2025-03-02
Hello, world! Welcome back to your digital landing page for all things advice, innovation, and insider tips you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re new here—hi, I’m Tanu (Tanmya) Tripathi, your digital supporter who's dabbled in a bit of everything! From building tech products to building relationships, one thing I’ve learned? Networking is an actual superpower.
Now, full transparency, I'm still experimenting with different networking methods for different events. However, I’ve spent years refining the way I approach networking, whether it’s in tech, content, or high-stakes rooms where everyone seems to know each other already. These are the exact strategies that have helped me build connections, land opportunities, and put myself in spaces I once thought were out of reach.
Because let’s be real—talking to people is hard. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a room full of tech executives, fashion editors, or the next wave of startup founders. Sometimes, it feels like everyone already knows each other, and you're left standing there, not really even knowing where to start!
The good news? Networking isn’t about being the loudest or the most outgoing person in the room. It’s about connection—real connection. And these five GATEKEPT tips are what you NEED to bring with you next time you’re trying to build relationships that actually last:
1. Seek first to understand, THEN respond.
Here’s the truth: most people listen just to respond. But the best networkers? They listen to understand first.
When you’re meeting someone new, don’t spend the conversation thinking about what you’ll say next—actually absorb what they’re telling you. Ask thoughtful follow-up questions. React in a way that shows you get them. It makes people feel heard, and trust me, nothing is more memorable than someone who makes you feel like you matter.
And the bonus? When you truly understand where someone is coming from, your responses will be ten times more impactful.
2. Be ready to RELATE.
You know what instantly makes a conversation feel effortless? Common ground.
The best networkers don’t just introduce themselves and hope for the best. They find connection points—whether it’s a shared experience, a similar career journey, or even something as simple as OMG, did you see how fast those chocolate croissants disappeared? (Seriously, food is always a safe topic.)
If you want to make an impression, don’t just talk about yourself. Find ways to bridge the conversation and make the other person feel like you get them. Because when people feel seen, they remember you.
3. Eye contact = confidence AND intentionality.
I get it—eye contact can be intimidating. But it’s one of the easiest ways to build instant trust.
Holding eye contact (without GLARING into their soul, obviously) signals three things: confidence, attentiveness, and genuine interest. These are the exact traits that make people want to keep talking to you.
If eye contact makes you nervous, practice softening it. Instead of locking in on someone’s pupils, look at the space between their eyes—it still creates the same effect but feels way less intense.
Bonus tip: thanks to a @diaryofaceo video, I learned that if you are telling a story or recounting something, it's completely natural to gaze off and avoid eye contact. BUT! The catch is the ENDING of your sentences, in those cases. When you can make eye contact while simultaneously ending your sentences, you're being punchy and creating impact!
It all makes a difference! Try your best to maintain eye contact the next time you're in conversation, and see how the dynamics change.
4. Label before you ask (instant connection hack).
This one? Nobody talks about it enough. But it makes a huge difference.
When you ask someone a question, first acknowledge what they just said. It validates their experience and makes them feel like you actually heard them.
Example:
🚫 “Oh cool, so what made you want to do that?”
✅ “That’s amazing that you’ve done that! With that said, I’m wondering more about your XYZ.”
See the difference? Instead of immediately shifting the conversation, you’re recognizing what they said first. And that little moment of validation? It makes people feel valued before you even ask for more information.
5. Mirror body language (psychology hack!).
Have you ever noticed that when you’re really engaged in a convo, you subconsciously start mimicking the other person’s movements? Do this on purpose.
If someone gestures a lot, lean into it. If they have a relaxed posture, match it. Mirroring body language creates instant familiarity, and people naturally feel more comfortable with those who move like them.
It’s a subtle but powerful way to establish rapport, and the best part? You don’t even have to say a word.
Final Thoughts
Networking isn’t about being the most impressive person in the room—it’s about being the person people want to keep talking to. And that comes down to making real connections.
These five strategies have helped me build genuine relationships in tech, content, and beyond. Soon enough, I'll keep y'all updated on how I apply these in my day-to-day -- the next time I go to a networking event or gala, be sure to stay tuned at @yourstudentsupporter on all socials!
Thank you so much for reading. Here's to the next article! And until then... HAPPY NETWORKING!