Let's talk about informational interviews – a grossly underutilized tool. Reach out to professionals, not for jobs, but for insights. Ask them about their journey, the challenges they face, the trends they see. This is not about you asking for favors; it's about understanding their world. And here's the kicker: people love talking about themselves. Let them. ➡ ➡ ➡ But here's the crucial part: offer value in every interaction. Don't be a leech, sucking information and connections without giving anything back. Share your insights, offer your help, maybe connect them with someone in your network. It's a two-way street. And remember, the time to build your network isn't when you're desperate for a job. It's now. When you're not asking for a job, but for advice, connections, and insights. By the time you need your network, it should already be there, strong and waiting. Networking is a long game, play it wisely. #networking #linkedin #linkedinconnection #linkedinhacks

🤝 I didn’t always understand networking. I used to think it was about business cards, elevator pitches, and building the perfect LinkedIn profile. I was wrong. In Oil & Gas, Energy, and Construction, the people with the strongest networks usually aren’t the best self-promoters. They’re the ones who consistently show up. They attend the breakfast meeting. They walk the expo floor. They join the plant tour. Not because they expect an instant deal, but because they’re curious. And most importantly, they don’t lead with a sales pitch. They ask simple questions: What’s happening in your world? What challenges are you facing? Then they actually listen. That alone makes you memorable. Most people are used to being sold to, not heard. Some of the biggest opportunities I’ve seen didn’t start from a polished LinkedIn message. They started over coffee. At a conference. In a hallway conversation. No pressure. No script. Just real connection. If you want stronger business relationships: 🚫 Stop chasing networking hacks. ✅ Show up. ✅ Ask better questions. ✅ Be genuinely curious. The ROI doesn’t usually happen immediately. It happens later, when someone remembers the conversation and reaches back out. Networking is less about pitching and more about presence. Simple, but effective. ✨ Fellow Cup of Joey Ambassadors & Founder Joey Sanchez, Regina M., Adrian Leal, Amina Buric, MBA & Bryan H. #Networking #BusinessDevelopment #Leadership #Relationships #OilAndGas #Energy #Construction #CupOfJoey

How do you launch a company in an industry you’ve never worked in? Or pivot to a new role or career? You network like your career depends on it. That’s exactly what University of Michigan - Stephen M. Ross School of Business alums and childhood friends, Kristin Ruud and Rachel Heydlauff, did to build Northern Classics, a premium children’s outerwear company. Neither had experience in apparel manufacturing or retail. Kristin left her job in finance to start the company; Rachel left her consulting job at Deloitte to join Kristin as COO. Together, they’ve grown the brand into a success–now sold at Bloomingdale's, REI (Ann Arbor…and hopefully nationally soon 🤞) and featured in Vogue and People. How did they do it? 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴. Relentless, intentional, and sometimes uncomfortable networking. They reached out to experts, connected with people in the garment industry, and tapped into their school and work networks for referrals and introductions. Was it always easy or fun to cold email or call someone they didn’t know? No. But it was critical to building and growing the business. Networking doesn’t have to feel awkward. The worst someone can say is “no”–or not respond at all. But the upside? You gain valuable insights, build meaningful relationships, and open doors you never knew existed. Whether you’re building a company, looking for a job, or exploring a new path, here’s how to reframe networking: 1️⃣ 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆. People love to share their knowledge. Ask questions, listen, and learn. 2️⃣ 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸. A warm introduction goes a long way. 3️⃣ 𝗕𝗲 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲. Authenticity builds trust and connection. 4️⃣ 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿: 𝗥𝗲𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹. If someone says “no”, it’s not about you–it’s about their capacity in that moment. I was inspired by Rachel’s story and the power of networking during our coffee chat last week. Northern Classics is a testament to what’s possible when you lean into the discomfort and just start reaching out. Networking isn’t just for entrepreneurs or job seekers. It’s a lifelong practice that keeps you connected, informed and inspired. Whether you’re exploring new ideas or simply building relationships that enrich your career and life, being intentional about networking pays off. 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗮 𝗵𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘁. Reach out to someone new, reconnect with an old colleague, or simply ask for advice. You never know where the conversation might lead.

