I used to think networking was just for extroverts, salespeople, or people trying to land their next job. Then I learned that real networking—the kind that builds trust, opens doors, and helps people stay and grow in their careers—is just consistent, human connection.

That realization shaped everything I do now.

Today, I split my time between two worlds:

At Retention and Rewards Partners, I work with HR leaders to solve complex problems around compensation, benefits, and employee retention. I’ve led total rewards teams through M&A deals, culture transformations, open enrollments, and board-level pay strategy. But underneath all the spreadsheets and systems is one simple goal: build workplaces where people want to stay.

And as the founder of The Introverted Networker, I teach professionals how to build strong relationships—without small talk, events, or pretending to be someone they’re not. I write a weekly newsletter, lead corporate workshops, and coach people on how to connect with others in a way that feels real and doable.

My work might look different depending on the day, but it’s all connected by one belief: when people feel seen, supported, and fairly treated, they stay. And when they build trusted relationships at work, they thrive.

If you care about building workplaces where people stay and succeed—or you’re trying to grow your network in a way that actually feels good—I’d love to connect.


Here are other ways I can help you:

⇨ Sign up for my newsletter, "The Introverted Networker," to get tips to improve your networking.

⇨ Get my FREE course, "5 Steps To Grow Your Professional Network," to get the exact networking blueprint I follow every week to grow my own network.

⇨ Follow me to learn how to find new connections without going to networking events

⇨ Download my guide "15 Minute Networking"

⇨ Get my book "The Fast and Easy Guide To Networking For Introverts"

All the links for these resources are in my Featured section above!

The best way to contact me is via email: greg@gregsroche.com

Greg Roche

They don’t comment.
They don’t connect.
Then the layoff hits.

They only log into LinkedIn when it's too late.

A lot of people need to read this.

But they won't.

They aren't on LinkedIn today, 

So they won't see this post.

I search LinkedIn for people who do the same job in my area.

I try to connect so we can build a professional relationship.

I click on their profiles.

They have fewer than 500 connections.

They haven't commented or anything for years.

They've been at the same company for 8, 10, 20 years.

You know what this tells me?

They aren't networking.

They're telling themselves:

"𝗜 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗷𝗼𝗯."
"𝗜'𝗺 𝗮 𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿."
"𝗜 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗯𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲?"

They never log into LinkedIn, until:

👎The company is acquired and their role is eliminated, or
👎Their boss retires and their new boss doesn't click, or
👎A global pandemic ruins the entire industry.

Then, they:

🚫Apply for jobs online.
🚫Re-write their resume.
🚫Practice answering interview questions.

It doesn't get them a job.

They've heard they need to grow their network, but they forgot:

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸.

If you know someone who doesn't engage on LinkedIn at least once a week, tell them:

✔️They need to grow their professional network.
✔️They need to connect with people on LI.
✔️They need to do it before they need it.

Today is the right time.
Tomorrow is too late.


I'm Greg, The Introverted Networker!

I teach introverts to be confident networkers.

If you want to start networking today,

Do one of these:
✅ Subscribe to my newsletter-click link on top of the post
✅ Leave a comment: it tells the algo you want more
✅ Share this post with your LinkedIn network

Doing these guarantees I'll be in your feed.

I teach professionals to connect and build trust. Founder Retention and Rewards Partners. Solving retention and total rewards challenges for HR leaders who need results, not more noise. Aka: The Introverted Networker.

There’s a reason networking gets a bad reputation.
These 5 types of people explain it.

The truth is, not everyone who networks does it well.

Some people give networking a bad name.

They turn what should be about relationships into a transaction.

Here are five types I see most often:

𝟭. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁 Shows up only when they need something, like a job, referral, or favor. Then disappears.

𝟮. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗻 Keeps score. “If I give you something, I expect something back.” Networking isn’t math. It’s trust.

𝟯. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗿 Uses every conversation as a stage to talk about themselves. People leave feeling unseen and unheard.

𝟰. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗵𝗼𝘀𝘁 Starts strong. Sends a message. Has coffee once. Then disappears. Connection isn’t built in one interaction.

