Michaela Alexis’ Post

I was chatting at a networking group on Monday, and someone asked me, “Do you only do Zoom meetings for potential clients, or do you meet for coffee?” Well, my answer was, “Whatever suits you best, but I LOVE to meet for coffee!" Of course, this isn’t possible for every potential client, especially those who aren’t local. But when it is possible, I jump at the chance! We had a great chat about why this is so important for me: 🟠Building Connections: Meeting in person gives us the chance to connect on a deeper level and get to know each other much quicker than online meetings allow. There’s something special about face-to-face interactions that video calls can’t quite replicate 🟠Reading Body Language: Your body language can say a million things! I can pick up on subtle cues that tell me what excites you, what concerns you, and how you truly feel about different topics. This helps me tailor my approach to meet your needs more effectively 🟠Relaxed Environment: Meeting in a real-life environment, often a friendly coffee shop, creates a relaxed atmosphere. We can chat casually and openly, making it easier to discuss your needs and how I can support you 🟠Right Fit: I don’t believe in the hard sell. My goal is to ensure we’re the right fit for each other. Our first coffee chat can give us a good sense of whether our working relationship will be harmonious and productive. It’s all about finding mutual alignment and shared goals 🟠Personal Touch: When we meet in person, there’s an added personal touch. It shows my commitment to investing time and effort into our potential partnership. Plus, who doesn’t love a good coffee or pot of tea?! 😄 So, whether it’s over a coffee table or a Zoom screen, I’m here to connect, understand, and help you achieve your productivity goals. If we meet up and decide we aren't the right match, we have at least made a wonderful new contact. 😉 and for a little fun fact, if we meet in real life, you'll see I have two normal-sized eyes, despite what this photo might make you think! 😂

Networking Pro-Tip: Always. Have. A. Calendar. Link. You’re connecting with someone who could help you level up your career, and they say, “Let’s find a time to chat!”—now what? Without a calendar link, it becomes a back-and-forth nightmare of “What about Tuesday at 3?” or “Can you do next Friday morning?” 😩 Having a scheduling link (like Calendly or Google Calendar) is a small but mighty move that: ➡️ Shows you’re professional and prepared ➡️ Saves both of you time ➡️ Increases the likelihood of actually locking in the meeting Bonus points if you customize it for networking! Use labels like “Informational Chat” or “Coffee Connection” to make the experience feel intentional. Your dream opportunity could be one conversation away—don’t let logistics get in the way! Do you have a calendar link ready to go? Drop your favorite tools in the comments! 👇 #NetworkingTips #CareerGrowth #CreativeCareers #Calendly #ProfessionalNetworking

It’s so frustrating to feel as though you’ve wasted your time, isn’t it? Unfortunately for a lot of people, #networking can trigger that response. Lots of pleasantries, back slapping, and what-do-you-dos, but no real results to show for your efforts. Is it any wonder people dread networking when experience shows them it’s not working? Here’s the truth. Brace yourself as this may sting a little… 💣There’s a common denominator in all of the networking you’ve done that hasn’t worked how you hoped it would. YOU. 💣 Ouch. It’s true though, isn’t it? Networking as a concept works, and there is plenty of evidence to support that. The real issue is that you haven’t quite mastered it yet. Let’s fix that. DM me or Jo for more information about Mighty Networkers. #ItsAboutTime

Face-to-face networking lunches - a lot of people loathe them. Let me tell you, they are particularly loathsome for blind people. First, you have the whole uncomfortable situation of, how do I find someone to ‘network’ with? With none of the useful visual signs as to when someone might be giving clues about being open to a chat, absorbed in an existing deep and meaningful, looking bored and desperate for a way out of their current predicament, or sending ‘don’t come near me vibes’, you kind of just have to listen out for potential targets and then muster all your grit and enthusiasm, take a chance, and jump on in! ‘Hi, my name’s Katie’ (and I’m talking to you whether you like it or not). For me, that’s on a really, really good networking day. More often, I will be found huddled in a corner of the conference room, having a one-sided convo with my dog, hoping that the lunch break wraps up sharpish. So, that’s one reason I really like LinkedIn. 😅 #Networking #NetworkingFears #NetworkingBravery #LinkedIn #BlindRealities

