What are some of the best platforms or tools to connect with other professionals in your industry?

Super helpful questions as preparation to this type of meeting. Important to show up prepared and show you put in the work to get that information on your own. - write down all questions - Google, or research the answers in any way you can, and write down main learnings - come only Wes questions that you did not find answers to - show you came prepared show your questions and the answers you’ve already received, but then use the time to ask the remaining questions

I wouldn't say that you should network for feedback. That sounds transactional. Instead, join relevant communities. Discord, similar to Slack, has many fantastic communities that often have a dedicated channel for providing feedback. You can post a question on those channels, and someone will respond with a helpful answer. People want to help, and many of them actively follow the feedback channels to offer help whenever they can.

When I am able to make time for it, I find Lunchclub (which describes itself as an AI superconnector), a good way to (e)meet people I would not usually cross paths with in my personal or professional life.

I like to search events that could have valuable relevant Netwerk on Eventbrite. It’s a great place to look for both online, as well as IRL events and come to connect with like-minded people or around a specific topic.

LinkedIn is a leading platform where networking is not only expected but encouraged. With over 900 million LinkedIn members, you're only a few degrees of separation from millions of professionals who could change your career. Given the social element of LinkedIn, something as simple as leaving a comment on someone's post is sometimes all it takes to spark a new professional relationship. You can also ask people in your existing network for introductions to their connections which is one of the most effective ways to expand your LinkedIn network. To take your LinkedIn networking a step further, consider investing in a Premium account to receive InMail credits which allow you to message nearly anyone on the platform without being connected.

I have found genuine curiosity goes a long way - some of my most rewarding relationships have started from a place of wanting to know more about people's lives and careers. I interview and write profiles of the amazing professional women I come across, and one of my first questions is always if they imagined themselves in the current career they are in. I have learned an incredible lot from that one question, and I find that it can be asked at any level.

I like to come prepared both with the focus of what I’m looking for, but also have an ask in case the person I connect with shows openness to support and help me grow.

As our days get busy, it is possible to forget about a promise or someone that you’ve met only once briefly if this is an important connection, put a reminder with their contact details easily at hand on your calendar. This way you’ll be able to quickly follow up and have no excuses to do so.

Mentor Makers, operated by The Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, is an amazing free mentor-matching platform for aspiring entrepreneurs or experts who want to share their knowledge and provide feedback to as many people as possible. I've met incredible people through this program and would highly recommend it if you're looking for feedback or would like to provide one for someone else.