Networking for Program Success

💡 Why networking is important for research projects and consortia? 💊 In our 10-year research project (now in year 6) and multi-country consortia (9 partners), we have a work package - Networking, which I am co-leading. The aim is to create an environment that enables knowledge sharing and fosters long-standing research partnerships. Our Networking initiative is two-fold: - Networking within the Network: focused on enhancing inter-institutional communication, organizing joint activities, and fostering knowledge sharing and partnerships among our consortium. - Networking outside the Network: collaborating with local and global research initiatives, experts, and communities to create visibility, reputation, and connectivity. Our activities include topic-specific symposia at the forefront conferences in the field; "coffee clubs" for junior-senior scientist exchange; writing of joint (expert) opinions and statements; joint funding applications and of course social gatherings. Often overlooked, networking activities are invaluable and deserve a spotlight. Honestly, I am grateful to the funding body for recognizing its significance as a separate work package and including the milestones to report on. Here's why: 🤝 Networking enables interdisciplinary approaches, breaking silos and enriching our research endeavors. 🔍 Networking provides a platform for researchers to exchange information, share insights, support each other, and stay updated on the latest developments in their respective fields. 🗺 Engaging with researchers worldwide broadens our horizons, fosters diversity in thinking, and elevates the global impact of our research. There are countless more benefits! Share your experiences and examples. P.S. We also have a Policy work package 😉 #Research #Networking #Collaboration #Innovation

In the startup world, funding, partnerships, and opportunities rarely happen in isolation. They come through connections—the right conversation at the right time. Take the story of Tope Awotona, the founder of Calendly. In 2013, frustrated by the inefficiencies of scheduling meetings, Tope invested his life savings into developing Calendly. Operating from Atlanta Tech Village, he collaborated with the Kyiv-based firm Railsware to bring his idea to life. He poured his life savings into his idea but struggled to raise funds. At first, venture capitalists weren’t convinced—some didn’t understand the product’s full potential, while others were skeptical of its ability to compete in a crowded market. Rather than getting discouraged, Awotona focused on making connections with investors who shared his vision. In 2017, networking led him to OpenView Venture Partners, which became Calendly’s first institutional investor. OpenView provided not just funding but also strategic insights to help the company scale efficiently. Then, in 2021, after years of steady growth, networking played a crucial role again when Iconiq Capital led a $350 million Series B round, valuing Calendly at over $3 billion. Without Awotona’s ability to forge relationships with the right investors, Calendly might not have reached unicorn status. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or professional, strategic networking can open doors you never imagined. Here’s how: 𝐁𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝: Before reaching out, understand what you're looking for—advice, funding, partnerships, or mentorship. The clearer you are, the more effective your networking efforts will be. 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞: Networking isn’t just about taking; it’s about giving. Share insights, introduce contacts, or offer help where you can. Relationships built on mutual benefit last longer. 𝐁𝐞 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐞: Attend the right conferences and events for your sector. Surround yourself with people who share your interests and aspirations. 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: Cold outreach can work, but a warm introduction from a mutual connection is far more effective. Build relationships with connectors who can introduce you to the right people. 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐔𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝: A single conversation isn’t enough. Stay in touch and continue providing value. Long-term relationships often lead to the biggest opportunities. Awotona’s story is proof that networking isn’t just about meeting people—it’s about building relationships that can change the course of your business or career. So ask yourself: Are you positioning yourself in the right circles? Are you engaging in conversations that could change your journey? Because in this ecosystem, sometimes the right handshake is worth more than a hundred cold emails.

