11 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, both email and LinkedIn are effective for networking in consulting, but the preference often depends on the individual and the context. Here's a breakdown:

  1. Email:

    • Email is widely used and often preferred for professional networking, especially when reaching out to alumni or individuals with whom you share a connection.
    • Customizing your email subject line and content to resonate with the recipient (e.g., mentioning shared interests or affiliations) can significantly increase response rates.
    • Emails allow for a more formal and direct approach, which can be effective when targeting senior professionals or those in leadership roles.
  2. LinkedIn:

    • LinkedIn is a great tool for initial outreach, especially if you don't have the person's email address.
    • Consultants, particularly junior ones, may be more responsive on LinkedIn as it’s a platform they actively use for networking and professional updates.
    • However, response rates on LinkedIn can be lower compared to email, as some professionals may not check their LinkedIn messages frequently.

Key Tips:
- Start with alumni or individuals with shared connections, as they are more likely to respond positively.
- For consultants, LinkedIn can be a good starting point, but transitioning to email for follow-ups or more formal communication is often recommended.
- Always keep your messages concise, professional, and tailored to the recipient, regardless of the platform.

Ultimately, using both platforms strategically can maximize your chances of building meaningful connections.

Sources: Q&A: From Corporate Finance to Corporate Strategy (Supply), Networking as a woman - my experience and questions, Networking 101 – 8 tips from a “non-target” school student, Q&A: 2nd Year Analyst at McKinsey in Europe, Black Jack's Recruiting Advice

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Messaging on LinkedIn is easy, thus people will get (and will soon start ignoring) many LinkedIn messages.

Finding the email address first adds a bit of complexity, thus there will be fewer messages via that channel.

I'd say email is better, if you include your resume (I still need to be able to understand if you're even qualified).

But there are also arguments for LinkedIn (easier to respond, fewer messages in total, more likely to be read outside busy work hours, etc.).

 

Besides LinkedIn, Slack groups and smaller local platforms work well. Someone on my team tried an app called LunchME that’s meant to help set up coffee chats between professionals — especially useful if you're new to a city or working remotely.

 

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