How can you network without sounding desperate?

Be genuine and show real interest in others. Focus on building relationships, not just asking for help. Offer value by sharing knowledge or connections. Be confident in your strengths and focus on what you bring, not what you need. Ask for advice instead of favors, and aim to build long-term relationships.

No matter where you are in life, be kind to yourself and know that you’ll always have something of value to offer, perspectives or stories to share. Networking is about interactions rather than transactions. So keep it interesting/engaging and you’ll be able to reach your goals (whatever that may be from netwroking) soon enough

The best way to promote good networking is to serve the needs of others and not your own. The priority should be to give and not to receive... Over time, you'll find that you have sustainable networking and that others will be eager to help you.

Focus on your expertise, and what value you offer. Emphasising on achievements you have made in the past in solving someone's issue is leaving an impact on the minds of others. Once you leave an impact, they will automatically reach out to you. You no longer are in the pitching zone, you have moved to the trust zone already!

Generic messages / spam never works. As a CEO for 20 years you would be amazed how few relevant, genuine, well thought through and polite requests you get. It makes it easy to say yes to the ones you do receive!

One thing I have found helpful when attending a network event or conference, do your research on who is attending, who is speaking. Who are the key people that you would like to meet and why? What value will you offer them? Connect with them before the event on LinkedIn and you can set up a time to catch up at the event. Do your research on their area of expertise, what company do they work for? What are 3 good questions that you can ask people at a networking or conference to show that you are interested in them not interesting yourself. Always follow-up after event with a thank you and if appropriate arrange another catch-up.

But WHY do you care about them? And why should they care about you? Have you done your research on yourself and your needs? Know your why.

Networking without sounding desperate is about playing it cool. Step one: do your homework. Instead of blasting out generic LinkedIn messages like a bot on caffeine, take a moment to understand who you're reaching out to. Find a common ground—something that shows you're not just another person looking to "pick their brain" (ugh). Mention a specific project or insight that caught your eye, but keep it short and sweet. Remember, you're looking to connect, not beg. Desperation smells bad—confidence? That gets replies.

Networking without sounding desperate? Easy—stop making it all about you. Desperation screams, "Help me!" while confidence says, "Here’s what I can offer." Flip the script. Share insights, make introductions, or offer support before asking for anything. People respect value, not neediness. Relationships are built on reciprocity, not handouts. When you bring something to the table, you’re not a desperate networker—you’re a partner.

Networking is about giving, not getting. If you want to get opportunities, you have be willing to provide value to someone else first. So in other words, when you make a new connection, don't ask for favors out the gate. Instead, become interested in the other person, and figure out how your skillset can help them.

If you're reaching out for a referral, please start with an introduction like how you would in any other conversation. You can definitely highlight your skills and interests to help them understand your credibility and potential value to your organisation. But don't slap them with your resume straightaway in your 1st message.

Identify their needs: Understand what the other person is looking for and how you can help them achieve their goals. Offer genuine assistance: Provide help that is sincere and valuable, without expecting anything in return. Share your knowledge and expertise: Offer your insights and advice on topics that are relevant to the other person's interests. Connect with others: Introduce them to people who can help them or who share their interests. Be proactive: Seek out opportunities to provide value, rather than waiting for others to ask for your help. Follow up: Check in with the other person to see if they need anything else or if your assistance was helpful. Be patient: Building relationships takes time, so don't expect immediate results.

Ser auténtico y confiable, para demostrar que podemos ofrecer algo de nosotros que aporte valor, ya que en algún momento podemos ser nosotros los que necesitemos ayuda del otro.

Networking without an agenda is a learned skill. When it comes to asking for a favor, ask respectfully. How do you do this? Simple, phrase your question from a curiosity standpoint. Example - instead of "I know you're hiring for this role, could I get an interview?" Say "I know you're hiring for this role, based off our conversations, do you think I would be a potentially good candidate?

Respect their time: Be mindful of their schedule and avoid scheduling meetings at inconvenient times. Be concise and clear: Clearly state your purpose for contacting them and keep your communication focused. Follow up appropriately: If you don't hear back immediately, follow up politely after a reasonable amount of time. Respect their preferences: If they indicate that they're not interested in connecting further, respect their decision. Offer value: Show how you can benefit them or contribute to their goals. Be genuine: Build relationships based on mutual respect and shared interests. Avoid being overly demanding: Don't expect them to do more than they're willing or able to do.

