Build Your Professional Network with Confidence
Networking goes beyond a business card exchange or LinkedIn connection. It's about creating lasting relationships that fuel personal growth, career advancement, and meaningful collaboration.
"We are love" - a phrase first shared by Anne-Marie Bos.
Please explore all the incredible resources available on this page designed to help you start connecting, growing, and building meaningful relationships at Dreamforce 2025.
Quick Networking Tips Videos
Why Networking Feels Hard
Let's be honest. Networking can feel awkward, forced, or even intimidating. You're not alone in feeling this way. The pressure to make a perfect first impression, the fear of rejection, or simply not knowing what to say can make networking feel like an uphill battle. But here's the truth: everyone feels this way sometimes, even the most confident networkers. Acknowledging this awkwardness is the first step to overcoming it.
Mindset Shift: From Awkward to Awesome
The secret to great networking isn't perfection. It's vulnerability and authenticity. When you approach networking with genuine curiosity about others and openness about yourself, magic happens.
Instead of thinking "What can I get from this person?" try "How can I help this person?" Or "How can I learn from this person?" This shift transforms networking from a transaction into a genuine human connection.
Real-World Networking Moves
Open-Ended Questions
- • "What's the most exciting project you're working on?"
- • "How did you get started in your field?"
- • "What trends are you seeing in your industry?"
30-Second Intro
Keep it simple:
- • Your name and role
- • One interesting fact or passion
- • A question back to them
Follow-Up Magic
- • Send within a week
- • Reference your conversation
- • Schedule a call with RiseWithVoice team
Value-First Approach
- • Share helpful resources
- • Make strategic introductions
- • Offer your expertise generously
Quick Networking Boosters
Quality over quantity - 5 strong connections beat 50 weak ones
Be genuinely curious about others' work and challenges
Always find a way to connect digitally, whether by exchanging LinkedIn information or another digital method
Before the conference, think about the opportunities ahead of you and identify how you can share and uplift others
Set networking goals for each event you attend
Remember that networking is about building relationships, not selling
Follow up within a week while the conversation is still fresh
Be patient - meaningful relationships take time to develop, but the effort is rewarding
Meet All Four RiseWithVoice Co-Founders!
Join us at the DF25 Newbie Reunion "Bacon" Breakfast organized by our co-founder Eric Dreshfield. Connect with him and the other Co-founders Scott Stafford, Ama Surangika and Chathura Ranasinghe in person!
Get your exclusive RiseWithVoice pin or sticker when you meet us there! 🎁
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