Utilizing Networking Groups

𝗟𝗲𝘁'𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗰𝘆𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝘀. 🤝 I get a LOT of requests in my inbox from aspiring cybersecurity pros in search of a mentor, and it pains me every time I have to decline. As much as I love teaching, the work that I do in building courses here on LinkedIn (https://lnkd.in/estzwfT) and in building resources for Simplifying Cybersecurity takes up the time that I'd otherwise have available for 1:1 mentorship. 😕 So I decided to do something to remedy that. (Actually, I decided to do 3 things.) 😁 1️⃣ My network here on LinkedIn is ~24k strong (and growing), and it's a great mix of aspiring professionals and seasoned leaders. I know that some of you folks have both the time and interest to serve as mentors, so one thing I'm doing is 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁. 2️⃣ I put together the attached list of 𝙏𝙬𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙮 𝙌𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝘾𝙮𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙈𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙤𝙧 to make it even easier to get that mentor/mentee relationship started. Once you connect and establish that relationship, you can setup a quick call, pick one or more of these questions, and dive right into a discussion. 3️⃣ I'm going to start posting a weekly mentorship discussion here on LinkedIn using the hashtag #MondayMentorship. You can click on that hashtag to follow it, which means you'll see that weekly post in your feed. I'll share a question each week that I'll encourage mentors to answer (tagging folks when I know they have unique insights), and I'll chime in on the comments to help keep that conversation going. If the 1:1 model is your thing, you can use this post to find someone to connect with. If the asynchronous model is a better fit, you can follow the hashtag and chime in from time to time. And you can use these 20 questions to get your mentor/mentee relationship off to a great start. If you're interested in finding a mentor, finding a mentee, or just amplifying this information, comment below to help this information find the folks who need it most. Thanks much, and keep learning! 🙏 ♻️ Repost this to help folks in your network! ♻️ ------- 💻 Connect with me here on LinkedIn! 👆Better yet, subscribe to my newsletter for even more content like this. #InformationSecurity #Cybersecurity #Security #Mentor #Mentorship

"𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗕𝗘 𝗠𝗬 𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗢𝗥?" Every week, I get asked, "Will you be my mentor?" Often, this question comes from people I've not met, which makes it somewhat awkward. Here's a fail-proof formula I've used for finding and approaching mentors effectively. Step 1: Have Clarity on Your Goals This clarity helps you identify potential mentors who can truly propel you forward. Your goals don't need to be long-term; they can be something immediate you need help with. Step 2: Start with Your Network Look within your existing network or extend to professionals you admire but haven't met yet. This could be through introductions or shared connections. Mentors don't always come with years of experience over you; peers can be just as insightful. Template Sentence: "I’ve noticed we share a common connection with [Mutual Connection’s Name]. I really admire how you handle [specific skill or achievement], and I’d love to learn from you about this." Step 3: Make a Specific Ask When reaching out, be specific and respect their time. Request a brief conversation, no longer than 30 minutes, focusing on a specific area where their expertise is evident. Template Sentence: "Your skills in [specific area] are truly inspiring. Could I have 30 minutes of your time to understand more about how you developed these abilities and to get your feedback on [specific topic]?" Step 4: Follow Up (The Most Important Step) Post-discussion, always follow up with a thank you message outlining how their advice helped you. This shows appreciation and reinforces the value of their guidance. Template Sentence: "Thank you for your invaluable advice on [topic discussed]. I applied your suggestions at [specific instance], and it made a significant difference. I’m very grateful for your help." Step 5: Continue the Relationship Mentorship isn’t a one-off interaction but a series of meaningful exchanges. Continue to engage your mentor with relevant questions and updates about your progress. Template Sentence: "I’ve recently faced a challenge similar to what we discussed before. Could I get your perspective on this new situation?" Avoid directly asking, "Will you be my mentor?" Instead, build the relationship through respectful, meaningful interactions, and always value their time and input. What's worked for you in seeking mentorship?