𝟱. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 Measures success by how many contacts they have instead of how many they know. A full contact list isn’t the same as a real network.

If networking feels awkward or fake, it’s probably because you’ve run into one of these.

Real networking isn’t about collecting, pitching, or asking.

It’s about consistency, curiosity, and giving before you get.

P.S. - Thanks to Craig Davis, The King of LinkedIn Comments. His comment on yesterday's post inspired this one. Not following him? You should be!


I'm Greg, The Introverted Networker!

I talk a lot about networking. 
And building better workplaces.

If you want to join the mission to change the way the world feels about networking,

Do one of these:
✅ Subscribe to my newsletter-click link on top of the post
✅ Leave a comment: it tells the algo you want more
✅ Share this post with your LinkedIn network

Doing these guarantees I'll be in your feed.

Your network gets you hired.
Not your resume.

What everyone thinks it takes to get a job:
• Snappy elevator pitch
• Professionally written resume
• Attention-grabbing cover letter
• Impressive follow-up thank you letter
• Unique answers to all the interview questions

What most people are missing:
• A vibrant, professional network, that's
• Committed to introducing one another to
• Opportunities and connections that are mutually beneficial

If you're focused on the first set of bullet points without the second,

You're not going to get the results you want.

Spend 80% of your job search on the second set and 20% on the first.

Not sure how?

1. Send your former co-workers an email or a LI message saying, "I thought of you today and realized we haven't spoken in a while. How have you been?"

2. As your get responses, turn these online interactions into real world conversations.

3. Ask people about themselves and listen for opportunities to help.

4. Figure out what you can give. Give advice, recommendations, or introductions.

5. Create a target list of companies or people to whom you want to be introduced.

6. Give this list to your connections to make it easy for them to help you meet someone new.

7. When your connection introduces you to someone new, go back to step 2 and repeat.

This is The Connection Loop.
This is how you network.

It takes time.
Start today.


I'm Greg, The Introverted Networker!

If you want to become a more confident networker,

Do one of these:
✅ Hit "View my newsletter" at the top of this post
✅ Leave a comment: it tells the algo you want more
✅ Share this post with your LinkedIn network

Doing these guarantees I'll be in your feed.

From fired to founder: how one layoff taught me the most important lesson of my career.

In the fall of 2012, my boss walked into my office and said: 
“I’m eliminating your position.”

I didn’t know it in the moment,
But, my life would never be the same.

In the following weeks, a lot happened.
I prepared to leave the company where I worked for the past nine years.

I also realized I had no network to help me find a job.

In the process of finding my next job, 

I learned how to network.

And after I started my next job, I kept networking.

Over the next 13 years, I grew my network with small, daily and weekly actions.

• I started teaching other people how to do it
• I started a newsletter about it
• I wrote a book about it

When I started my own company, Retention and Rewards Partners, I tapped into my network to find clients.

Everything I have in my career today is a result of my network.
It is the most valuable asset I have.

But, if my boss hadn’t fired me that day, 
I never would've learned this lesson, 

And I wouldn't have been able to share it with you.

P.S. - If you have been recently laid off, I know it's a struggle. It's happened to me twice.

But, you're likely to end up in a better situation than the one you left.

My DMs are open if you need help or advice.

You’re networking like everyone else.
Which is why it’s not working.

Most people think there's one way to network.

But after teaching thousands of people how to build real connections,

I’ve learned there are different 𝘵𝘺𝘱𝘦𝘴 of networkers.

And each one struggles for a different reason.

Here are five I see most often:

𝟭. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿 They’ve been laid off or fear it’s coming. They know relationships matter but don’t know where to start again.

𝟮. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 They do great work, but no one outside their immediate team knows it. Their network has stalled inside their own company.

𝟯. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿-𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 They manage others but want to create stronger connection and trust across teams. They care about culture but feel alone driving it.

𝟰. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁 They’re highly skilled, think physicians, lawyers, engineers, but their work leaves little time for peer connection. It’s lonely at the top.

𝟱. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 They’re early in their career and eager to learn, but unsure how to reach out or what to say.

Each one needs a different approach to networking.

