Building Meaningful Business Connections

Meaningful partnerships are important to me. Lately, a significant portion of my work has involved connecting professionals in the healthcare innovation sector. My trip to Dallas last week started with organic introductions I made in 2024. Some may view making business introductions as a simple and quick process. The process takes time, and time has a cost. In healthcare, innovation doesn’t thrive in isolation; it takes the right connections to move ideas forward. But real impact happens when we prioritize relational partnerships over transactional exchanges. It’s about building trust, fostering mutual respect, and creating opportunities that solve real problems. Here are my thoughts on how to make meaningful introductions: ✅ Lead with Value, Not Ego. Don’t focus on what’s in it for you. Prioritize how both sides benefit from the introduction. Relationships built on genuine value last longer and go further. ✅ Know the Gaps Before You Fill Them. Understand the pain points of both parties. High-impact connections happen when you address a critical need or opportunity. ✅ Vet Ruthlessly, Introduce Thoughtfully. Not every connection is worth making. Be selective and introduce only when there’s a clear alignment of values, goals, and capabilities. Protect the integrity of your network. ✅ Do Your Homework. Before making an introduction, ensure you have a thorough understanding of both parties to effectively explain why the connection is significant. ✅ Frame the Introduction with Context. Set the stage. Provide both parties with sufficient background information to understand the relevance and potential of the relationship. Clarity upfront fosters respect and avoids wasted time. ✅ Stay in the Loop (But Don’t Hover). Follow up to see if the introduction was valuable, but don’t micromanage the outcome. Relationships that thrive are built on trust, not control. ✅ Be a Problem Solver, Not Just a Connector. Your role doesn’t end with the introduction. Be available to offer insights or guidance if needed as the relationship develops. ✅ Protect Your Network’s Trust. Introduce only when it makes sense. One mismatched connection can erode trust and weaken your credibility. Guard your network’s reputation as carefully as your own. ✅ Build for the Long Game. Relational partnerships aren’t built overnight. Consistently show up, add value, and nurture trust over time. Sustainable impact comes from authentic, long-term connections. ✅ Celebrate the Wins. When a connection you made leads to something great, acknowledge it. Recognize the impact and reinforce the power of trusted relationships. Relational partnerships move healthcare forward. When trust and respect are the foundation, introductions become catalysts for real change. If you’re serious about advancing innovation, be intentional with your connections. It’s not about quantity. It’s about quality, trust, and lasting impact. 🔥 #healthcareonlinkedin #partnerships #innovation #sme

Struggling to turn networking into real, lasting connections? Here’s how you can start building powerful relationships in 7 simple steps! Most people network but fail to stay memorable. True connection isn’t just about exchanging business cards—it’s about creating mutual value. Strong networks open doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and friendships. We’ve all been there—attending an event, meeting great people, exchanging info, and then… silence. Days pass, and it feels awkward to reach out again. Sound familiar? I’ve used these 7 practical strategies throughout my 20+ year career in leadership, finance, and operations, and they’ve led to lasting, high-value relationships that have shaped my career. 7 Steps to Build Fruitful, Lasting Connections: 1. Ask Better Questions Forget small talk! Ask questions that show genuine interest. Instead of “What do you do?” try “What’s something exciting you’re working on right now?” 2. Find Ways to Add Value Immediately Did they mention a problem they’re trying to solve? Offer a helpful resource, introduction, or idea—without expecting anything in return. 3. Follow Up Within 24 Hours Send a quick, thoughtful follow-up message. Mention something specific from your conversation to stand out. Example: “I really enjoyed our chat about leadership development. Here’s the article I mentioned!” 4. Be Consistent Relationships fade without consistent communication. Reach out every few weeks with something valuable—a relevant article, an invite, or even just to check in. 5. Leverage Social Media Comment on their posts, share their work, and stay visible. People remember those who engage consistently. 6. Join Their Circle If they’re part of a group or community (in person or online), join in. Shared spaces strengthen relationships naturally. 7. Be Yourself Authenticity is key. People connect with real, relatable individuals, not perfect personas. Don’t be afraid to show your personality. According to a Harvard Business Review study, professionals with strong networks are 58% more likely to find new career opportunities and report 42% greater career satisfaction. Building lasting relationships takes time. Follow these steps consistently over 3-6 months, and you’ll notice a significant improvement in both the quality and depth of your network. I met a fellow executive at a leadership conference. Instead of just swapping LinkedIn profiles, I asked, “What’s one challenge you’re facing that keeps you up at night?” That question sparked a meaningful conversation, and I later sent a helpful resource. We stayed in touch, exchanged ideas, and, over time, became collaborators. Today, that connection is a trusted professional ally. Whether you’re in operations, finance, or leadership development, building a solid network is essential for long-term success. The right relationships don’t just help—they multiply your opportunities.