Networking isn’t about collecting business cards. It’s about building real relationships: the kind that lead to opportunities, partnerships, and lifelong connections. After interviewing over 400 professionals on The Social Capital Podcast, I’ve seen firsthand what makes someone a great networker…and what makes them forgettable. My top 3 takeaways from those conversations: 1️⃣ Be Your Authentic Self People can smell fake a mile away. If you’re putting on a facade, trying to impress, or forcing a connection, it won’t last. The most successful networkers? They show up as their real, unfiltered selves - because trust starts with authenticity. 2️⃣ Give First Networking isn’t a transaction. The strongest relationships are built on giving without expecting anything in return. Offer value, share insights, connect people, and help however you can. When you lead with generosity, opportunities naturally follow. 3️⃣ Do What You Say You’ll Do Your reputation is everything. If you promise to introduce someone, share a resource, or follow up → do it. Following through builds credibility while flaking out can damage your reputation faster than you think. But There’s More… Beyond these core principles, I’ve learned additional strategies that take networking to the next level: ✔ Be Proactive in Building Relationships Opportunities can arise anywhere. One guest on The Social Capital Podcast shared how a chance meeting in an airport bar led to a lasting professional relationship - reminding us that networking doesn’t just happen at formal events. ✔ Cultivate Relationships Through Shared Experiences Engaging in activities outside of work - sports, hobbies, volunteering - can naturally expand your network. One professional found that playing a sport helped her reconnect and rebuild her network after maternity leave. ✔ Leverage Digital Platforms Effectively Platforms like LinkedIn are networking goldmines if used right. Sharing insights, engaging in discussions, and showcasing your expertise keeps you visible and valuable in your industry. ✔ Embrace a Relationship-Driven Mindset Shift from transactional networking to genuine connections. People remember those who invest in relationships, not just those who show up when they need something. ✔ Seek Mentorship and Continuous Learning Some of the most successful professionals I’ve interviewed credit their growth to mentorship and ongoing learning. Surrounding yourself with the right people accelerates your success. At the end of the day, the best networkers don’t just meet people - they create lasting social capital. And that starts with trust, authenticity, and generosity.  What’s the best networking advice YOU’VE ever received? #Networking #Authenticity #RelationshipBuilding

Gentle reminder: networking is not just about who you know, or how many people you know, but what each person adds to your network. Research shows that managers who build networks that bridge "structural holes" (gaps between disconnected groups) significantly outperform their peers. Burt, Hogarth & Michaud, Organization Science, 2000 showed that: • French managers whose networks bridged these gaps earned significantly higher compensation • American managers with similar bridging networks achieved faster promotions • These benefits appeared consistently across different organizational cultures 🤔 What does this mean for you? Take a moment to analyze your network. If most of your contacts know each other or operate in similar circles, you're likely missing opportunities. Real value comes from being the bridge between disconnected groups. Common structural holes in organizations include: • Gaps between functional areas (e.g., R&D teams losing track of marketing realities) • Disconnections between hierarchical levels • Divisions between internal departments and external stakeholders • Separations between technical specialists who rarely interact outside their group Successful managers who bridged these gaps gained key advantages: • Better information flow than formal channels • Faster communication than official memos • Earlier awareness of organizational problems • Ability to create solutions by connecting previously disconnected expertise #Leadership #NetworkingStrategy #CareerDevelopment #ExecutiveSuccess

You are networking the wrong way. Let me show you how. You attend a networking event Share or receive a bunch of cards Go back to your office the next day and wait for the phone to ring. What do you get? Utter silence. The truth is, networking success is in the follow-up, not the first hello. Here is how I follow up drastically: 1. Book the one-to-one before you leave the room. I schedule a 1-2-1 with key people on the spot, while the energy and connection are still fresh. 2. Lead with value in the follow-up. In that 1-2-1, I ask, “What are you working on and how can I support you?” I listen, make introductions, share resources, and solve problems. When you help them win, they remember you. 3. Ask clearly for what you want. After I give value, I let them know, “I am working on speaking on networking and franchising to franchise brands and business owners. Who do you know that might want to bring this message to their group?” Clear ask, clear opportunities. 4. Stay consistently in touch. I track my connections, circle back, check in, celebrate their wins, and stay visible. Relationships grow because you nurture them, not because you met once. If you want your team to stop being professional visitors and start becoming relationship builders who bring in referrals, opportunities, and revenue, they must learn to master the follow-up strategy. I teach franchise brands how to help their franchisees and sales teams show up confidently, be fully present in the room, and follow up strategically so they can build real community connections, fill their pipelines, and grow profitable, sustainable locations.

