As we approach the end of the year, it’s a great time to pause and reflect on the connections we’ve made, the lessons we’ve learned, and the growth we’ve experienced.
Last week, I had a fantastic time with the nocode.scot community, where we had an interesting discussion about Startrs, MVPs, AI, and nocode tools. A huge thank you to Oli Littlejohn for creating such a vibrant and inspiring space for these conversations.
This year, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the power of authentic networking – both personally and through the incredible journeys shared by others. From meaningful collaborations to unexpected opportunities, each connection has played a role in shaping new possibilities.
Some of the most meaningful relationships I built came from taking small, intentional steps.
Here are some lessons I learned along the way:
1️⃣ 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘆: Instead of trying to meet as many people as possible, I focused on building deeper relationships with a select few. This meant reaching out to individuals whose work genuinely inspired me and taking the time to have meaningful conversations. One authentic connection can open doors you never imagined.
2️⃣ 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: I stepped out of my comfort zone and attended webinars, online and in-person meetups. All these allowed me to connect with professionals globally, breaking geographical barriers and expanding my network in ways I hadn’t considered before.
3️⃣ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗞𝗲𝘆: Networking isn’t a one-time event; it’s an ongoing process. By regularly engaging with my network – commenting on posts, sharing valuable resources, or simply checking in – I kept relationships alive and thriving. Consistency built trust and kept me top-of-mind when opportunities arose.
4️⃣ 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗕𝘂𝗯𝗯𝗹𝗲: I made it a point to connect with professionals outside my immediate field. This not only broadened my perspective but also sparked innovative ideas that I could bring back to my own work. Diversity in your network can lead to unexpected and rewarding collaborations.
5️⃣ 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: Understanding that starting conversations can be tough, I utilized tools like Startrs to help break the ice. Personalized conversation starters made reaching out less intimidating and more effective.
As we prepare for a new year, I encourage you to reflect on your own networking journey. What worked? What didn’t? How can you build on these experiences to make even stronger connections in the future?
👉 Your Turn: What’s the most valuable networking lesson you learned this year? Share your insights below – I’d love to hear your stories!
