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This Week in Networking!

8 Networking Sequences You’re Not Using (But Should Be), Plus Events and News You’ll Love! ♥️

Finally, that new year new me BS feeling has arrived! I hope you all enjoyed the holidays.

As for me, I’ve been working on my 2025 goals and shaking things up when it comes to the GTM strategy for BLKBOOK. Instead of branching out into multiple industries, we’ve made the decision to focus this year entirely on the startup industry. So, you can look forward to more hyper-targeted events, workshops, content, and resources that are more in line with what founders, investors and entrepreneurs are looking for.

That’s not to say we won’t be branching out into other industries, we will in year 2-4 but for now, our events and content will be a little bit more specific like our upcoming event: Vision to Venture: Connecting pre-seed and seed-stage startups building in AI/ML/Deep Tech with top investors.

But, don’t worry-we’ll still curate a list of industry-specific networking events and educational workshops that we find on the interwebs each week to maintain the integrity of this newsletter. 😉

Here’s what’s cooking today:

  • 13 net-fests & workshops you might be interested in 🤝

  • High-school dropouts skipping college to climb the career ladder, video selfies becoming the new resume, and networking as your only lifeline in an economy on the edge—welcome to the wild new world of work! 🗞

  • 8 Networking sequences you can copy and use right now! 🤓

  • Share your networking story!!! We want to hear it 📢

  • How I can help you grow 🚀

Events This Week!👇

📌 Monday December 30

📌 Tuesday December 31

📌 Wednesday January 1

📌 Thursday January 2

📌 Friday January 3

📌 Saturday January 4

For Entertainment Purposes 🤡

News You Can Actually Use 📰

🧑‍💻 AI Is Taking Over Workplaces in 2025. Networking Might Save You
With AI automating tasks faster than you can say “chatbot,” professionals need to double down on networking to stay ahead. Building strong connections now could be the safety net you’ll wish you had when AI agents move in.

🍿 Eventbrite’s Financial Drama Could Be the Next Netflix Series
From high hopes to rough seas, Eventbrite’s stock performance feels like a cliffhanger no one asked for. The once-thriving event platform is now leaving investors wondering if it’s time to exit stage left—or hold out for a second act.

🎥 LinkedIn Wants You to Become the Spielberg of Self-Promo
Jamé Jackson says short-form video is your new best friend for personal branding. Forget lengthy posts; it’s time to charm your connections with bite-sized brilliance. Bonus points if you nail the lighting and don’t accidentally film your cat knocking over your coffee.

🌎 BlueSky Takes on Twitter with Global Trending Topics
BlueSky is rolling out global trending topics, and yes, it’s a direct jab at Elon’s bird app. If you’re tired of doomscrolling Twitter, this might be your cue to jump ship and beta-test BlueSky’s quieter, trendier vibes.

📻 Roads That Sell You Stuff While You Drive Are Now a Thing
Why just drive when your car can serenade you with ads for fast food? New audio tech is turning highways into interactive billboards, because apparently silence wasn’t golden after all.

💰 Skipping College Is the New Power Move
The traditional degree is losing its shine as more people skip college and dive straight into careers. With skills-based success on the rise, the only thing you’ll regret is not starting sooner.

O’ Down the Rabbit Hole 🐇

Last week, I gave you the ultimate networking automation tool list. One of the most common features you’ll find across the board in each one of them are sequences. They’re primarily used for sales outreach but you can use them for a variety of networking purposes. Some are standalone and others integrate with Linkedin.

Here are the most common ones you can build for networking with text you can actually copy! 😉

  1. Reconnecting with Existing Contacts
    Day 1: Reconnect Message 
    Hi [Name], it’s been a while since we last caught up. I saw [specific update about them] and wanted to reconnect. How have you been?

    Day 2: Value Add
    By the way, I came across [resource, event, article] and thought it might interest you. Let me know if it’s helpful!

    Day 10: Invite to Engage
    Would love to catch up—how’s your availability next week for a quick coffee or virtual chat?

Pro Tip: Use tools like LinkedIn notifications or newsletters to stay updated on their achievements or activities.

  1. Building New Relationships
    Day 1: Introduction
    Hi [Name], I came across your profile and was impressed by [specific detail]. I’d love to connect and learn more about [shared interest or field].

    Day 4: Thank You Message
    Thanks for connecting! I’m curious—what’s been your biggest focus recently? I’d love to explore ways we can support each other.

    Day 7: Share Value
    I saw this [resource/event/tool] and thought of you—it aligns with [shared interest]. Let me know what you think!

    Day 14: Suggest Collaboration
    Have you ever considered [collaboration idea]? I’d love to chat about how we could potentially work together.

Pro Tip: Personalize messages by mentioning mutual connections or shared goals.

  1. Event Follow-up (my personal favorite)
    Day 1: Thank You Message
    Hi [Name], it was great meeting you at [event name]! I really enjoyed our conversation about [topic]. Let’s stay in touch!

