There’s a saying that your network is your net worth. I’m not that ruthless. I’m not a salesperson trying to meet every person who might help me make money. And I certainly don’t want to leave an event with everyone’s contact details. However, I do understand the importance of a little black book rich with relationships, strategic alliances and future business partners. I recognise there are benefits from purposeful networking, casual networking and providing space for people to connect with you.

Maximising authentic connections

I rarely have time in my calendar for a casual one-on-one meeting. Instead, I suggest meeting at an event. In 90 minutes, I can catch up with a number of people. It’s an effective use of my time and energy.

While I don’t attend a networking event with a dance card tied to my wrist, I’m intentional about who I want to mingle with. I’ll look to see who else may be there and reach out to conference speakers or attendees who pique my interest on LinkedIn, to let them know I’m coming and am looking forward to their session.

For the most part, I don’t find conference apps a useful networking tool. In fact, they can be rather spammy. For them to be functional, I need to be able to save the contact into my database and many don’t offer this feature. Saying that, I do spend the five minutes to set them up and lightly monitor them.

Paper and digital business cards

I’ve got a box of beautiful business cards that I never hand out. If I receive a paper card, I might jot some notes on it to follow up with after the event. Alternatively, I’ll save the details using the free HubSpot app – click on ‘+ Create’ to add a contact, and it gives you the option to scan the business card, double-check the details and save.

I polled the Small Business Accountants & Advisers Brain Trust (SBAABTA) Facebook group and 50% of respondents are using some form of contactless digital business cards. These business cards use near field communication (NFC) technology to push your contact details into another person's phone. They also have a QR code for scanning.

The Tapt virtual card is made from recycled plastic, while MODC offers multiple profiles on a single bamboo card. Top marks for sustainability.

If you’re using a digital card, make sure the other person completely understands what you are doing. I’ve had people populate their details on my phone, which freaked me out. As soon as they moved away, I deleted the details because I didn’t understand the sorcery they’d performed.

Linkedin is your living Rolodex

As a lot of networking roads lead to LinkedIn, it’s good to have the core of your online personal brand, current and complete there: a friendly headshot, a bio line, an about section, and an overview of your experience and education.

If you joined Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) prior to 2014, your LinkedIn profile may still be associated with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA) or the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA). Here is the correct link to update your current membership body.

I’d avoid using your primary email address with LinkedIn, and turn off the notifications and emails, otherwise you might find you are swamped with unwanted spam.

If you meet someone in real life and wish to connect with them via LinkedIn, open up LinkedIn on your mobile phone and click in the search bar. On the right, click on the tiny square that appears. From here, you can connect quickly via the QR code.

Obtaining someone’s contact details is quite static. Connecting on LinkedIn is like a living Rolodex: your posts show up in their feed, subtly reminding them of who you are and what interests you. If they use LinkedIn, you stay front of mind.

Effectively manage your relationship information

I primarily rely on LinkedIn for initial connections, then move the details across to Gmail which acts as a lightweight CRM (customer/business relationship manager). I use the ‘Labels’ feature to tag and categorise contacts and add extra information to the ‘Notes’ area. I save time by using the template functionality and personalise the core follow-up message. I embrace Inbox Zero methodology and snooze email conversations that need to be followed up by a certain date.

There are CRMs that integrate with Gmail and LinkedIn, standalone CRMs and some people will effectively use their practice management solution as a CRM. I’ve got a great memory for names and faces, but using a CRM can allow your brain to offload that information, help you monitor touchpoints and nurture relationships.

Staying front of mind

I’ll actively ask permission to take group photos at events. My photos automatically upload to the Google Photos storage area, which categorises photos by people, places and objects, and offers powerful search options. The trick here is to kindly ask the best photographer in the room to snap the photo. Charm the official photographer or someone who looks like they know how to use a camera. Photos help jog this old lady’s memory, keep connections human and can brighten social media.

After a meeting or event, I may create a LinkedIn reflection post. Then, I click on the three ellipses on the top right corner, select ‘Copy link to post’ and directly share the link via the messaging option with the people I met. As well as staying front of mind, when we next interact it helps me remember the context of our past meetings.

Your career will move faster if you know the right people

While technology can be your wingman, the most important element of networking is being human. Genuine relationships can last decades, so build a system that can evolve over time and avoid committing to ongoing subscriptions. Show up with curiosity, invest in your network, and help shape a community that supports your career and shared growth.