Conversations starters: Expand your professional network

You understand the benefits of reaching out to a mentor; nevertheless, when it’s time to take action, you’re unsure of how to make first contact with someone on Élo. To make your life easier, we’ve put together a few examples of conversation starters.

Feel free to adapt these to your goals and needs! Also, you’re welcome to try out our message generator to start a conversation that aligns perfectly with your situation.

1) Cultivate a wider network

"Hello Ms. Chawan,

My company recently made me Senior Consultant for Philanthropic Development. Given that this is a brand-new position, I foresee many exciting challenges. During my studies in philanthropy, I learned that cultivating a robust network is very important. With that said, I'm just starting out in my field (following a restructuring) and am not exactly sure how to begin acquiring these crucial contacts. Do you have any tips? "

2) Have a coffee with a colleague

"Hello Marek,

Having been in the business talent acquisition for two years, I’ve developed a fairly extensive network of contacts (I’m of the mind that in our line of work, there’s no such thing as too many connections). I don’t often encounter people with experience in this field, which is why your profile stood out to me. Would you be interested in grabbing a coffee somewhere nearby?"