Loved connecting with Keven Jimenez, a young Latino still in undergrad but already determined to be in this industry, who reached out to talk through some thoughtful questions. 🙌🏽 I always get excited when someone’s already taking the right steps, doing the work, staying curious, and just needing a little guidance to help navigate the early stages of their journey. Some gems from our conversation that I think others entering financial services might find helpful: ✨ “What orgs should I get involved with?” - FPA NexGen: A community within the Financial Planning Association focused on supporting students and early-career professionals in the planning profession. – SER Summit for Latin@s in FinServ: A powerful annual gathering of Latino financial professionals designed to build community, visibility, and collaboration across the industry. – ALPFA Los Angeles Chapter: One of the largest associations for Latino professionals, with national and local chapters, student opportunities, and access to a wide network across finance and business. ✨ “What designations can help me stand out early on?” The SIE and Series 65 are great entry points to show initiative and interest before you’re eligible for the CFP®. The CFP® is widely respected among RIAs and is a strong long term goal, but focus first on getting real world experience. You’ll learn so much about what excites you and how you want to show up in this work. Programs like Amplified Planning's Externship are amazing. ✨ “Any other designations or advice on niches?” -There are HUNDREDS of designations out there, and it’s easy to feel pressure to collect them all, but don’t rush. 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭, 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫. You might think you’re into investments and find out you love working with retirees, small biz owners, or divorce planning instead. -Same goes for niches: don’t pigeonhole yourself right out of college. Explore broadly, learn from mentors, and let your client style and ideal niche develop naturally as you grow. ✨ And one more thing: 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐭. Be curious. Reach out. Learn from others. That warm network you build now could be the door to a future mentor, job opportunity, or client referral. There’s no one “right” way to do this, especially as a Latino in the industry. Many of us are navigating brand new territory with few paths to follow. These are just resources I hope can help the next person. Because if I knew even half of this in college? That would've been a game-changer. 😂 I didn’t learn most of this until two years after graduating, after I’d already changed careers. All to say: there’s no one path and no perfect answer. Just keep going. 🚶🏽♀️ #LatinosInFinance #FinancialPlanning #FirstGen #CFP #NextGenAdvisors #MentorshipMatters #RepresentationMatters #LatinaVoices

When I was in my 20s, people would tell me, “You need to network in the construction industry if you want to build a solid career.” At the time, I didn’t fully understand what they meant or how to even get started. It felt overwhelming, and I had no clear direction. Now, years later, I’ve learned what they were trying to say—and it’s been a game-changer for my career. Here’s the blueprint I wish I’d had back then: 1️⃣ Research industry associations in your area that align with your interests and goals. 2️⃣ Choose one that benefits both your company and your professional growth. 3️⃣ Pitch your participation to your boss—explain how your involvement will add value to your role and the business. 4️⃣ Join their young professionals group to connect with like-minded peers. 5️⃣ Find a committee on their website and get involved. Committees are where the real connections happen. 6️⃣ Show up consistently to events. Networking isn’t a one-time effort—it’s about being present and engaged. 7️⃣ Expand your LinkedIn network by connecting with the people you meet. Don’t forget to invite them to follow your company page! Here’s the truth: Networking is a skill. Like any skill, it takes time, effort, and consistency to master. I dedicated myself to this process for 18 years. It wasn’t easy at first, but each time I showed up, it got a little easier. Then one day, I looked around the room and realized something incredible—what once felt like a room full of strangers had become a community of peers, friends, and colleagues. The construction industry is smaller than it seems, and those connections you build today will become the foundation of your career tomorrow. So keep showing up. Keep building. The opportunities ahead will amaze you.