Peer-to-Peer Networking Strategies

Fundraisers are reinventing professional development. Forget expensive conferences and generic webinars. The most valuable learning is happening through structured peer-to-peer exchange: Case study circles - Small groups of fundraisers from different organizations - Real-world challenges presented and workshopped - Collective problem-solving with diverse perspectives - Accountability for implementing solutions Skill-swap partnerships - Paired exchanges based on complementary strengths - Direct observation of each other's work - Structured feedback and coaching - Ongoing implementation support Cross-sector learning pods - Fundraisers from different nonprofit sectors - Focus on transferable strategies and approaches - Translation of methods across cause areas - Innovation through unexpected combinations The benefits extend beyond skill development: - Reduced professional isolation - Expanded professional networks - Increased job satisfaction - Accelerated career advancement The most effective fundraisers are building these learning communities intentionally, not leaving professional growth to chance. Tag a colleague who's taught you something valuable about fundraising!

Tired of your networking introductions going nowhere? You send an email connecting two people who should meet… and then? Crickets. 🦗 You're not doing it wrong—you’re just doing it the lazy way. Here’s the deal: inboxes are a war zone—full of spam, promos, and chaos. If you casually toss an intro over the fence, it will get buried. Example of a dead-end intro: “Hey Larry, meet my friend Dennis. You two should talk. Go make magic happen!” No context. No value. No action. If you really want to make powerful, outcome-producing connections, here’s the playbook I’ve refined over 20+ years: 1. Know who’s who. Decide who benefits most (the beneficiary) and who’s the generous connector (the benefactor). This gives your intro purpose. 2. Prep the benefactor. Before firing off the email, call or text the benefactor. Give them a quick, compelling reason why the intro is worth their time. 3. Send the intro with intent. Subject line: Introducing Dennis to Larry to connect about [topic] In the body: - Pitch why they should meet. - Sell each other's value. Include LinkedIn links. - Keep it short, relevant, and motivating. 4. Coach the beneficiary right after you hit Send. Make sure they respond quickly, keep it brief, and propose a call or meeting within the week. 5. Follow up. Text the benefactor to say the intro email is in their Inbox. If the connection is important, follow up a week later. If the beneficiary hasn't responded, remind them that you are doing a favor and they need to follow up! Done right, this approach works. Not every intro will convert, but your hit rate will skyrocket—and your reputation as a SuperConnector will grow. As I wrote in Love is the Killer App: 💡 “Your network is your net worth. And it grows as you share it intelligently with others to promote their success.” Let’s raise the bar on how we connect people.

Your future co-worker just got a $2,500 referral bonus for recommending their friend. Meanwhile, you're still cold messaging CEOs who will never respond. This is exactly why most networking strategies fail. While everyone's chasing hiring managers and executives, the real opportunities are happening at the peer level. Here's what most job seekers miss: → 70%-85% of jobs are filled through networking, but not with who you think → Mid-level employees often have more influence on hiring decisions than you realize → Your future teammate wants to refer quality people - it reflects well on them → Companies pay referral bonuses averaging $2,500 because employee recommendations work The uncomfortable truth? That software engineer, marketing coordinator, or project manager you're ignoring could be your ticket in. What successful networkers do differently: ✅ Connect with people at your level - they understand your challenges and can relate to your experience ✅ Build genuine relationships first - help others before asking for help ✅ Focus on horizontal networking - your peers today become hiring managers tomorrow ✅ Make it easy for people to refer you - be clear about what you're looking for Stop networking up and start networking across. The person who gets you hired is often the mid-level employee who vouches for you internally because they see you as someone they'd want to work alongside. Network horizontally, not just vertically. When someone refers you, they're putting their reputation on the line. Make it worth their while by being the kind of person they'd be proud to recommend. What's been your experience with peer-level networking? Have you found success connecting with people at your level rather than just targeting executives? Share your insights below. #jobsearch #career #referral #networking #interview

One non-negotiable strategy you must include in your job search: Networking. Let me share a few real examples from my clients: - One client landed an interview just by having a casual chat with a school friend at a shop. That conversation led to a referral. - Another secured a high-paying VP role after a mutual friend introduced him to the founder over coffee. - A third, from India, landed interviews in Europe through strategic LinkedIn DMs and well-nurtured online connections. These aren’t random wins. They’re proof that both in-person and online networking work, especially when approached with intention. If you’re job searching, don’t just rely on job portals or mass applications. Networking can open doors that resumes alone can’t. Here’s how to make it part of your strategy: 1. Reconnect with old friends, colleagues, or classmates. You don’t always need new contacts. Some of the best opportunities come from people already in your circle, so reach out and reconnect. 2. Start genuine conversations, not cold pitches. Don’t message just to ask for a job. Be human. Start by checking in, sharing your journey, and being curious about theirs. Conversations first, opportunities next. 4. Be visible where your industry hangs out Whether it’s LinkedIn, industry events, virtual panels, or niche groups, your presence matters. People notice those who show up consistently and contribute meaningfully. 5. Focus on building relationships, not just asking for favors. People are more likely to support you when they feel respected and understood. Add value, engage authentically, and focus on the long term. It’s not luck — it’s strategy. A strategy that helps you skip the pile of 100+ applications and go directly to the right conversations.