Knowing which one you are will help you focus your efforts to get the networking results you're looking for.

In my latest issue of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘳, I explain these types in detail.

And help you figure out which one you are.

Which kind of networker are you?


I'm Greg, The Introverted Networker!

I talk a lot about networking. 
And building better workplaces.

If you want to become a more confident networker,

Do one of these:
✅ Hit "View my newsletter" at the top of this post
✅ Leave a comment: it tells the algo you want more
✅ Share this post with your LinkedIn network

Doing these guarantees I'll be in your feed.

If you think it’s too late to start networking, read this.

I get message from people all the time that say:
 "I should have started networking sooner," 

If that's you, here's my response:

There's no shame in it.

I was right there with you 13 years ago when I lost my job.

• I never reached out to people.
• I didn't stay in touch with former co-workers.
• I wasn't offering little bits of value to my network.

The same place you are right now.

And, I learned how to grow my network one small step at a time.

It wasn't easy.

At the time, I thought I'd never find my next job.

But, I kept at it.
Kept talking to people.

Finally, It paid off.

When I landed my next job, I promised myself I'd never be "under-networked" again.

I kept networking even though I didn't need a job.
It was the easiest networking I've ever done.

Now, I teach people how to network because I know how it feels to have no idea where to start.

Each time I hear from someone who says,

"I know I should have been networking. Now, I'm behind and trying to catch up,"

I see myself all those years ago.

But, I don't judge them.

I don't think,

"I've been here on LinkedIn every day for the past 4+ years talking about networking before you need it.

Where have you been?"

Ok, maybe that's the first thought I have, but it's quickly replaced with...

"Let me show you what I've learned."

So, if you're in the middle of a job search,
All I've got to say is:

"It's ok. We've all been there.
Don't lose hope. It'll get better."


I'm Greg, The Introverted Networker!

I talk a lot about networking. 
And building better workplaces.

If you want to join the mission to change the way the world feels about networking,

Do one of these:
✅ Subscribe to my newsletter-click link on top of the post
✅ Leave a comment: it tells the algo you want more
✅ Share this post with your LinkedIn network

Doing these guarantees I'll be in your feed.

8 years ago, on my birthday, I got a package at work:
A separation package.

I didn't get let go on my birthday.

It happened a couple of weeks earlier.

But my birthday was my last day.

The departure was amicable.
I went to work every day.

I believe, if you can, show up until the last day.
The memory people keep of you is the last one.

If you go out with your head high, in a respectful way, that's what they'll remember.

Don't ghost your co-workers.
Don't talk bad about your leaders.
Don't re-create the quitting scene from Jerry Maguire.

Even if that's what you want to do.

Three weeks after my birthday, I got another present.
I started my next role working in a larger company with more opportunity.

I activated my network when I found out I was being let go,
And quickly landed another job.

The role lead to bigger and bigger roles,
With more responsibility and money.

It allowed me to grow my credibility and savings.
It also allowed me to grow my Introverted Networker brand on LI and my newsletter.

7 years later, I launched my own company.

Who knows what would've happened if I hadn't turned in my badge and laptop on my birthday in 2017.

But my point is this:

If you're facing a job loss,
Today's end, is tomorrow's beginning.

Tomorrow, the story starts a new chapter.
It's a blank page.

You get to write whatever you want on it.

I learned this lesson when I turned 43.

And it's the best birthday gift I ever received.



I'm Greg, The Introverted Networker!

I talk a lot about networking. 
And building better workplaces.

If you want to become a more confident networker,

Do one of these:
✅ Hit "View my newsletter" at the top of this post
✅ Leave a comment: it tells the algo you want more
✅ Share this post with your LinkedIn network

Doing these guarantees I'll be in your feed.

A lot of people don't believe it
But, this is the best time of the year to network. 

This is the season of gratitude and generosity.

In the U.S., Thanksgiving lands at the end of November. 
All month, we're pausing to reflect on everything we have.

We roll into December and give to others in the spirit of the religious holidays in the month.

Two mindsets:

• Gratitude
• Generosity

These are the most important mindsets in networking.

