Let’s be honest—networking can sometimes feel a bit awkward.
You go to an event, shake a few hands, swap business cards, have a chat about treasury, football, or the weather…
And then what?
Most people walk away, let the business cards gather dust, and never speak to those people again.
So, let me tell you about one of the best networkers I’ve ever met:
His name is Chris. And after meeting someone, he’d jot down a quick note – a detail about their work, a personal anecdote, anything they mentioned that stood out.
Then, a few days later, he’d follow up.
It wasn’t with a sales pitch. He wasn’t asking for anything. He’d just send a quick message relating to their initial meeting…
And just like that, relationships – not just contacts – were built.
That’s more than worth the 10 seconds or so it takes to make a note.
Especially when you consider that every job Chris has had CAME TO HIM!
He’s never had to actively look…
Because when you invest in relationships, when you stay top of mind, opportunities find YOU.
How to stop wasting your networking efforts.
Some people treat networking like speed dating – collecting as many contacts as possible and hoping something sticks. But the best networkers? They play the long game.
So, try this at your next event:
- Write down one thing after each meaningful conversation.
- Send a follow-up within 48 hours—a resource, a recommendation, an introduction, or even just a “great to meet you.”
- Keep in touch every few months. Check in and keep the connection alive.
It literally takes seconds but your treasury career will feel the benefits for years to come!
Next time you meet someone, don’t just swap business cards and forget about it.
Follow up, add value, and watch how your network starts working for you.
Best regards,
Mike
P.S. Struggling to meet the right people? Our Treasury Career Corner LIVE events bring together treasurers of all levels for real conversations, networking, and (of course) a few drinks.
Check out our upcoming events below and get involved:
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