How do I start networking as a professional?

Start with one clear goal, clients, collaborators, a mentor, investors or your next role. Then go where people with that goal gather: small, in person events, industry meetups, or a filter-led network like Prosotto where members state what they are looking for.

Is networking better online or in person?

Both, in sequence. Use online filtering to find the right people and arrange to meet, then have the real conversation in person at an event or over a coffee. The follow-up afterwards is where the relationship actually forms.

How is Prosotto different from LinkedIn for networking?

LinkedIn is built around a public feed and follower counts. Prosotto has nothing to post: you filter to find specific professionals by location, industry and goal, and talk one to one, privately. It is designed for people who would rather have one meaningful conversation than chase impressions.

How often should I follow up after meeting someone?

Once, within 48 hours, referencing something specific from your conversation and suggesting one clear next step. If there is no reply, one gentle nudge a week later is fine, then leave it.

How to network as a professional

Professional networking works when it is specific: decide what you are looking for, find the people who match it, meet them at real events or one to one, and follow up within 48 hours. Prosotto is built around exactly that, you filter professionals by location, industry and goal, then talk privately, with no feed and no follower counts.

1. Decide what you are actually looking for

"Networking" fails when it means "meeting anyone". Pick one goal: a client, a collaborator, a podcast guest, a mentor, an investor, a hire. Every step after this gets easier because you can recognise the right person when you see them.

2. Filter instead of scrolling

Feeds show you whoever posts most, not whoever fits. On Prosotto you filter by location, industry and what people are looking for, so the shortlist is made of people who match your goal, and whose goal you might match in return. A complete profile (name, photo, industry and what you are looking for) is how the right people find you back in Discover.

3. Meet at real events

Conversations stick when there is a room around them. Browse upcoming networking events by city or topic, for example London or tech events, and see which other members are going, so you can arrange to meet before you arrive. New to events? Read how to find networking events near me.

4. Keep the first conversation small

One coffee, one call, one clear reason for talking. You are not closing anything in the first conversation; you are deciding whether there should be a second one.

5. Follow up within 48 hours

Mention one specific thing from the conversation and propose one next step. Most connections fade because nobody does this, read why most event connections fade within a week for the detail. If small talk is the hard part, our networking tips for introverts and tips for networking events will help.