The No. 1 mistake early career researchers and academics make is focusing only on research, not building their network. As an early career researcher, getting out there and making connections is crucial. One of the most effective ways to build your network is by attending major conferences in your field. These events are unparalleled networking hubs where innovators converge to share ideas, and they provide a unique opportunity for you to connect with peers and potential collaborators. Deliver impactful poster presentations or talks to showcase your expertise and put your name out there. Engage, ask questions, exchange ideas, make substantive connections that could open collaborative doors. Don't just hide behind your laptop - take every opportunity to meet influential peers and mentors. Build relationships, gather feedback, and get advice from those with more experience. A solid professional network is invaluable for career growth, recognition and credibility. So get out from behind the lab bench, connect, engage and shine! #research #phd #science #university #networking

🌍 How do you keep a network of more than 150 partners alive? In short: through active exchange. By talking to each other. Listening. Sharing experiences. This is what we practice at Healthcare Shapers. Yesterday was a great example of this in action: Craig A. DeLarge, MPH, MBA, CPC, one of our partners from the US, was in Ingelheim for a workshop with his client. For me, coming from Eltville in the Rheingau region, that’s just around the corner. So we spontaneously organized a transatlantic, yet very local get-together. Together with Dr. Georg van Husen and Stefan Lorenz (both partners who also live in Eltville), I drove to Ingelheim and we enjoyed an evening full of lively conversations — and even made some new connections along the way. A highlight for me: I told Georg about my visit to Australia in October, where I met Shaun Jackson, founder of a ThromBio, company focused on stroke treatment. Georg himself founded tenac.io GmbH a digital health company specializing in the analysis and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The result? 👉 A message to both experts to continue the conversation. 💡 Networking means passing the ball forward. By the way: at least once a year we invite all German-speaking partners to meet in person. When we started back in 2013, we were 27. This March, we expect more than 50 participants for the first time! Anyone who hasn’t experienced one of these meetings will hardly feel the true power of this network. That’s where new interest groups emerge, continue working on shared topics — often closely linked to the development of new business. 🔑 My view on the key success factors of a strong network: • We are not a company, but a network of like-minded people • A network only works if everyone actively contributes • Active contribution requires commitment — driven by personal value • Value looks different for everyone: revenue, visibility, support, exchange, enjoyment • Set realistic expectations, communicate them, and hold each other accountable • Success must become visible within a reasonable timeframe — otherwise engagement fades • Don’t wait for others to pave the way. Take initiative and get started. 👉 Networking means creating opportunities for exchange, using them, listening — and enabling connections. #Networking #Partnership #Collaboration #Community #DigitalHealth #Leadership #KnowledgeSharing

Networking is the most important career insurance you can build. A HUGE % of roles are never advertised; they're filled through someone's network before the job ad even goes up. A hiring manager rings someone they trust and says, "Do you know anyone?" If you're not in that conversation, you don't exist for that role. In my Bold Moves Accelerator program, I teach a framework called NET aka cast your net intentionally. N. Name your people. I ask my clients to create 3 lists. Hot, warm, cold. Hot are your ten strongest relationships, people who'd take your call today. Warm is past colleagues that you don't have deep relationships with, light connections, people you did good work with once and let go quiet. Cold is aspirational. People you don't know yet but want to, think hiring managers at companies you want to work for. Most people think about the hot list only when they want something, never re-engage with the warm and have no clue how to start reaching out to cold. E. Engage with value. No asking for anything yet. Comment on their work. Send a thoughtful message. Offer something before you need something. T. Turn relationships into opportunities. Not "do you have a job for me?" Instead, "this is what I'm building toward." Let people know what you're aiming at, so you're at the front of their mind when something opens up. I watched a woman in the program, let's call her Sally, run this exactly. She mapped her three lists. Sent a handful of intentional, no-ask messages to her warm list. One reply led to an introduction. A former colleague connected her straight to the head of talent at a company she hadn't even applied to. Two weeks later, she was in the interview. That's not luck. That's what happens when you build relationships and leverage your network. This week, write your hot, warm and cold list. Five to ten names each. Send a message or drop them a text if they are on your hot/warm list, and if they are people you don't know yet. Send them a customised connection request. Who's the first name on your list? If you found this helpful, follow me for more career advice ☺️

