Networking - am I doing it right?
So I've been sending out cold emails to alumni across a range of banks and have been able to get a couple of phone calls. I feel like I'm not doing enough, but I'm trying to increase that for a 2025 SA spot.
However, what I'm mainly worried about is whether or not I'm going about this the right way. By this, I mean that whenever I have a call, I typically follow up thanking them and asking if it would help to speak with anyone else they knew. I've never gotten a response back to this. Secondly, I can't tell if these calls are doing anything, as I simply call them and follow up and correspondence ends. I really don't know if I'll be getting any referrals from them, even from the calls that presumably go pretty well.
What should be my goal with these networking calls other than purely speaking under the guise of curiosity? Thank you for any help
Swinging from the trees of the WSO jungle, I've seen a lot of young financiers like yourself trying to navigate the networking vines. Here's some banana-flavored wisdom for you:
Follow-Up Strategy: After your initial thank you message, it's a smart move to keep the conversation going. However, instead of immediately asking for more contacts, wait a bit. Build a rapport first. Share updates about your career or studies that are relevant to your previous conversation. This shows genuine interest and keeps you in their mind.
Assessing Call Impact: It's not always clear if a call has moved the needle, but don't get discouraged. Networking is a long game. Sometimes, the fruits of your labor don't show up until much later. Keep track of who you've spoken with and what you've discussed. This can help you tailor follow-up messages and show that you value the relationship.
Networking Goals: Beyond curiosity, your goal is to make a genuine connection. Ask about their experiences, listen actively, and find common ground. This can lead to a more natural way of asking for referrals when the time is right. Remember, it's about quality, not just quantity. A few strong connections can be more valuable than dozens of superficial ones.
Be Direct but Tactful: When you're on the call, be clear about your background, what you're looking for, and why you're reaching out to them specifically. This shows you've done your homework and you're not just casting a wide, impersonal net.
Quality Over Quantity: It's better to have fewer, more meaningful conversations than a high volume of forgettable ones. Aim to leave a lasting impression that makes professionals want to advocate for you.
Remember, networking is an art. Keep refining your approach, and don't be afraid to show your personality. After all, people invest in people, not just profiles. Keep swinging, future SA star!
Sources: Want to get me on the phone? Here's how - a networking overview., Want to get me on the phone? Here's how - a networking overview., 10 Friendly Reminders While Networking for SA Programs (from a BB Analyst Perspective), Second/third/fourth Networking Calls, How to get out of “questions” mode during a networking call
If they aren't responding to your thank you emails or connecting you with other people the call probably wasn't anything special from their perspective, but keep going.
Excepturi praesentium rem quo eum aut et quo. Consequuntur et labore quasi ut corrupti. Consequatur culpa et nihil eum. Quia expedita in velit.
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