What Should You Post in the Chat of a Networking Meeting?

Most people type something into the chat of a virtual networking meeting without asking the only question that matters: what response do I want? That answer should drive every word they type. Instead, they just type input something in the moment, without much thought, and often never hear back from anyone.

So, think about the response you want in advance, and have your typed intro ready for your next networking meeting so you don’t miss the chance to drive interest.

Remember that the chat log of a networking meeting is not a formality. It gets shared after the event. The person who found you interesting goes back to find you there. In addition, if present, Recruiters or Hiring Managers will scan it if they are seeking specific talent. What you post is not a spoken introduction that disappears. It lives.

Here is a simple framework for what you type to introduce yourself in your next networking meeting: five things, under 40 words, followed by your contact and LinkedIn link.

1.      Who are you?

2.      What do you do?

3.      What are you seeking?

4.      How can you help others?

5.      One interesting fact or specialty.

What Does Good Look Like?

I build the operating models that carry Tier-1 banks through regulatory scrutiny and lay the foundation for lasting competitive advantage. Open to leadership and board advisory roles where the complexity is real and the stakes are high. Contact me to network around NY-based banking connections as well: www.linkedin.com/in/jsmith

In the above, it is clear what the contact does, who might hire her, and where she can offer value to a fellow job seeker (which will can stimulate meetings and generate contacts in her target sector). A risk executive or board chair reading that has an immediate reason to connect.

Here I another one that is thought provoking:

I help make large banks cozy and small for clients. Multilingual treasury sales professional with global transaction banking and payments experience. Seeking Treasury Management roles with an international focus and open to mutual network building at the C- and VP-levels in my space. www.linkedin.com/in/pvitale

In the above, "Make large banks cozy and small for clients" is memorable, specific, and human. It also signals valuable senior level contacts are available for mutual exchange. That is sure to make the right person stop scrolling and take note.

What Does Ineffective Look Like?

"Name: [Name] | LinkedIn: [link] | Industry Experience: Asset Management, Investment Banking | Core Expertise: Project Management, Client Onboarding, Operations | Objective: Seeking new career opportunities in financial services | Location: New York City"

This is a form, not an introduction. There is no voice, no value signal, nothing to act on. A hiring manager or potential contact reads this and learns only that someone is looking. So is everyone else in the room.

Then there is this:

"[City] — Happy to connect! [LinkedIn link]"

The above is a reflex, not an introduction. It tells the room nothing worth acting on.

And finally, please do not post this under your name at an executive networking event:

"How do I save the information in the chat?"

Every recruiter and hiring manager in that room will see it. The chat is professional real estate, yet the participant used it to show everyone in the room that s/he does not know how to google or ask ChatGPT how to do something.

What Next?

Hopefully your chat message opened a door. What you do next determines whether it leads anywhere.

Most executives accept the connection request and wait. Nothing happens.

This is where our Ignite Learning Platform has courses that can significantly accelerate your progress. Our AI-Powered Networking for Career Success course will help you seize opportunity. It contains modules such as The 25-Minute Meeting framework, the Give-to-Get principle, and the 7-Touches which cover why qualified executives fail to convert a good connection into a real relationship.