“How can I find a mentor?” I’ve been lucky to have 8 mentors that I’ve connected with over the years and catch up with annually. I get asked this question ALL THE TIME. Here are mentorship programs where you can find great mentors! Here’s what has worked for me: 🩷 Look Within Your Circle Find someone nearby, whether you work with them or already know them. Mentors don’t always need to be strangers or experts in your field. 🩷  Make a Low-Stakes Ask Don’t start by asking, “Can you be my mentor?” Honestly, it’s presumptuous and inconsiderate. Instead, ask for a short coffee chat. It’s less stressful and a more natural way to build a relationship 🩷 Make it as easy for them as possible Frame your ask clearly. Don’t just ask for a “coffee chat”. Be specific about what you want to learn and why. If you don’t make it clear, people might think you’re wasting their time. Get straight to the point. 🩷 Join a Structured Mentorship Program If you want a more formal setup, there are mentorship programs that provide a clear structure for growth. I’ve personally benefited from a few, and here are some that I recommend ✨ SCCCI Career Women Group Connects accomplished women leaders with aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs. Through shared experiences and meaningful guidance, the programme seeks to uplift and empower women across generations. ✨TiE Women (For Female Founders) Equity-free cash prizes up to $50,000 Mentoring by successful entrepreneurs Investor Access From around the world Networking: Global participants & members ✨SBF Singapore Women Entrepreneurs Network (SG-WEN) A network formed by SBF to coordinate the existing efforts of businesswomen within the community. ✨Singapore Business Federation Young Business Leaders Network (YBLN) Mentorship program: Connecting young leaders with experienced mentors to help them navigate challenges and opportunities in their businesses. ✨Young Women Leadership Connection Exclusive opportunity to be mentored by some of Singapore's most accomplished women leaders across various industries. ✨Her World Mentorship Programme Provide mentees with valuable guidance from seasoned mentors, helping them navigate both their professional and personal lives with confidence. ✨ ADP List Accelerate your professional growth with 1:1 expert guidance from 37,542+ mentors in the ADP List community. ✨ Launchpad A digital and IRL community group that powerfully propels members through their entrepreneurial journey. They offer weekly peer mentoring sessions facilitated by guest coaches for members. However, they don’t do 1-1 pairing. Join the My Brilliant Self community. Learn from world-class leaders, develop high-impact skills, grow financial confidence, and connect with peers who accelerate your growth, opportunities, and influence. 💪🏻 https://lnkd.in/gmSR-4fd Let me know if this helps, if you want more... and if you have any other recommendations! 😇

We are the company we keep; it becomes our biggest influence. Over the years, I’ve learned that good teachers are also found outside a classroom or a book. They are often found in the relationships you cultivate with those who truly understand your journey. As a leader, founder or business-owner, it's often a lonely journey, dealing with business challenges, growth hindrances, and maintaining a positive mindset. This is where a Peer Group comes to our rescue. Having the right peer group that is non-judgemental, who understands what we are going through, can be your sounding board, does not hesitate to share their experiences, and offers their support despite everything, can be a wonderful teacher. Over the last decade, my biggest teaching experience has been with my peer group in ‘ASCENT’, an initiative started by Harsh Mariwala in 2012.  Within this group I have found mentorship, guidance, and invaluable coaching that is practical and relevant. It is a safe space where like-minded entrepreneurs can connect, share and grow together. So if you are looking at growing as a leader, founder, or a business owner, I strongly urge you to join a peer group; it will help you become better. Entrepreneurship is a lonely journey, and a good peer group makes the journey easier. I would like to ask you - ✅Who has been your biggest teacher?  ✅Have you found a peer group to support and guide you?  ♻️Repost to help others find their peer group. PS: Stay tuned for an update to my newsletter that releases every fortnight where I speak about my journey as an entrepreneur and share my lessons in building my organisation.