Gratitude grounds us appreciating what we have,
Which leads us to being generous with it and giving it to others.

Without these, you're networking with a scarcity mindset.

You're focused on what you need in the moment.
Not what you can give to others.

Your networking will be transactional and superficial.

When you're focused on gratitude and generosity,
You'll be thinking of others.

When we help others, we grow deeper relationships.

The power of reciprocity kicks in and what we put in the world comes back to us, often in multiples.

This time of year, more people are in the gratitude and generosity mindset.

More people are thinking in terms of abundance.

So, don't pack it in and stop connecting between now and the end of the year.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

What are you doing today to reach out with gratitude and generosity?

This 1-page list got me more job leads than any resume ever did.

Most people sabotage their own networking without realizing it.

They show up to meetings with good intentions.
They share their story.
They bring energy.

And then they ruin the whole thing by doing one thing:
They hand over their resume.

I used to do it, too.

Years ago, after getting laid off, I was meeting anyone who would talk to me.

I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and hoping someone, anyone, would open a door.

One day, a former colleague stopped me mid-conversation and said:

“Stop giving people your resume. Give them direction.”

That’s when I learned about something that changed everything for me:

The Target Company List.

It’s simple:
A Target Company List is a short, clear list of companies you’d love to learn more about or possibly work for.

It’s not fancy.
It’s not laminated.
But it 𝘪𝘴 specific.

And specific is what helps people help you.

Here’s why it works:

When someone asks “How can I help?”, your resume makes their brains freeze.

They don’t know what you actually want.
They don’t know who to send it to.
So nothing happens.

But if you hand them your Target Company List and ask:
“Do you know anyone at any of these companies?”

Now the answer is easy.
Yes or no.

If it’s yes, you get a warm introduction.
If it’s no, you can ask if they know anyone at 𝘴𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘳 companies.

Either way, the conversation moves forward.

The Target Company List forces you to be clear.

Clear about how someone can help you.
Clear about where you’re aiming.
Clear about what you want.

And clarity is what turns a casual chat into real momentum.

If you’re networking right now, especially after a layoff, build your list.

Bring it to your next conversation.

You’ll be surprised how many doors open when you stop handing people your resume and start giving them a map.



I'm Greg, The Introverted Networker!

I talk a lot about networking. 
And building better workplaces.

If you want to join the mission to change the way the world feels about networking,

Do one of these:
✅ Subscribe to my newsletter-click link on top of the post
✅ Leave a comment: it tells the algo you want more
✅ Share this post with your LinkedIn network

Doing these guarantees I'll be in your feed.

If starting conversations feels like the hardest part of networking, you’re not alone.

In yesterday's poll, it was the #1 networking challenge people face.

Here’s the good news:
You don’t have to start with strangers.

You can start with people who already know you.

The goal isn’t to send a perfect message.

The goal is to restart the relationship and eventually talk like real humans again.

Start simple:
“Hey, it’s been a while. How are things going?”

That’s it.

No ask.
No pitch.
No favor.
No résumé.
No “can we chat about opportunities?”

A few reminders if this still feels awkward:
• You’re not cold-messaging.
• These people already know your name.
• You don’t need a “reason.”
• A delayed reply isn’t rejection. People are busy

When they respond, try to move from online message → real conversation

Focus the conversation on them.

Be curious, not impressive.

Because networking grows most when you go from messages to conversations

If Starting Conversations is your sticking point, you’re not broken.

You’re just one message away from momentum.

Try it this week:

Pick one person from your past and send that simple line.

Then let me know how it goes.


I'm Greg, The Introverted Networker!

If you want to join the mission to change the way the world feels about networking,

Do one of these:
✅ Subscribe to my newsletter-click link on top of the post
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Doing these guarantees I'll be in your feed.

There are 3 types of people you need in your network:
+, -, and =

"+" People who are ahead of you. They have knowledge and experience you can tap into.

"-"  People who are behind you. They can benefit from your knowledge and experience.

"=" People who are even with you. They share the same challenges and successes.


It's easy to focus on the people ahead of you in your networking efforts.

Don't forget to connect with people who are even with or behind you.