I have participated in a number of fellowship programs, and here are some pointers on how to make the most of them. Your why: This is very important. Before you apply for any fellowship, there are salient questions you should ask yourself: What do you hope to achieve? How does the program align with your goals? How will this program help you grow personally and professionally? In fact, when you are applying, you will find that some fellowships ask what you will gain by being part of their program. This is a personal journey, & you have to reflect deeply on your why and how the program will add to you. This would help you fully maximize the fellowship. It would also help you measure the success or outcome of that program (that is, whether the program met your expectations if you achieved your goal). Do not just apply for programs without having any purpose in mind. Be purposeful. Volunteer: Sometimes, when people go for programs & see some gaps or lapses, they start complaining. You should understand that it is not easy to organize or put together a fellowship. Rather than complaining, strive to solve the problem you’ve identified. Inquire with the organizers if you can assist. Always look for ways to add value. Collaboration: After the program, there must have been people you met there, and the connections you have made. Always seek for avenues to collaborate with people whose goals or projects align with yours. It could be in the context of projects, research work, policy brief, and other contexts. One of the highlights of Exchange Programs is collaboration. Keep in touch: Always endeavour to connect with people beyond the Fellowship. This is very essential for growth and development. It also helps you expand your network. After the event, you can send an email to the organizers thanking them for a job well done and letting them know how much you have benefitted from the Fellowship Program. There are times there have been some communique signed, some deliberations made so do well to implement them when you go back to your countries. You can also provide a progress report on a regular basis. Some fellowships assign participants to a mentor or coach who will assist them in their professional development. So make an effort to stay in touch with them as well. Social Media: Make an effort to keep up with them on social media. Most of these programs have alumni pages, so if there are any tasks that you as an alumnus need to do, please do so. Attending programs and then forgetting about them is not a good idea. Some fellowships have a network of organizations to which they have access, and in many cases, other organizations reach out to them for recommendations on people for bigger opportunities. Jobs, interviews in reputable media, participation in a high-level program, or awards are all examples of these opportunities. In situations like this, active alumni will undoubtedly be the people to recommend. Kindly complete in the comment section!

Founders, please read this to grasp the importance of effective networking. Here are some eye-opening statistics: → 82% of small businesses say networking is critical to their success. → 70% of jobs are never advertised and are filled through networking. → Entrepreneurs with a solid network are 60% more likely to achieve their business goals. So, what’s the secret? 1️⃣ Mentorship & Industry Connections Leverage experienced mentors who can provide valuable insights and connections. Successful startups often find their initial investors and advisors through networking events. For example, Slack gained traction through connections made at industry meet ups. 2️⃣ Opportunities Multiply Strategic networking can unlock funding, partnerships, and valuable market insights. Think of Pinterest, which grew through a network of early adopters who shared their platform widely and attracted significant investor interest. 3️⃣ Talent Acquisition A well-connected founder can attract top talent faster. Your network is not just about who you know; it's also about who they know. According to research, 60% of job seekers are more likely to land positions through referrals. 💡 Pro Networking Tip: → Attend industry meet ups regularly and follow up with every connection. Relationships need nurturing! Successful businesses are built on more than just ideas—they’re built on the strength of the relationships behind them. So, start expanding that network today. Your next big opportunity is only one connection away. What networking strategies have you found most effective in your journey? #Entrepreneurship #Networking #BusinessGrowth #Startups #Mentorship International Accelerator