New Here

How Do I Build My Network from Scratch?

Sep 20, 2023

Former tech executive Eric Rodriguez and Gael Aitor, co-host of Teenager Therapy, discuss building professional relationships authentically. They share networking horror stories, tips for initiating conversations, crafting a personal pitch, and managing name memorization. They also address the challenges of networking for introverts, navigating cultural differences, and staying connected during difficult times. Key topics include personal networks, communication, and careers.

28:07

Episode guests

Eric Rodriguez

Gael Aitor

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Networking is about building real relationships and supporting others, reframing it as building friendships can make it more authentic.

There is a distinction between networking and making friends, with networking requiring intentional connections and leveraging for mutual benefits.

Deep dives

Importance of Networking and Building Relationships

Networking is about finding ways to support others and building real relationships, which can help in the future. It is important to reframe networking as a way to make authentic connections and think of it like building friendships. Small talk and elevator pitches can help break the ice and start conversations. When networking, it is crucial to have a clear mission and impact to resonate with others. Building relationships with people older than you can be facilitated by being mission-driven and having a specific impact in mind. Networking extends beyond events and can include cold DMs, warm intros, and engagement on platforms like Twitter. Networking should be approached with authenticity and genuine interest in the other person.

Introduction

2min

Networking: Building Real Relationships

15min

Crafting a Personal Pitch and Managing Name Memorization

5min

Networking Tips and Cultural Differences

5min

Importance of Checking in and Networking

5min

You need to build a network as you build a career. So, how do you get started?

This week on New Here, we explore different ways to start building professional relationships – in a way that feels authentic. And we’ll learn how to sustain those relationships over time.

Former tech executive Eric Rodriguez and Gael Aitor, co-host of Teenager Therapy and co-founder of Astro Studios, help host Elainy Mata understand that networking is about finding ways to support other people and building long-term relationships.

They share how they make new connections and build on them, as well as some of their networking horror stories. And they help Elainy answer your questions about networking.

Have a career question? Let us know at NewHere@HBR.org.

Key topics include: personal networks, communication, careers.

More Reading:

· Eric Rodriguez’s one pager

· How to Network on Instagram (It's More Than Just the DMs!) (Elainy Mata)

· A Beginner’s Guide to Networking (Rakshitha Arni Ravishankar)

· Work Speak: The Right Way to Network (Vasundhara Sawhney)

· Fun Ways to Network as a Newbie (Phoebe Dodds)

· Get Better at Networking: Our Favorite Reads (Paige Cohen)