766: Using AI to Make Networking Easier, with Ruth Gotian

Ruth Gotian: Networking in the Age of AI Ruth Gotian is the former Chief Learning Officer and Associate Professor of Education in Anaesthesiology at Weill Cornell Medicine. Thinkers50 has ranked her the #1 emerging management thinker in the world, and she's a top LinkedIn voice in mentoring. She's the author of The Success Factor and, with Andy Lopata, The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring. Most of us recognize the value of building a better network, but we also know the time and dedication it takes. In this conversation, Ruth and I explore how we can use AI tools to do some of the administrative legwork so that we can spend more time on the real relationship-building. Key Points McKinsey reports that since the pandemic, most people’s networks have shrunk or stalled. Consider the 90/9/1 rule: 90% of people lurk in online communities, 9% interact somewhat regularly, 1% post and lead the conversation. Use AI to enhance, not replace, your communications. Invite AI to do the administrative legwork (i.e. brainstorming, proofreading) so you focus on the human aspects. Ask AI to analyze speaker and attendee lists in advance at conferences in the context of your goals. Consider being the person that puts together an in-person dinner or gathering at a conference. Use AI to help you prep questions and discover the best people to invite. Ask AI to help complete your LinkedIn profile. An All-Star LinkedIn profile makes it substantially more likely that you’ll get surfaced to others. Resources Mentioned Networking in the Age of AI by Ruth Gotian Related Episodes How to Grow Your Professional Network, with Tom Henschel* (episode 279) How to Build a Network While Still Doing Everything Else, with Ruth Gotian* (episode 591) The Key Elements of a Powerful Personal Brand, with Goldie Chan* (episode 757) Discover More Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic. To accelerate your learning, uncover more inside Coaching for Leaders Plus.