Everyone can be a networking connection, if you're having great networking conversations.

And, you never know who you might help,

Or who might help you.

P.S. - If you are looking for help having great networking conversations, this week's newsletter issue is for you: https://lnkd.in/evrUMZxZ



I'm Greg, The Introverted Networker!

I talk a lot about networking. 
And building better workplaces.

If you want to become a more confident networker,

Do one of these:
✅ Hit "View my newsletter" at the top of this post
✅ Leave a comment: it tells the algo you want more
✅ Share this post with your LinkedIn network

Doing these guarantees I'll be in your feed.

Open article: Why Starting Networking Conversations Feels Hard (and How to Fix It) by open.substack.com

Why Starting Networking Conversations Feels Hard (and How to Fix It)

There are 5 types of networkers,
And you’ll probably be all of them.

The type of networker you are today won’t always be who you are tomorrow.

When you start your career, networking might mean finding mentors or your first big opportunity.

Later, it might mean becoming more visible inside your company.

And eventually, it becomes about building trust, helping others, or creating a more connected culture.

Your approach has to evolve with your career.

I’ve learned there are five main 𝘵𝘺𝘱𝘦𝘴 of networkers, and most of us move through several of them over the course of our careers:

1. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿 – getting back on your feet after a layoff or career change.
   
2. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 – doing great work, but not enough people know it.
   
3. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿-𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 – focused on helping your team or organization build trust.
   
4. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁 – highly skilled, but missing true peer connection.
   
5. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 – just getting started and figuring out where to begin.

You’ll recognize yourself in one of these right now, but that’s only your 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵.

No matter which one you are today or tomorrow,

You need an approach to networking that will support each stage of your career.

That's why I teach The Connection Loop to everyone no matter where they are in life.

Last week I taught it to a group of business owners to help them drive referrals.

Today, I'm teaching it to a group of job seekers looking for that next role.

It works for any type of networker.

Want to learn it?

I talk about it every week in my newsletter.

Not a subscriber, join for FREE today:
https://lnkd.in/ece-r3kB


I'm Greg, The Introverted Networker!

I talk a lot about networking. 
And building better workplaces.

If you want to join the mission to change the way the world feels about networking,

Do one of these:
✅ Subscribe to my newsletter-click link on top of the post
✅ Leave a comment: it tells the algo you want more
✅ Share this post with your LinkedIn network

Doing these guarantees I'll be in your feed.

Open article: The Introverted Networker | Greg-The Introverted Networker | Substack by theintrovertednetworker.substack.com

The Introverted Networker | Greg-The Introverted Networker | Substack

Think the holidays are a bad time to network?
Watch this classic holiday movie.

If you’ve ever watched “It’s a Wonderful Life,” you already know why this time of year is actually the 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 time to reconnect with people.
 
George Bailey isn’t a great networker because he’s charismatic.

He’s a great networker because he gives.
 
He shows up when others need him.
He helps the people around him.
He supports his community.
 
And when his life falls apart, those same people flood into his home to give back to him.
 
That’s how networking works.
 
You don’t need to chase strangers or make perfect small talk.

You start with the people already in your world.
You give something small and meaningful.
You make their lives a little easier.
 
Advice. Introductions. Recommendations.

Or, more simply: Encouragement.
 
When you give without expecting anything in return, people want to reciprocate.

Not instantly.
Not perfectly.
But eventually.

Often when it matters most.
 
This is why the holidays are an ideal time to reconnect.
 
People feel grateful.
They’re more reflective.
They’re more generous.
 
Reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while.
Tell them they came to mind.
Ask how their year has been.
 
You’re not “networking.”
You’re doing what George Bailey did.
You’re investing in the people around you.
 
If you give consistently, your community becomes your safety net.

And, this time of the year, is the best time to do it.

 
P.S. I'm writing about how to network during the holidays in this week's newsletter.

Not a subscriber? 

Sign up for FREE when you hit the link under my headline at the top of the post ☝️

Most people don’t hate networking.
They hate how they 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 it will feel.

They struggle because starting a conversation feels awkward.
 
