🎙️ Did You Know? On January 3, 1977, Apple Computers was officially incorporated, setting the stage for a company that would revolutionize technology and redefine how we interact with the world. From the Apple I to the iPhone, Apple’s relentless innovation has made it a global icon.

Apple has totally changed the way we interact with the world. These days, you're probably holding one of their phones while browsing LinkedIn in search of your next key contact.

Learn Your Manners
Building Genuine Connections

Networking has become the cornerstone of professional development, with around 85% of jobs being filled through networking, making it the most effective way to get a job. However, when it comes to getting to know people in a professional setting, striking the right balance between professionalism and authenticity is an art worth mastering.

Many attempts at networking are filled with quick exchanges of business cards or polite LinkedIn invitations, and as you may have experienced, this tends to lead nowhere. Effective networking comes from real connections, and to get to that level you need to understand the nuances of networking etiquette.

The following are our honest suggestions, no affiliate links or kickbacks apply.

Knowing the “right” people (the right way)

🧠 Engage Actively

Nod, smile, and ask thoughtful questions. Active listening not only makes you memorable but also ensures you’re building connections based on mutual interest, not just opportunity.

📩 Follow-Up Like a Pro

Met someone intriguing? Don’t let the conversation die out. A personalized follow-up within a few days referencing something specific from your chat goes a long way.

💻 Leverage Technology Wisely

Personalize your invitations to connect and make sure your profiles are polished and up to date. Keep your camera on during online meetings and your microphone off when you are not speaking.

🚫 Don’t Be Transactional

Networking is about building a foundation, not rushing to close a deal. Focus on the long-term value of the relationship rather than immediate gains.

RoadMap Advice: The next time you're at an event or scrolling through your professional network, remember: it's not how many people you meet - but how you meet them.

TL;DR
news + current events

Despite appearances, digital networking hasn’t killed the business card

Jane Menzies

While LinkedIn and digital alternatives like QR codes and tappable cards gain popularity, traditional business cards still serve as a tangible representation of personal branding and professionalism.

Surveys show that over half of networkers use both cards and digital platforms, with cards particularly valued for their ability to leave a lasting impression during quick exchanges. Their design conveys identity and values, and the act of sharing one can make interactions more memorable.

Despite their declining use among millennials, business cards continue to bridge connections, signaling a genuine intent to build relationships in an increasingly digital networking landscape.

Curated Clicks

Gen Xers are known for their ability to climb the corporate ladder, and while they may have some "old school" tendencies as bosses (Even boomers get scared), their advice on building relationships remains some of the best in the business. Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi is a book that delves into the art of creating genuine, lasting connections by focusing on giving rather than taking. 

"Never Eat Alone" offers practical strategies for improving your interpersonal skills. It emphasizes the importance of regularly reaching out to your contacts, building diverse networks that encompass various industries and experiences, and preparing for networking events. Ferrazzi encourages asking open-ended questions and following up with thoughtful messages to nurture relationships over time. 

RoadMap is a private network for recent college grads embarking on their job search and early career journey.

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