    Day 3: Resource Share
    I remembered our chat about [topic] and wanted to share this [resource/tool]. It could be helpful for [specific purpose].

    Day 7: Proposal to Connect Further
    Let’s take our conversation further—are you available for a quick call or coffee next week? I’d love to hear more about your work.

Pro Tip: Use LinkedIn to tag them in posts related to the event for added engagement.

  1. Mutual Connection Introduction
    Day 1: Intro Message
    Hi [Name], I noticed we’re both connected with [mutual connection]. I’ve heard great things about your work and wanted to reach out.

    Day 3: Contextual Engagement
    I saw your recent post about [topic]—it really resonated with me. Have you considered [suggestion or question]?

    Day 7: Follow-Up with Purpose
    Since we have [mutual connection], I’d love to explore potential ways we can collaborate. Would you be open to a quick chat?

Pro Tip: Ask the mutual connection for a warm introduction if applicable.

  1. Sharing Opportunities with Your Network
    Day 1: Opportunity Offer
    Hi [Name], I came across [opportunity] and thought it might be perfect for you. Let me know if you’d like more details!

    Day 5: Follow-Up to Confirm Interest
    Did you get a chance to review the [opportunity]? I’m happy to make an introduction or provide more context.

    Day 10: Continue the Conversation
    If this isn’t the right fit, I’d love to hear about other areas where I can support you. Let’s stay in touch!

Pro Tip: Keep a running list of opportunities aligned with your network’s interests.

  1. Checking in with Key Contacts

    Day 1: Casual Check-In

    Hi [Name], it’s been a while! How’s everything going with [specific aspect of their work or life]?

    Day 7: Offer Help

    By the way, if there’s anything I can do to support you—whether it’s [specific type of help]—don’t hesitate to ask.

    Day 14: Invite for Catch-Up

    It’s been great catching up virtually—let’s set up a time to chat more. How’s your availability next week?

Pro Tip: Use a CRM to track check-in frequency for your top contacts.

  1. Asking for Support or Referrals

    Day 1: Specific Ask

    Hi [Name], I hope this finds you well! I’m currently [specific goal or project] and thought you might have insights or know someone who could help.

    Day 5: Clarify Ask

    Just following up on my previous message—I’m looking for [specific details]. Let me know if you’d like more context!

    Day 10: Gratitude + Broad Inquiry

    Thank you for considering! If this isn’t within your scope, I’d love to hear how I can support your goals as well.

Pro Tip: Be specific about your ask to make it easier for others to help.

  1. Nurturing Passive Contacts

    Day 1: Light Engagement

    Hi [Name], I realized it’s been some time since we last spoke. How have things been with [specific area of their work or life]?

    Day 5: Share an Update

    On my end, I’ve been working on [update]. Let me know if you’d like to collaborate or hear more!

    Day 10: Close with Value

    I recently came across [resource] and thought it might be valuable for you. Let’s reconnect soon!

Pro Tip: Use social media engagement (likes, comments) to warm up contacts before reaching out.

Share your Networking Success Story! 🌟

Did someone in your network hook you up with your dream job, land you that big client, or make the intro that changed everything? We want the juicy details!

We’re on the hunt for inspiring, funny, or downright surprising stories about how networking opened doors and catapulted you to success. Think of it as your chance to brag—humbly, of course. 😉

What’s in it for you?
✔️ Showcase your story to a professional audience.
✔️ Build your personal brand and credibility.
✔️ Inspire others to invest in their networking efforts.
✔️ Free BLKBOOK event ticket.

How to Apply?
• Share a brief overview of your story.
• Include how your network played a key role.
• Submit your story here.

We’ll feature select stories in our newsletter and upcoming events. This is your chance to highlight the connections that made a difference and inspire others to start building their own.

Don’t be shy—your story could inspire someone else to make their next big move (and let’s be honest, we all love a good success story). 🚀

How I Can Help You Grow 🚀

  1. Hire me as your Fractional CMO. Not only can I help develop your growth strategy, align marketing and sales teams, and develop customer journey maps, I can also create and execute high-impact campaigns, audit your tech stack and make sure you’re leveraging the right data to measure success.

  2. Generate Leads through BLKBOOK Events. When you sponsor an industry-specific virtual speed networking event, I handle the outreach and set up targeted campaigns to get your ideal customers to show up. Then, you can hand-pick who you want to meet face-to-face with.

  3. Earn Commission & Shared Revenue. Want to attend BLKBOOK events for free and get paid? Become an affiliate and start earning commissions on ticket sales and sponsorship referrals.

  4. Hire me as your Virtual Event Consultant. From a small half day summit to a full 5 day conference, I’ve organized, managed and produced a variety of virtual events. I can help with sourcing speakers, running tech checks, marketing and even hiring additional production assistants.

Interested in working together? Let’s connect!👇