The pumpkin spice is flowing, sweaters will be making their annual debut, and the leaves are getting ready to show off their wardrobe change. That’s right, it’s almost fall, and yes, I am a tad early:)
So here’s the question: how are you going to change things up in your networking this season?
Networking is like the seasons , it’s not meant to be static. If you’re still doing what you did last spring (and wondering why nothing new is happening in your pipeline, collaborations, or visibility), well, you might as well be a pumpkin sitting on your porch, slowly rotting by November.
Don’t be the pumpkin. Be the person people remember. Here are five fall-inspired networking tips that will help you stand out, get results, and maybe even have a little fun in the process.
1. Show Up (Yes, Even When It’s Chilly)
Summer is easy for networking, cocktails on rooftops, beachy happy hours, outdoor events where the vibe is light. Then fall comes and suddenly your calendar is filled with back-to-school chaos, early darkness, and the magnetic pull of your couch + Netflix.
But showing up is half the networking game.
- Join that Zoom you said you’d join.
- Walk into the networking breakfast instead of talking yourself out of it.
- Pick up the phone and call someone instead of endlessly DM’ing.
Consistency builds familiarity, and familiarity builds trust. And yes, you need trust before you can even whisper about referrals, collaborations, or opportunities.
2. Give Proactively
Networking isn’t a transaction; it’s an exchange. And the best exchanges start with you giving first.
That doesn’t mean handing out leads to everyone you meet (although, honestly, that wouldn’t hurt your reputation). What it does mean is look for ways to be helpful before anyone asks.
- Did someone mention they’re hiring? Share their job post.
- Did you read a book that could help a colleague? Drop them a note about it.
- Did you meet someone who could benefit from another connection in your circle? Make the intro.
The magic of networking actually happens in the unexpected, proactive act of generosity. When you give without a scoreboard in mind, people remember you as someone valuable, not just someone who wants value.
In the crowded space of LinkedIn and business mixers, the person who gives first always stands out more than the person who only shows up with an ask.
3. Stay on the Grid
Summer’s “out of office” bounce-backs are behind us, so stop ghosting people. It’s tempting to go radio silent until January (“I’ll just pick things up in the new year!”), but people forget fast.
Networking is a long game, and staying visible keeps you in the game.
- Post on LinkedIn. Doesn’t have to be a novel. Share a thought, a story, a question.
- Reply to other people’s posts. Visibility isn’t just about broadcasting, it’s about engaging.
- Send a simple “thinking of you” message. Check in on contacts without trying to sell something.
Staying on the grid doesn’t require hours of work. Even five minutes a day is enough to remind people you exist. And in the competitive networking ecosystem, existence is half the battle.
4. Be Interested AND Interesting
Networking is not about being the loudest person in the room (unless you’re auditioning for a Broadway revival, in which case, knock yourself out). It’s about being both interested in others and interesting yourself.
The “interested” part means:
- Ask questions that go deeper than “So, what do you do?”
- Listen like you mean it.
- Remember what people tell you. (“How’s that podcast you were launching?” is networking gold.)
The “interesting” part means:
- Share something about yourself that isn’t boilerplate.
- Have a story ready that shows your personality.
- Don’t be afraid to talk about your passions outside of work.
People don’t remember business cards, they remember conversations. And conversations stick when you’re curious about them and willing to share something unique about you.
5. Be Grateful (Like, Actually Say It)
Gratitude isn’t just for Thanksgiving. It’s the secret sauce that makes your networking relationships last longer than your Halloween candy stash.
Say thank you for introductions, advice, referrals, or even just someone’s time. Follow up with a quick note, an email, a message, or hey, go old-school and mail a handwritten card.
Gratitude is magnetic. People who feel appreciated are far more likely to help you again, introduce you to others, and keep you in their orbit.
And gratitude has a funny way of spreading. When you thank someone, you remind them of the positive impact they had. They walk away thinking, I like that person. I want to help them again.
So, What’s Your Fall Networking Plan?
You’ve got the five tips:
- Show up.
- Give proactively.
- Stay on the grid.
- Be interested and interesting.
- Be grateful.
Networking isn’t about waiting for opportunities to knock, it’s about setting the stage so opportunity knows your address.
This fall, don’t just sip your pumpkin spice latte and scroll. Take action. Put yourself out there. Change things up.
Because when the year winds down and everyone else is waiting for January to reboot their networking engines, you’ll already be connected, visible, and remembered.
That’s how you turn fall into a season of growth, not hibernation.