Here’s a mindset shift that makes it much easier:
 
Put yourself in the other person's shoes.
 
If a former coworker messaged you today and said,

“Hey, it’s been a while. How have you been?”

You wouldn’t roll your eyes.
You’d probably feel good that they thought of you.
 
If someone at work said,
“How’s your week going?

You wouldn’t panic.
You’d answer the question.
 
And if someone asked for a small, specific favor,
You’d try to help if you could.
 
When you look at it from the other perspective,
The fear starts to fade.

You stop worrying about being judged.
You realize you’re not bothering anyone.
You’re doing something thoughtful.
 
A few simple ways to start the conversation:
 
• Online: “You came to mind this week and I wanted to see how you’re doing.”
  
• In person: “What are you looking forward to this month?”
  
• Follow-up: “I'd love to learn more about that. Want to jump on a quick call sometime next week?”
 
You don’t need perfect lines.
You just need to see the interaction through their eyes.
 
This week, try one small thing:

Message one person you haven’t talked to in a while.
Start one short conversation with someone at work.
 
If the roles were reversed, you’d appreciate it.
 
That’s why it works.

This weeks' newsletter gives you more scripts for having networking conversations. It drops tomorrow morning for my subscribers: https://lnkd.in/ece-r3kB

If networking feels awkward or exhausting, this might be why…

Have you ever felt like you should be better at networking by now?

You’re not alone, and you’re not broken.

Networking isn’t about being outgoing, confident, or perfectly polished.

It’s built on five small habits, and most of us are only doing one or two consistently.

Here's the list of the five habits:

1. Identify Who You Know: knowing which people you want to connect with
   
2. Start Conversations: reaching out in a friendly, low-pressure way
   
3. Provide Value: offering something thoughtful or helpful
   
4. Be Easy To Help: clearly sharing what you’re exploring or who you want to meet
   
5. Make It A Habit: doing it consistently, not just when you need something

This week in my newsletter, I'm sharing a 5-question self-assessment to help you see where your networking habit breaks down, and what to do about it. 

Not a subscriber? You can join here for FREE: https://lnkd.in/ece-r3kB

Now I’m curious…which stage is hardest for you right now? Tell me in the poll.

P.S. - If your answer would have been “𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗜𝘁 𝗔 𝗛𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘁,” comment below and just type 𝗛𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘁, and I'll count it in the results.

Which networking habit is hardest for you right now?

The author can see how you vote. Learn more

Roquette

Senior Legal Counsel

Corelle Brands

Private equity-backed, global glass and plastics manufacturing company and seller of the famous Instantpot with annual revenue exceeding $600M and >1,800 global employees that distributes Instant® appliances, Pyrex® glassware, Corelle® dinnerware, Snapware® storage products, Chicago cutlery and other branded consumer products.

I report to the Chief Legal Officer and CHRO and address all manner of ongoing business while preparing for, reorganizing under, and emerging from Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Review, negotiate, and manage complex commercial agreements including contracts for manufacturing and supply, SaaS, multi-million-dollar construction agreements, vendor, book publishing, social media personalities, and licensing agreements. Update corporate governance and perform corporate secretarial duties. I provide expertise in bankruptcy, including negotiating lease terminations, assumption and rejection of contracts, scheduling assets and agreements.

✦ Advise and support executive team by taking clear and decisive action while operating during bankruptcy by effectively reviewing, negotiating, and managing contracts to support the company’s ability to continue business as usual. 

✦ Completed drafting and negotiating $20M+ agreement for repair and construction of mission-critical glass furnace, preventing disruption in product manufacturing.

✦ Led global corporate name change project.

Interim Assistant General Counsel

Carus LLC

As a member of the senior leadership team, I oversaw and directed all legal operations. In this role, I planned and executed strategic initiatives aligned with the leadership team’s business plans. Also, I managed external counsel to protect the company across all legal and risk management areas.

✦ Led settlement of long-standing lawsuit alleging fraud and breach of contract by conducting risk/benefit analysis and guiding owner to settle, avoiding risk and reducing exposure.

