247 - How I Got a CEO's Contact Through a Simple Networking Hack
Discover a powerful networking hack that can help even the most introverted professionals make meaningful connections. In this episode of The Daily Hint, learn how a simple strategy led to securing a CEO’s contact at a networking event.
I help you get promoted with a 20-50% salary increase for free.
Join the free Rising Stars Community
How I Got a CEO’s Contact Through a Simple Networking Hack
For many professionals, the idea of attending a networking event is less than appealing, especially if you’re an introvert. The thought of walking into a room full of strangers can be overwhelming, and the pressure to make meaningful connections only adds to the stress. However, in this episode of The Daily Hint, I share a personal experience that turned my hesitation into a valuable opportunity.
At a recent networking event, I found myself in the same room as a CEO I had long admired and wanted to connect with. But as an introvert, striking up a conversation with someone I didn’t know was not something I was comfortable with. Instead, I took a different approach—one that not only allowed me to connect with this CEO but also helped me secure his contact information.
During a group discussion, I made a conscious effort to contribute to the conversation, finding common ground on a specific topic. This shared interest created a natural connection, making it easier to engage with the CEO. As the event came to a close, I asked for a quick selfie, a simple and non-intrusive request that led to a surprising outcome. After taking the photo, I offered to send it to him, which prompted the CEO to enter his phone number into my device.
This small yet effective strategy not only helped me overcome my reluctance to network but also demonstrated that meaningful connections can be made without having to step too far outside your comfort zone. The key takeaway from this episode is that networking doesn’t have to be about working the room or handing out business cards. Sometimes, it’s about finding a shared interest, being authentic, and seizing the moment when it presents itself.
Whether you’re an introvert or simply looking for a new way to approach networking, this episode offers valuable insights into how you can make the most of any professional event. Tune in to learn more about how this simple hack can work for you too.
Highlights:
00:00 How I Got the CEO's Number at a Networking Event
00:06 Overcoming My Introversion
00:15 Engaging in Group Discussions
00:34 The Selfie Strategy
00:46 Securing the Contact
Links:
===========================
Equipment and Software that I use for my Videos and Podcasts!
Jens Equipment and Software overview: https://www.jensheitland.com/equipment
===========================
Books that I read and recommend.
My Book Recommendations: https://www.jensheitland.com/books
===========================
Here are the ways to work with me:
Speaking: https://www.jensheitland.com/speaking
Leadership Skills Assessment: https://www.wearesucceed.com/
===========================
Connect with me!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jensheitland/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JensHeitlandofficial/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jensheitland/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jensheitland
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/jensheitland
Newsletter: https://www.jensheitland.com/newsletter
===========================
Subscribe and Listen to The Jens Heitland Show Podcast HERE:
YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjuSGi1feauCNSER3IKuGWg
Web: https://www.jensheitland.com/podcasthome
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jens-heitland-show-human-innovation/id1545043872?uo=4
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7H0GWMGVALyXnnmstYA1NL
===========================
Subscribe and Listen to The Daily Hint with Jens Heitland Podcast HERE:
YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2tLdutVh6b6nCBgWQ817eQ
Web: https://www.jensheitland.com/the-daily-hint
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily-hint-with-jens-heitland/id1722930497
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4T02uYPvcOrajPC6FgH64r?si=8aab1e7683204160&nd=1&dlsi=0f69c72af017454a
Transcript:
This is how I got the number of a CEO I wanted to work for in a networking event. And believe me, I hate networking events because I'm an introvert and I hate talking to strangers. So this is how it works. I had conversations with all the different people inside of the networking event and this CEO was part of a group discussion.
And as part of the group discussion, we had a good conversation about several topics and we somehow bonded with each other on a certain topic. And before I left that event, I went back to the CEO and said, Hey, we'd love to do a quick selfie with you. And we took a selfie, clicked, and I said, Hey, do you want the photo as well?
And he said, yes. So what I did was I gave my phone to the CEO and he put his number into my phone, and I was able to send him that photo.