Networking isn't transactional It's deeply human. 𝟯 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗜 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝘆 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵-𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸: 1️⃣𝙃𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙀𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙮: A former founder & CEO reached out to share the sad news of a colleague’s passing. He thought of me specifically, knowing our mutual connection. It felt meaningful, someone cared enough to inform and connect. This led me to reconnect with others, sharing stories and memories, amplifying the empathy. ⭐Human connection matters, especially as AI becomes more prevalent.   2️⃣𝙀𝙣𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙀𝙭𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙨: A new CEO network connection started a company aligned with a niche topic. Knowing how intimidating starting to do video on social media can be, I shared authentic examples of a successful influencer doing casual, low-key videos on their topic. It sparked inspiration. ⭐Sometimes the best encouragement is simply showing what's possible with real examples. I met this person at an event I was doing, to help another connection. 3️⃣𝘽𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙏𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙇𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘽𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙛𝙨: I sent an inspiring article about a European company's success to a few European CEOs who often doubt their potential without being US-based. Success stories that resonate directly address self-limiting beliefs. I offered to make an introduction to the CEO of the company the article was about. ⭐The article gives another point of validation and helps to make an introduction 'more' relevant to at least one of the parties. ✔Tip on making introductions https://lnkd.in/gR9Edfug 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄, 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹. I hope this gives you real life examples of what it means to build and cultivate a high impact network as part of your overall value as an executive and gives you ideas and inspiration.    𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙪𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙣𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙠?

Stop Networking, Start Connecting Today's The Wall Street Journal by Rachel Feintzeig dives deep into something I'm very passionate about -- power of genuine connections over traditional networking. If you’re tired of awkward introductions or feeling like you’re just collecting business cards, this is for you. Here are few key takeaways I shared in the piece: -Give Before You Ask: One of the most effective ways to build meaningful connections is through a pay-it-forward mentality. Instead of starting a relationship by asking for a favor, find ways to offer value first. Ending a conversation with “Is there anything I can do to help you?” can open up new opportunities down the line. Remember: relationships thrive on reciprocity. -Craft the Perfect Intro Email: Making the right introduction is an art. A great introduction is warm, crisp, and direct. I always recommend including this phrase when asking if people are open to connecting: “no guilt, no obligation.” It signals that the other party can decline without feeling pressured, fostering a positive interaction. Also, make sure to describe why you’re connecting the two, highlight the potential mutual benefit and provide LinkedIn profiles for easy reference. -Be a Connector, Not Just a Networker: True connectors create those "aha" moments where new possibilities emerge for others. It's about more than just exchanging contact information—it's about curating relationships where both parties can gain. It’s a little like music, where the right notes create a melody that benefits everyone involved. Being that kind of connector can make you the go-to person in your network and, yes, it comes back to you. -Make It Less Awkward—Add Food: If you want to take connecting to the next level, try adding a personal touch. Food has a way of breaking down barriers and sparking real conversations. Think about hosting a gathering next time you want to connect people in your circle. Connecting isn’t just about what you can get—it’s about creating value for others. Whether through a thoughtful email introduction or simply asking how you can help, making those connections more meaningful will ultimately enrich your own network. Curious to hear how you build connections! Share your favorite tips or stories below. I hope you like my tips in the piece! #Networking #Connections #Leadership #WSJ #PayItForward #CareerGrowth

The secret to networking that actually works! A few years back, I attended a conference determined to "network." I handed out business cards, shared my elevator pitch, And left with zero meaningful connections. Sound familiar? The problem? I was collecting contacts, not building relationships. The next event, I tried something new: 1. Quality over quantity: Instead of meeting everyone, I focused on truly connecting with 3 people. 2. Ask first, share later: I listened to their goals and challenges before talking about myself. 3. Follow-up like a pro: A quick "great to meet you" message with a personalized touch kept the connection alive. Fast forward, and two of those connections turned into clients. One even referred me to a major partnership. Networking isn’t about selling; it’s about investing in relationships. PS. How do you approach building meaningful connections? Let’s share👇 #networking #coach

Networking isn’t about collecting business cards or sending generic LinkedIn messages—it’s about building real, meaningful connections. But let’s be honest: it can feel awkward, especially when you don’t know where to start. Here’s how I’ve learned to make networking both effective and authentic - Provide some sort of value. When reaching out to someone, think about how you can bring value to them. Instead of asking, “Can I pick your brain?” try something like: - “I really enjoyed your recent post about [topic]—it gave me new insights.” - “I noticed you’ve worked on [project/field]. Here’s a resource I found helpful—thought you might too!” Starting with value makes the interaction about collaboration, not extraction. Networking doesn’t end with the first meeting. After connecting, follow up with a personalized message: “It was great chatting about [topic]. I came across this article that aligns with what we discussed—thought you’d find it interesting!” Consistency and genuine interest are what transform connections into relationships. Networking is a skill, not a transaction. It’s about showing up authentically, giving more than you take, and staying connected.