How can I get better at networking? - Ted Zhao

Adam Kruger Podcast

Ted Zhao and I chat about what it takes to have productive coffee chats and networking conversations. Ted is a friend and colleague of mine at TELUS, and it was a pleasure to chat with him about this topic.

Some of the other questions we discussed included:

• Am I putting a friend in an awkward position if I ask them to connect me with someone they know or refer them for a job at their company?
• Do you think it ever makes sense to apply blindly to a role, or should you always try to network by reaching out to either the hiring manager or someone at the company?
• What questions should I ask the hiring manager when I reach out to them for a coffee chat? How much should I talk about myself and my own experience during the chat?
• How can I return the favour when someone agrees to have a coffee chat with me?
• What’s the number one obstacle why people don’t network and reach out to help?
• Are you a bad person if you don’t respond to networking requests?
• How honest should you be when people ask how you like your job?
• How well do you have to know someone to send them a connection request on LinkedIn? How well do you have to know them to ask them to connect you with someone?

This conversation was recorded on Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021.

Video version of the podcast available on YouTube here.

Episode sponsor: Get help building habits with the everyday app. I use the app myself and love it.

Sign-up here to join me for an episode!

I'd also love feedback for improving future episodes, and promise not to take offence!

Thanks for listening and hope you enjoyed it!