Sometimes we confuse networking with selling. Selling: You reach out trying to engage with someone you do or don't know with the intent to fill a need that person may or may not have by providing your product or service. Networking: You reach out trying to engage someone you do or don't know with the intent to build a relationship. When you look at networking as a tool focused on creating relationships (instead of a tool for selling a product), it becomes easier to be respectful when you're in the process of expanding your network.

Très intuitive de nature, je me dirige vers les personnes qui seraient susceptibles de répondre à mes sollicitations. Si certaines personnes ne répondent pas à mes messages, je ne relance pas du tout. Il est important de laisser une bonne image derrière soi.

Networking without sounding desperate? Easy: Stop acting like you're asking for a loan. Approach it like you're building a relationship, not begging for a favor. Desperation reeks of short-term thinking. Instead, offer value—share insights, ask thoughtful questions, and don’t rush it. Real connections come from genuine curiosity and mutual benefit, not from firing off your résumé like it's a hot potato. Networking isn't speed dating; it's a slow burn. Play the long game, and you’ll turn acquaintances into allies. And remember, confidence is quiet; neediness screams.

My suggestion: Don't wait to network until YOU need something. Building your network is a never-ending process that should included equal parts of "looking for help from my network" and "looking to help my network". If the only time you reach out is when you need something, it will always appear selfish, if not desperate.

Meiner Meinung nach ist es wichtig authentisch zu sein. Im Beruf kann Authentizität ein echter Karriere-Vorteil sein. Menschen erinnern sich an dich, wenn du echt bist und nicht nur versuchst, anderen zu gefallen. Besonders in Gesprächen oder bei Präsentationen macht das den feinen Unterschied.

Cultivate a strong professional presence: Dress appropriately, maintain good posture, and make eye contact. Articulate your value proposition: Clearly communicate your skills, experience, and unique selling points. Demonstrate genuine interest: Ask thoughtful questions and actively listen to others. Build rapport: Find common ground and establish connections based on shared interests or experiences. Follow up with professionalism: Send personalized thank-you notes and maintain ongoing communication. Be mindful of your online presence: Ensure your social media profiles reflect a professional image. Remember, the goal is to build genuine relationships, not simply collect contacts.

Je vois pas l'intérêt de porter un masque qui n'est pas le nôtre. Sinon, on risque le malaise devant certaines personnes. Je conseille de s'y rendre en toute confiance avec un bon état d'esprit.

While it's practically mandatory to be interested in the other person when networking, there's a fine line. Which is, be genuine. Faking your interest in someone is not the way to go, people will spot that from a mile away. Instead, be 100% sure that you actually want to get to know this person. If you're not, perhaps it's not the right connection.

Pour maintenir le contact, je vais sur leur profil linkedin en commentant leurs publications mais aussi et j'envoie un mail de remerciements.

Don't assume you'll benefit from the 1st single coffee chat. Really good networking patience, it's being able to build connections one that go on for months if not, years. I know multiple people who got job offers from someone that had met months prior.

You won't be able to keep in touch with everyone, though. Just accept that. But when it comes to those you're able to be in touch - do it well. "'sup?!" doesn't count.

You will only sound desperate if you approach networking with the intention of seeking what you can get from others. True networking is about seeking ways to add value to others. It's called Netgiving. If you do this, you will form genuine connections and the question of "not looking desperate" becomes a moot point.

Growing your network and nurturing it is easiest when you don't need it. When you don't have the pressure of being unemployed for several months or under the clock of a quota, you're less likely to push your agenda when having a networking conversation. Which is why I always recommend people to attend networking opportunities regularly, especially when you're employed or ahead in your numbers. At that point, the pressure is off and those you talk with can feel that. It makes you more approachable and much easier to be around--which is important when having a conversation. The more positive conversations you have the more likely your network is nurtured by your efforts and will grow.

Networking isn't all about getting career opportunities from someone. It's being able to build genuine connections based on common interests/ground. In that sense, it's no different that making friends. Don't mistake it for anything different from basic communication skills.

Réseauter ne doit pas être considéré comme une corvée, mais plutôt comme un plaisir, qui permet d'accéder à de nouvelles opportunités quelles qu'elles soient. Cela pré-suppose d'être en confiance et dans la maîtrise des techniques/codes qui font de vous un "professionnel du réseautage". C'est pourquoi, cela nécessite un réel apprentissage, de l'organisation, de la préparation et de l'entraînement.