Haika Gerson

You meet someone at a networking event. You have a good conversation. You exchange phone numbers, maybe you connect on LinkedIn, and you might even follow each other on Instagram. The next morning, they DM you: “Hi, it was nice meeting you yesterday. Please let me know if you hear of any job opportunities for me.” Or: “Can you introduce me to someone at your organisation?” Or even: “Please keep me in mind if there are any opportunities.” And you’re sitting there thinking, We just met.

You know someone in the industry, so when your friend starts looking for a job, you make an introduction. You put in a good word. You recommend them. Maybe you even use a relationship you spent years building to help them get their foot in the door. They get the job. A while later, you need an introduction of your own. You reach out to that same friend, expecting they might be able to help. They don’t. Maybe they brush you off. Maybe they say they’ll get back to you and never do.

You’ve probably seen them on Instagram or LinkedIn. “Business Breakfast.” “Future Leaders Summit.” “Executive Networking Evening.” The flyers are usually beautiful. The guest list looks impressive. There are promises of meeting industry leaders, making valuable connections and opening new doors for your career. So you buy the ticket, put on your best outfit and show up. You listen to a few speakers. You meet some people. Maybe you exchange numbers with someone you’d like to keep in touch with.