Networking approach for building personal relationship with consultants

Question

Hi all, I would like to seek advice on networking appraoch.

I will re-apply MBB in 1-2 years. As a result, I am thinking of building personal connection with current consultants in the firms. Different from traditional cold mailing approach, which is a number's game and is faster and more efficient, I would like to take a longer term approach to build personal connections.

Other than referral from friends, are there any ways to build connections more naturally? Since I have just started working at my new firm, I would prefer taking a more neutral approach, knowing the consultant in person instead of asking for referral. (For instance, maybe asking the consultant out for coffee and exchange some thoughts on specific topics or industries?)

Thank you for your suggestion!

Answer 1

Hi,

To have a more natural networking my suggestion is to find common interest and activities with people from the firms.

Example that I can give in Indonesia there is an extracurricular social impact activities that is run by Consultants from BCG, Bain and Strategy& and they met every saturday to discuss projects and progress. This is totally independent and got nothing to do with the firm.

Another option is you can initiate something like that starting with friends from the MBB.

Having said that contacting the people in MBB just because you are interested to apply to their firm also not something that is unusual. MBBs need people and they will value every single potential applicants.

Answer 2

Hey,

This is great! And, honestly, this is the way networking should be done.

Networking is much more about building longer-term relationships.

For that, I recommend the following:

1) Build relationships naturally in life....people know if you're schmoozing them because of their position...if you're asking consultants in your office for company because you want to use them, they'll know. Just be "normal" and pro-active in relationships!

2) Networking events are 100% the way to rapidly build connections. Any sort of conference, event, etc you should definitely jump on!

Answer 3

Hi,

I should say I really like your approach.

Having good connections with current MBB consultants is important and your interest to build networking in a natural way should be appreciated.

What you can do is attending:

specific offline events,
breakfast networking,
speaking engagements.

In other words, look for local networking events or ask your peers if they are aware of such.

Another quick tip:

be honest and be yourself.

Your motivation is understandable. Getting in touch with MBB consultants has to be a great start.

Do you need any further help?

GB