Danzger Group - Igniting Finance and Tech Careers

Are you finding it really hard to achieve your career objectives? Getting a job or transitioning out of what that doesn’t suit you. Or maybe you need to improve your current work situation?

I’m the solution. I help you land a gratifying, rewarding job or internship matched to your strengths and interests and to succeed in your career. I do this through one-on-one coaching and advising with a holistic, design-oriented approach.

I help you get off the hamster wheel of simply constantly applying to jobs and hearing crickets. I teach you how to supplement those applications with networking in a way that doesn’t feel cringey.

We’ll start by ensuring that you have some clarity on what you might like to do. It’s better to take a moment to reflect on where your strengths and interests might best be applied than to start randomly applying to jobs.

I ensure that your career documents (resume, LinkedIn, and cover letter) are in great shape.

I help you land and prepare for meetings and interviews.

I help you with the important, yet often-overlooked, things that many career coaches don’t consider, like evaluating and negotiating job offers and getting off on the right foot in a new job.

In short, I help you:

• Identify your strengths and passions to suggest career direction
• Create materials to present themselves in the most attractive light (e.g., resume, LinkedIn profile, cover letter)
• Learn how to build and grow your professional network to help land a job
• Master meeting and interviewing skills
• Understand how to evaluate and negotiate offers
• Succeed in the workplace with an early action plan

LEARN MORE

MY FREE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER: https://go.danzgergroup.com/newsletter
REQUEST A FREE CAREER SOLUTIONS CALL: https://www.calendly.com/danzgergroup/15min
TESTIMONIALS: https://www.danzgergroup.com/home#Testimonials
EMAIL: neil@danzgergroup.com

Career Coach and Advisor

I uplevel your career documents so you get more interviews and offers.

In today’s busy world, people who read your resume and LinkedIn profile give them quick scans. They must be concise and demonstrate what you can do for your next employer.

I transform your resume from a laundry list of roles and responsibilities to compelling, quantified accomplishments and achievements that make people stand up and take notice. 

When I’m through, you’ll not only have a polished resume, LinkedIn profile, and cover letter, but you’ll be better prepared in meetings and interviews when you see how I’ve communicated you to others in writing.

LEARN MORE

MY FREE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER: https://go.danzgergroup.com/newsletter
REQUEST A FREE CAREER SOLUTIONS CALL: https://www.calendly.com/danzgergroup/15min
TESTIMONIALS: https://www.danzgergroup.com/home#Testimonials
EMAIL: neil@danzgergroup.com

Resume Writing and LinkedIn Optimization

I’ll make you a pro at acing interviews and networking meetings. This translates to more offers.

I share the principles and techniques that help you truly connect during a conversation. 

You’ll learn how to master the art of storytelling, effectively demonstrating what you can do for your next employer, and building stronger personal connections that instill trust.

I’ll conduct a mock interview with you and provide you with detailed, useful feedback so you can up your game.

Interview Preparation

If you’re generally happy in your current role, but you’d like to address issues that you feel prevent you from being the most effective, productive, and satisfied, I can help. I can coach you, asking you questions you never thought of to unlock insights. Despite a common misconception, coaching is about much more than remediation. It’s about making strides through continuous reflection and improvement.

Executive Coach

TechCXO

Offered strategic CFO/COO services (on-demand/fractional, interim, and project-based engagements) to technology-intensive companies nationwide. Areas of focus included investment management/fintech, SaaS, big data, AI, and machine learning. Helped companies that might not otherwise have the scale to afford a full-time strategic CFO for capital raising, increasing revenue, entering new markets, and profitability improvement.

Partner

Rebar Systems, LLC

One of four founders who grew the firm from startup to a team of 60 and double-digit millions in revenue.

Established and managed finance, administration, and operations (FA&O) processes. Spearheaded human resources/benefits, legal, international operations, compliance, risk management, & real estate.

Helped secure private investments from three of the world's largest hedge funds. Crafted and negotiated financing, teaming, intellectual property (IP), and client agreements.

Rebar Systems’ core expertise is providing financial institutions such as hedge funds, brokers, and banks with software, IT consulting/integration services, and support of high performance trading and transaction management systems. Systems include execution management systems (EMS) and order management systems (OMS.)