✦ Spearheaded audit of 20+-year-old National Priority List (Superfund) site case and related insurance coverage litigation requiring examination of current strategy, review of external legal team, and environmental professionals with a highly favorable conclusion based on findings.

✦ Protected company by negotiating contract for construction of chemical manufacturing line, the largest capital investment in company history. Partnered with engineering, finance, and external counsel to expertly prepare documentation, shielding company from exposure throughout the construction lifecycle.

✦ Created systematic process for contract review, approval, and retention, significantly improving location and access.

✦ Overcame supply chain challenges during COVID-19 pandemic by leveraging legal theories (e.g., frustration of purpose and force majeure). Developed plan to renegotiate prices with suppliers and customers, and collaborated with business team to maintain profitability by communicating price increases and ensuring supply chains remained open.

Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel

GEA Farming

Reporting to the global chief legal officer in Germany and North American division president, I was appointed to lead the legal and compliance strategy and execution for the milking and dairy farming division. I was a member of the senior leadership team and was responsible for aligning all legal and compliance initiatives with corporate strategic plans.

✦ Developed settlement strategy to successfully mitigate risk and yield favorable outcomes during catastrophic failure of mission-critical robotic equipment. Created and implemented strategy to contain claims exposure by uniting cross-functional teams to solve problems and protect their work against disclosure in the context of claims and litigation. 

✦ Orchestrated government relations strategy resulting in FDA revoking red flag letter and permitting company to market new essential product, yielding millions of dollars in new revenue.

✦ Increased profitability by driving initiative to monetize service contracts and extended warranty agreements.

✦ Reduced customer claims due to premature roll-out of product line by designing and implementing new risk management program for sale and servicing of robotic milking equipment, including policies and procedures requiring all external-facing communications to be reviewed by legal, and documentation and training for new sales process.

✦ Revamped outdated document template library and mitigated future risk by bringing documents into compliance with current laws and regulations.

✦ Originated first-ever MSaaS agreement for a new product to collect, analyze, and use the aggregated data to provide herd management consultative services to individual farmers.

General Counsel and Compliance Officer, North America – Milking and Dairy Farming Division

Association of Corporate Counsel

I served as a director and member of the executive committee for the Association of Corporate Counsel, the largest in-house bar association in the world with over 45,000 members.  As a member of the Advocacy Committee, I helped shape issues of public policy relating to the professional status, regulation, and development of in-house counsel.

Board of Directors

CTS Corporation

As assistant general counsel, I managed all environmental legal matters, negotiated high-profile contracts and agreements, including vendor and sales, manufacturing, and supply contracts. I added value by conducting root cause analyses and investigations to resolve substantial issues critical to the business, in addition to assessing product liability claims.

✦ Strategized and executed plans to actively manage 15 environmental cases, including 3 Superfunds. Created a website and public relations/communications plan to share company’s current position, activities, and plans for the future.

✦ Improved process and increased efficiencies to positively impact the resolution of site remediations by developing vital relationship with EPA and key government representatives. 

✦ Oversaw contract negotiations for new enterprise resource management (ERM) system and negotiated deal with a Fortune 10 multi-national technology powerhouse.

✦ Conducted due diligence on purchase of an electronics manufacturer in Czechia, uncovering issues and saving the company from massive environmental exposure and avoidance of potential criminal liability.

Assistant General Counsel

Canon Solutions America, Inc.

I was initially hired by the North American affiliate of Océ N.V., serving from 2005 – 2013 in the wide format printing division and supported the technical services division across all 3 business units. I reported to the North American general counsel with dotted lines to the North American president of wide format, and SVP of technical services. I worked on HR and employment matters, contracts, distribution and dealership issues. Additionally, I formed pre-litigation strategies and managed litigation that, when executed, yielded positive results and protected the company across all legal matters. And, I devised budgets to ensure fiscal responsibility and ROI. In 2013, Canon acquired Océ and my responsibilities shifted to overseeing contracts. 

✦ Avoided impact of potentially catastrophic Department of Labor wage and hour audit by developing strategy and managing external counsel resulting in only minor infractions.

✦ Managed theft of intellectual property litigation. Successfully litigated discovery infractions, resulting in an award of hundreds of thousands of dollars in attorney fees. 