50% of any business is done through networking and I have been able to do it by building actual relationships. If there is someone I met 3 years ago, I still remember their name and what they do. As founders, we often focus on strategy, product, and market fit. But there's one factor that's been crucial to TMG's growth: my reference group. When I started TMG, I was a solo entrepreneur with big dreams. Today, we're 150+ strong. The difference? The people I surrounded myself with. A Harvard study by Dr. David McClelland found that our success depends heavily on our "reference group" - those we choose to spend time with. This insight transformed my approach to networking and ultimately, our business growth. Here's how I leveraged my network to scale: 📍 Board of Advisors 2.0: I created an informal board of seasoned entrepreneurs. Our monthly dinners became strategy sessions that shaped TMG's trajectory. 📍 Peer Mastermind: I joined a group of founders at similar stages. We became each other's sounding boards, celebrating wins and troubleshooting challenges. 📍 Team as Teachers: I learned to see every team member as a potential mentor. Our junior analyst's fresh perspective once saved a client millions in taxes. 📍 Strategic Networking: Every conference became an opportunity to meet potential partners, not just clients. These connections opened doors I didn't even know existed. 📍 Mentorship Mindset: I sought mentors relentlessly, but also became one. Teaching forced me to crystallise my thoughts, improving my own decision-making. Remember: Your company will only grow as much as you do. And you'll only grow as much as your network allows. It's not just about who you know, but who challenges you, supports you, and pushes you to be better. Fellow founders, how has your inner circle influenced your company's growth? What unexpected lessons have you learned from your network? Let's discuss and learn from each other.

Right Mentor Can Change your Life Why is finding a mentor often harder than it sounds?  Most people wait for a mentor to find them.   The truth? You have to seek them out.  Here’s how to start:   1️⃣ Identify someone in your field who inspires you.     ↳ Look for professionals whose career paths align with your goals.  2️⃣ Engage with their work.     ↳ Comment thoughtfully on their posts or share their articles with your insights.  3️⃣ Research their background.     ↳ Know their expertise and how it aligns with what you want to learn.  4️⃣ Reach out with a clear request.     ↳ Example:     “I admire your journey. Could we connect for a 15-minute chat about [specific topic]?”  5️⃣ Show them your efforts.     ↳ Highlight your learning progress and areas where you need guidance.  6️⃣ Be respectful of their time.     ↳ Keep communications concise and valuable.  7️⃣ Offer value in return.     ↳ Share helpful articles, resources, or perspectives that might interest them.  Mentors can open doors, share insights, and guide you around pitfalls.   But it starts with taking that first step.  Your turn: Who’s one person you’d love to have as a mentor?  P.S. Don’t forget—mentorship is a two-way street. Show your gratitude! -Ghazi Khan  #mentorship #careergrowth #networkingtips #successpath #personaldevelopment  

Support is crucial for early-career folks and startup founders. In fact, having advocates can make or break your startup or career. Given the below strategies, it’s no surprise why: → Alumni networks are goldmines of experienced mentors → The amount of peers, alumni and students I have made connections with makes people question if I really am an introvert! → Industry events are perfect for connecting with potential advocates → Something VERY cool is coming soon, stay tuned! cc: Carrie Li → Online communities help you reach out to industry leaders → Daniel has helped 1000s of students get their first jobs easier: https://lnkd.in/gt5PCntx All of this is quite powerful. So, how do we find these crucial mentors? Leverage alumni networks: • Your school's alumni association is full of professionals eager to give back • Reach out to alumni who have succeeded in your field • Attend alumni events and engage actively Eg. Chedia manages the ISTM Alumni community which is a ⭐️ resource! Attend industry events: • Conferences and meetups are ideal for networking • Connect with speakers and attendees who share your passions • Follow up with potential mentors after the event Eg. Sylvia's FOMO-inducing meetups is something you don't want to miss! Engage in online communities: • Join LinkedIn groups or specialized forums • Participate in discussions and share your insights • Identify and reach out to industry leaders for mentorship Remember, the right mentor doesn't just advise - they advocate. They fight for you when you're not there, lending their credibility to your vision and amplifying your voice. As a student, your mentor's support and advocacy can open doors you didn't even know existed. They’re in your corner, even when you're not in the room.