Chief Financial Officer and Co-founder

Miami International Holdings, Inc.

Senior Vice President focusing on operations and finance for the IT group of a well-funded startup involved in a massive systems development effort to serve the capital markets

Senior Vice President

Front Row Electronics, LLC

Founded a consumer electronics e-commerce business.  Subsequently sold ownership interest.

Owner

RiverEdge Capital Partners LLC

Primary responsibility for tech sector investments in a concentrated long/short equity hedge fund

Hedge Fund Analyst

US Trust

Managing Director, Growth Equity Group
Co-managed $1 billion in large/mid cap growth equities. 

• Gathered assets, winning numerous new mandates, ranging from $2 million to $75 million, from individuals, institutions, as well as clients of intermediaries.
• Conducted investor seminars, appeared on television (e.g., Bloomberg TV), and was quoted in the financial press (e.g., Barron’s.)
• Demonstrated strong investment performance during tenure.
• Refined the team’s buy/sell disciplines and introduced advanced valuation techniques (e.g., Credit Suisse HOLT), leading to improved risk-adjusted returns.
• Served on the firm’s Portfolio Policy Committee, establishing firm-wide investment policy.

Managing Director/Portfolio Manager

Morgan Stanley

Research Analyst, Telecommunications Equipment ('94-'97); Computer Hardware/Software ('92-'94)

• Ranked #3 among Telecom Equipment analysts in 1997 Greenwich Associates research poll.
• Ranked #4 among Morgan Stanley research analysts in stock picking (1996).
• Involved in seven IPOs (including one of the largest U.S. IPOs ever) and two follow-on offerings, transactions representing almost $4 billion.
• Contributed to The Internet Report by Mary Meeker.  HarperCollins, 1996.

Equity Research Analyst

🔥 Igniting Tech & Finance Careers | Getting You the Role and Compensation You Deserve | (Learn How to Get More Interviews and Offers. Click On The Video Link Below.) ⬇️

Face it. There are few things as trying as being in a job you don’t like or searching for a job.

Both of these situations are often accompanied by restlessness, frustration, and anxiety.

How happy would you be to achieve your career goals and find meaningful, sustaining work that energizes you?

You CAN find your dream position when armed with the methodology to establish or confirm career direction and effectively execute a job search. Or, if you’re in a position that suits you, but you are confronting some obstacles, you may very well be able to improve your situation.

Hi, I’m Neil. I’m proud to have helped many people land exciting jobs and internships and improve their work situations. I’m happy to do the same for you.

My career has been largely at the intersection of finance, operations, and technology. I've run HR for the eight-figure revenue tech startup I co-founded, having hired 100 people, interviewed 500 people to find them, and reviewed thousands of resumes during my career. This follows earlier experience at big companies like Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs and several startups.

Let me shepherd you in your career so you can be prepared to face any work situation confidently.

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"I’m thrilled with the work Neil did with me on my resume, LinkedIn profile, and cover letter. The process was efficient and painless! Neil drew out my accomplishments and achievements and made them pop on my resume. He helped me revise my LinkedIn profile, including a headline and an About section that allow my personality to shine through. He also composed a crisp, customized cover letter with me. If you’re looking for help with your career materials, you can count on Neil.

- Karen S., managing director

⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Neil will help get you focused and organized in no time at all. I particularly appreciated his help and guidance on my LinkedIn profile which is now showing up in many more searches.

– Global portfolio manager at a premier asset manager

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

While working with Neil on interview prep, he consistently served as a helpful voice, reminding me of what recruiters and prospective employers are really looking for. He makes himself extremely accessible to his clients as well. I highly recommend his services for anyone who is going through a job search or career pivot. 

– Eric K., operations manager, Arch

💡 Visit my Featured section to watch my introduction video and learn how to get more interviews and offers.

https://www.DanzgerGroup.com
neil@danzgergroup.com

Neil Danzger, CFA

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:
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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:
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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
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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

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Neil Danzger, CFA

Greg Roche

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The Battle

Neil Danzger, CFA

Greg Roche

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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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