✦ Led end-to-end legal process to outsource IT infrastructure to third-party vendor. Sponsored and directed IT mapping project and conducted due diligence to select an email archiving solution, successfully addressing litigation concerns.

✦ Revamped outdated dealer distribution contracts and incentive program by working collaboratively with marketing and sales teams to meet requirements across all jurisdictions while avoiding anti-trust concerns, and boosting performance.

✦ Created compliance training program and conducted training sessions with special focus on sales teams to proactively avoid anti-trust. Developed programs and conducted training on mitigation of risk in the context of communication, anti-discrimination, and anti-harassment issues.

✦ Served as internal counsel for transactions involving sale of company assets and acquisition of large printing company.

Associate General Counsel, Vice President, Corporate Counsel, and Secretary

Spiegel, Inc.

In my first role with the company, I held the title of counsel (1996-2000), then was promoted to senior counsel (2000-2004) based on my performance and results. I created contract approval and management protocol to streamline massive amounts of contractual data and led contract creation and negotiation in addition to managing the trademark portfolio. During my tenure, I identified the need and developed privacy and internet merchandising practices, a new landscape for online retailing at the time.

✦ Oversaw a 600-mark trademark portfolio and all intellectual property matters, including trademark usage, obtaining and maintaining registrations, and patent litigation.

✦ Built e-commerce practice to manage websites for Spiegel Catalog, Eddie Bauer, and Newport News brands. Negotiated contracts with Amazon.com and Yahoo!, setting precedent for online partnership policies and protocols.

✦ Negotiated outsourcing agreement to collect, process, use, and protect consumer data on behalf of credit issuing bank.

✦ Established and chaired Data Privacy Committee to address privacy-related issues and legal compliance across all merchant companies and distribution channels, and to form a corporate privacy culture.

Senior Counsel

As a respected executive and trusted member of senior leadership teams, I am recognized for my ability to provide pragmatic, actionable, and meaningful legal advice at the intersection of revenue creation and risk mitigation. Throughout my career, I have provided practical business-focused counsel to key stakeholders, boards, executives, and business unit managers of multi-national public and private companies on a broad range of strategic initiatives in regulated and non-regulated industries. 

Companies and leadership teams value my ability to:

✦ actively engage with and support the interests of chief executives and boards of directors across an array of domestic and international legal domains,

✦ protect company assets and interests by establishing clear processes in partnership with sales, marketing, engineering, finance, and technology teams to reduce short-term and long-term risk exposure,

✦ form key relationships with members of government entities, including the FDA, EPA, and U.S. Congress to influence pivotal decisions and positively impact future revenues, profits, and expenses,

✦ bring a unique blend of gravitas and unwavering integrity to complex negotiations and litigations and earn the trust of colleagues through ethical leadership.

In addition to my corporate legal career, I have served on the Global Board of Directors for the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC), including on the Executive and Advocacy committees, and as the president and member of the board of directors for the Chicago chapter of the ACC.

I received my juris doctor (JD) from DePaul University and a bachelor of arts (BA) in economics from Villanova University. In my pursuit of continuing my professional development, I completed a certificate in Leadership from Darden Graduate School of Business and held a certificate as a compliance and ethics professional. I am a noted speaker, panelist, and faculty member who has delivered dozens of continuing legal education programs on a variety of topics.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Legal Strategy & Execution | Budgeting | Team Leadership | Stakeholder & Board Engagement | Contract & Agreement Creation and Negotiation | Cross-Functional Collaboration | Budgeting & Cost Management | Policy Creation & Implementation | Pre-litigation Planning | Litigation Management | Employment Law | Compliance, Governance & Regulatory | Data Privacy | Marketing | Anti-trust | Environmental Remediation | Mergers & Acquisitions | Post-Acquisition Integration | Trademarks | Intellectual Property | SaaS / MSaaS / Technology Contracts

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Greg Roche

Daniel R. Harper JD

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The Battle

Greg Roche

Daniel R. Harper JD

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Engagements

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Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Greg Roche's LinkedIn Performance

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