Today I learned a networking/small talk hack that is so simple and effective that I had to share it… The next time you find yourself in one of these situations, rather than asking the other person “So what do you do?” Instead ask… “So how did you end up in your line of work?” The answer becomes a story rather than a statement, and creates opportunity for finding greater connection. #networking #lifehack

🚨 The Networking Dilemma: Why is No One Responding? 🚨 You’ve heard it over and over: “Networking is key!” 🌐 But what happens when you send those connection requests or messages and... crickets? 🦗 You’re putting yourself out there, eager to connect, learn, and grow—but for some reason, no one’s interested in engaging. 😔 So, what’s really going on? Here’s the thing: The reason why no one is responding might not be personal. People at all levels are often swamped with messages, and sometimes, your connection request or message just gets lost in the shuffle. 📩⏳ Or maybe they’re simply in a phase where they’re not actively looking to expand their network, which has nothing to do with you. 💡 The truth is, networking isn’t always about getting an instant reply or finding an immediate opportunity. It’s a slow and steady process. It’s about showing up, offering value, and building connections little by little. Here’s why this happens: Busy schedules. Everyone’s juggling multiple tasks, projects, and personal stuff, and sometimes, networking just takes a backseat. 🏃♀️💨 Overwhelmed inboxes. Professionals often have dozens, even hundreds, of messages waiting for attention. It’s not that they’re ignoring you—they just don’t have the bandwidth to reply to everyone. 📬 Selective networking. People may be selective about who they engage with based on their current priorities or needs. This doesn’t mean your approach is wrong—it just means it’s not the right time for them. ⏰ But here’s the real question: If networking is supposed to be the key to success, then why does it feel like the door is locked? 🧐🔒 Is there something deeper at play that we’re missing? And how do we break through this invisible wall? #NetworkingStruggles #PatienceIsKey #CareerGrowth #MysteryOfNetworking #ProfessionalDevelopment #NetworkingTips #JobSearchJourney #SuccessTakesTime #UnlockTheDoor

Networking: It Takes Two to Tango, but Sometimes the Other Dancer Doesn’t Show Up We all know that networking is crucial—it opens doors, creates opportunities, and helps build meaningful relationships. But here’s a little story to remind us that networking is a two-way street—and sometimes, the traffic is... complicated. When I first started at a new company, I’d been there about a month when my manager said, “The head of our department mentioned she doesn’t really know you and wants to get to know you better.” Great! Or so I thought. Here’s the twist: I wasn’t asked to set up a meeting with her or given any structured opportunity to connect. Instead, I was told “just stop by her office from time to time to chat.” So, being the eager new hire I was, I took this advice seriously. I started popping into her office to say hi and engage in conversation. And every single time, she looked... annoyed and busy. Awkward. But I persisted. Until I realized that showing up unannounced wasn’t winning me any points. So, I figured I’d respect her time and schedule a 1:1. Smart, right? Nope. She rescheduled it over and over again—until eventually, I just gave up and cancelled it altogether. At that point, I still made a point to say hello when I saw her, but I stopped trying to engage beyond that. If this were a movie, it would end with “Not the best way to network.” Moral of the story: Networking requires effort—but it also requires reciprocity. It’s not just about reaching out, but also about others being willing to connect. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, the timing (or the vibe) just isn’t right. And that’s okay! Not every attempt will be a win, but the key is to keep showing up—for the right people. The best networks are built through mutual respect and interest, so don't get discouraged if things don’t always click. Whether it's a hallway chat or a virtual coffee over Zoom, focus on finding your people—those who value your presence as much as you value theirs. #networking #inclusivebehaviors #terex #safesupportedvalued

𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗜𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝘂𝗹, 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗔𝘄𝗸𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 Networking isn’t about “collecting connections.” It’s about building relationships that matter. Ditch the small talk and level up with these tips: 1. 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲, 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝘀𝗸
- Nobody likes the “Hi, can you help me?” message. Instead, start by offering something useful—insights, ideas, or even a genuine compliment. 2. 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘆
- 500+ connections mean nothing if you can’t name five who’d vouch for you. Invest in meaningful relationships, not vanity metrics. 3. 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲, 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀- 
Nobody remembers the person who talked nonstop about themselves. Ask smart questions and actually listen. Pro tip: People love talking about themselves—let them. 4. 𝗕𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳, 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗼𝘁
𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 “𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲.” Show up as your quirky, imperfect self. People connect with authenticity, not perfection. 5. 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵
𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀, “I’d like to add you to my network” is like handing someone a blank business card. Put in some effort. 6. 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄-𝗨𝗽 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗼
𝗠𝗲𝘁 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲? Great. Don’t ghost them. Send a quick follow-up message, share something relevant, or just say hi. Consistency is underrated. 7. 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲
𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗮 𝘀𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁; it’s a marathon. Don’t only show up when you need something. Relationships are built over time, not in emergencies. 8. 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲
𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲? Be a connector. Introduce your contacts to each other. It’s a win-win for everyone involved, and they’ll remember you for it. 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲: 𝗕𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹, 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗶𝗿𝗱. 𝗗𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗮𝘆—𝗻𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱. #RelationshipBuilding #AuthenticNetworking #ValueOverVolume #NetworkingTips #SmartNetworking #ListenMoreTalkLess #PersonalizedOutreach #FollowUpLikeAPro #LongTermConnections #BeYourself #ProfessionalGrowth #NetworkingForSuccess #BusinessConnections #EffectiveNetworking #MeaningfulConnections #NetworkingStrategy #InvestInRelationships #NetworkingIsKey #BuildingConnections #ProfessionalRelationships #NetworkingGoals #ValueDrivenNetworking

The 'Anti-Networking' Strategy: Build by Exclusion 🚫 Okay, hear me out. Ever thought about ANTI-NETWORKING? Sounds bonkers, right? But let’s dive in! 🤔 Most folks think networking is all about racking up those connections like it’s a game of Pokémon. Gotta catch ‘em all! But what if I told you the real flex is knowing who NOT to connect with? Imagine being super picky about your crew, cutting out the noise and only vibing with those who share your hustle and heart. But wait! “Isn’t that limiting my growth?” Nah fam, it’s all about that laser focus. Saying ‘no’ to the wrong peeps opens the door to those who actually lift you up. Quality > quantity, always! And here’s a hot take: “But isn’t all networking good networking?” Not really. Some connections are like energy vampires 🧛♂️—draining your vibe and distracting you from your goals. The key is building a network that fuels your fire, not dims it. Ready to level up your game? Embrace Anti-Networking and curate your circle! Drop a 🔒 emoji if you’re in for some intentional exclusion! #AntiNetworking #QualityOverQuantity #CuratedConnections #BusinessGrowthHack

“The Power of Shadows: A Networking Reflection” Tonight, I stepped into a room filled with unfamiliar faces—each a story waiting to unfold, each a puzzle piece I didn’t know I needed. This is #Networking. Some see it as a tool, a transaction. But I’ve come to realize it’s something more. It’s alchemy. Like when you meet exceptional people like Adriano Attus! In the dim buzz of conversations, I found something unexpected: not just contacts, but catalysts. Strangers who, through a simple exchange of ideas, became sources of clarity and inspiration. People with perspectives so sharp they cut through the noise. Ideas that revealed opportunities hidden in plain sight. And isn’t that the essence of real networking? It’s not about collecting business cards or titles—infact, I forgot mine… it’s about the moments when someone’s insight lights up a corner of your mind you didn’t even know was dark. It’s not just connection. It’s transformation at its finest You often think you need to conquer challenges alone. That your path is yours to walk. But during this event, I was reminded of something profound: even Batman needed Alfred, Gordon, Lucius. Allies sharpen us. Ideas ignite us. Perspectives save us. So, here’s my takeaway: The next time you enter a room full of strangers, just walk across to complete strangers and shake their hands. I just did it and, in return, I got a happy smile of someone just happy i did it. #Networking #Inspiration #Collaboration #UnconventionalWisdom