Networking Best Practices: Expert Guidance for ASAP Alliance Management Professionals

Networking remains one of the most strategic tools for alliance professionals—not just for career mobility, but for forging the cross-functional and cross-organizational relationships that are core to the discipline. A 2024 Harvard Business Review article emphasized that “weak ties”—those informal, lateral relationships—often lead to unexpected opportunities and broader influence than close internal circles.  For alliance leaders navigating matrixed environments, these extended networks can unlock new partnerships, peer learning, and innovation pathways.

LinkedIn’s 2023 research confirms that 85% of jobs are filled through networking, and in a field where trust, collaboration, and visibility are essential, relationships often become the gateway to both organizational impact and professional advancement. Additionally, strong networks help alliance managers mitigate the professional isolation that can arise in hybrid roles or geographically dispersed teams. 

In-Person Networking: Tactics That Work

• Prepare purposefully: Set clear goals before you arrive. For example: “connect with two peers from the biopharma sector.”
• Be bold, but respectful: Walk up to groups or solo attendees and introduce yourself using a question about the event as an opener.
• Master your exits: Close conversations gracefully by saying something like, “I’ve really enjoyed chatting—can I find you on LinkedIn to continue the conversation?”
• Follow up within 48 hours: Reference your conversation and suggest a next step (e.g., sharing an article or hopping on a 15-minute call) 

Online Networking: Strategic Digital Engagement

• Engage before the event: Use LinkedIn or event platforms to connect early, especially with speakers or session leaders.
• Post-event presence: Share session insights or key takeaways, and tag fellow attendees. This builds visibility and reinforces your expertise.
• Micro-engagements: Suggest short post-event video chats to deepen high-value connections without heavy time investments.

Optimizing LinkedIn for Networking

• Headline & summary: Your headline should blend your role and your intention, e.g., “Partnership Executive | Engaging at 2025 ASAP BioPharma Conference.”
• Complete your profile: LinkedIn reports that users with complete profiles receive 40x more opportunities.
• Thoughtful messaging: When sending a connection request, personalize the message with details about where you met or what topic you discussed.
• Post-event posting: Share your conference learnings in a LinkedIn post to further expand your reach and invite conversation.

For Newcomers: Getting Started with Confidence

• Set small, achievable goals: For example, meet three people in your interest area or ask one speaker a question.
• Volunteer when possible: Assisting at events can organically increase your exposure to speakers, staff, and fellow attendees.
• Target smaller formats: Roundtables or breakout sessions tend to be less intimidating and more interactive.
• Find shared ground: Ask, “How did you get started in the field?” to invite storytelling and commonality.

For Introverts: Networking Without the Burnout

• Small-scale interactions: Find quiet corners or informal settings like coffee stations for more manageable exchanges.
• Prepare openers: Arm yourself with 2–3 prompts that aren’t “what do you do?” (e.g., “What sessions are you excited about?”).
• Use your strengths: Introverts are often exceptional listeners—a highly valuable trait in networking.
• Recharge between sessions: Build breaks into your schedule to avoid overstimulation.

ASAP Event Specific Strategies

• Map your plan: Review the event agenda and identify high-potential networking sessions in advance. Roundtables and community receptions are ideal touchpoints.
• Do your homework: Review bios of key speakers, awardees, or thought leaders. Note one question or compliment to use in person.
• Practice purposeful engagement: Instead of chatting with whomever you bump into, seek out people working on challenges relevant to your goals.
• Post-event: keep the door open: After the event, stay connected with a thoughtful message that references your ASAP interaction.

Tracking the Impact

• Set a metric: E.g., “Establish one mentor” or “connect with five potential collaborators.”
• Use a follow-up system: A basic spreadsheet or CRM tool can help you log names, touchpoints, and next steps.
• Monitor outcomes: Are your new contacts turning into invitations, learning opportunities, collaborations, or referrals?