Fact: Most attendees don’t enjoy your “networking” events. Fact: Networking is one of the top reasons for attending an in-person event. Can we acknowledge that most attendees are not extreme extroverts? So why are we still hosting networking events where we effectively “dump” 100s of people into a room together for a few hours, hoping for the best and callingl it “networking”? As someone who attends events mainly with the goal of meeting up with my existing network and growing it, proactive networking with people I don’t know (especially solo) is something I dread. If you recognise that many people attending want to network but don’t feel comfortable in environments where they have to proactively approach strangers, it is possible to deliver a far better experience. So, let's take a look at activity-based, interactive networking. These activities will need capacity caps… but from my perspective as an attendee, at least, a more intimate environment makes for better networking. I’ve heard of some incredible networking initiatives recently, including: ➡️ Puppy Networking What a great idea for networking. An activity that will get people smiling and bonding, is great for socialising puppies, too, and also allows ample opportunity to chat. ➡️ Barista Workshops Teaching all those coffee lovers how to make barista-style coffee and getting to know each other whilst enjoying their own creations afterwards is a fab idea for activity networking. ➡️ Braindates Interest-based discussions that involve having deeper conversations with other attendees and learning at the same time. A truly great way to bring people with shared interests together and create meaningful connections. A couple of other suggestions: - Give your standard networking drinks an upgrade by adding an interactive activity such as a mixologist class, a murder mystery theme like “Imposter”, or some other team-based activity. And remember, there’s literally no excuse not to include as many non-alcoholic options as you have alcoholic so that everyone feels comfortable. - Find and give roles to “super connectors” at your networking events. I recently had the pleasure of meeting Phil Mershon - he’s an advocate for better networking and integrating these talented people at your events (and the author of a great new book called Unforgettable - the Art and Science of Creating Memorable Experiences). I know that upgrading your networking events will take a lot of effort, but if it means that a bigger proportion of your attendees leave your event not only satisfied but having created some lifelong connections - it’s worth it, right? Do you have any creative ideas for networking, or have you had a positive networking experience at an event? I’d love to hear them! 👇 #networking #events #eventmarketing #eventprofs I

In my ongoing 12-week global marketing mentorship program, our recent session was all about the big ol’ cold networking. Lol. We had some real talk. From Jasmine Amo Bempah’s strategy of connecting with employees before applying, to Jemimah Iwok’s shift from “just asking for a job” to “building relationships first,” it was clear that networking still wins. It’s not just who you know, it’s who knows you and what you stand for. I also shared a few of my own lessons: - After getting my current job offer, I contacted someone at the company to make sure I was making the right move. - One mentee got into this mentorship program by offering to support me behind the scenes. - A cold LinkedIn pitch with a clear value prop and portfolio landed someone a contract with me in 3 minutes. (Yes, I checked the timestamps.) And I forgot to mention this on the call, but I also recently secured a Q&A moderator slot at a large virtual event (about virtual events!) simply by sending a cold DM on LinkedIn. I’ll be sharing more about that soon. Here are some practical takeaways we discussed that I think everyone should keep in their networking toolkit: 1. Lead with value Before you ask for anything, ask yourself: What can I offer this person? It could be support, a resource, or even just thoughtful feedback on something they’ve shared. People are more likely to respond when you come with intention, not just an ask. 2. Be human, curious, kind, and consistent The best outreach messages are the ones that feel like they’re written by a real person. Be warm. Mention something specific they’ve shared. Say thank you. If they’re a stranger, make the first message about them, not you. 3. Don’t just reach out when you need something The worst time to start networking is when you're desperate. Build relationships when you don't need them so that when you do, it doesn't feel forced. Comment on posts. Send a DM to say, “This made me think.” Share their work. 4. Build relationships before you need them Keep a shortlist of people you'd love to learn from. People in roles you aspire to, or who are doing cool things in your space. Engage with their work consistently. Add value. Be memorable before you ever ask for a call, a job, or a referral. 5. Make it easy to say yes Whether you're asking for a 15-minute call or feedback on your portfolio, be specific, respectful of time, and low-pressure. "Would you be open to a short call to share your journey?" hits differently from "I’m looking for a job, please help me." Cold networking isn’t transactional when it’s done right. It’s transformational. And it’s not about being slick or salesy, it’s about being intentional, generous, and human.