TIN #145 - How I Use AI to Network (and Where I Don’t)
Fresh off two conferences, here’s my take on tech, connection, and what really matters.
I just got back from two back-to-back conferences, including the UnleashHR tech event in Las Vegas.
It was great. I moderated panels, hosted breakout sessions, and had some fantastic conversations.
But after two straight days of in-person networking?
I was wiped.
As an introvert, I know I’m not alone in feeling that.
And as someone who spends a lot of time thinking about how to make networking more doable, I couldn’t help but notice the buzz at these conferences:
AI was the topic.
Everywhere.
All the time.
So let’s talk about it:
Can AI help you network?
Yes.
Can it do your networking for you?
Absolutely not.
This issue takes about 5 minutes to read…
Before We Get Started:
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And don’t miss my weekly networking advice on my YouTube channel.
Where AI can help your networking
You don’t have to do it all the hard way.
AI is a useful assistant especially when it comes to the writing and research parts of connecting with people.
Here are some smart ways to use it:
Drafting outreach messages: Struggling with what to say in a reconnection email? AI can help you write it faster. You’ll still need to edit it to sound like you, but it’s a time-saver when you’re staring at a blank screen.
Summarizing conversations: Use an AI meeting assistant to record your calls. Then drop the transcript into ChatGPT and ask for action items, follow-up suggestions, or even a rough draft of a thank-you note.
Doing pre-connection research: Want to connect with someone you met at an event? AI can help you scan their LinkedIn profile and suggest shared interests or conversation angles making it easier to personalize your outreach.
Finding new people to connect with: You can even ask AI to find thought leaders in your industry or people writing about topics you care about. It's not perfect, but it's a helpful starting point when you're not sure who to reach out to next.
All of this can make the networking process faster and easier.
Where AI can’t help and never will
AI can write words.
But it can’t build trust.
It can’t show up for you in a hard moment.
It can’t remember that time you helped someone out, or how you made them feel seen.
It can’t be the reason they think of you when an opportunity pops up.
That only comes from real, human connection.
Conversation.
Presence.
Empathy.
Listening.
AI can assist your networking.
But it can’t be your network.
And the more we rely on tools and tech, the more powerful it becomes to be the kind of person who still shows up and talks to people.
The Bottom Line
AI is a great co-pilot.
Use it to speed up the stuff that slows you down, like drafting messages, finding conversation starters, summarizing follow-ups.
But don’t outsource your relationships.
The people who stay human in the age of AI?
They’ll be the ones everyone wants to connect with.
I learned about you from Cheryl at the Business Witch Academy. She wasn't exaggerating, you have excellent suggestions!