No-Networking Network
There's 1 billion LinkedIn users. Who are the most valuable five for you?
Fancy speaking to an Aussie about your network and making new connections to expand it?
That’s not speaking to me. It’s speaking with Boardy.
No-Networking Network-Building: As easy as sliding into Boardy’s DMs
Boardy1 is an AI-powered networking platform designed to facilitate professional connections.
Simon Schmincke2 of Creandum, explains why the early stage VC-firm has invested in Boardy3:
“In my 15 years in venture, I’ve never seen anything like it. While we regularly encounter incredible companies and founders, Boardy left me speechless. Within an hour, all of our partners had connected with Boardy and received calls. We were convinced we had to invest without seeing a pitch deck or even speaking to a human! Could this be the first autonomous AI fundraise?”
Networking that Works
Boardy acts as an AI super connector that helps professionals make strategic introductions, such as:
Connecting CEOs with compatible CTOs
Introducing founders to potential investors
Key features include:
Real-time connection suggestions
Automated professional matchmaking
Networking facilitation through AI technology
It’s a new form of networking. There’s not a business card, canapé, or awkward conversation in sight.
The platform operates through LinkedIn, with users agreeing to their Privacy Policy and Terms when engaging with the service. Boardy emphasises rapid, targeted professional introductions, and so positions itself as an intelligent networking assistant that can quickly broker meaningful business connections.
Working the Net: Other Networking Platforms
Several other AI-powered networking platforms exist in the professional space, offering services beyond recruitment (for that, check out Melbourne-based Polynize4):.
Here are some examples:
CEO Hangout5: Matches executives based on goals, industries, and skills, providing curated networking opportunities and a secure Slack-based community for collaboration.
Osmos6: Uses AI to match executives based on specific business needs and goals.
Linked AI7: Focuses on professional networking and career growth with intelligent matchmaking and profile optimisation.
These AI-powered platforms are transforming how professionals connect and collaborate.
Generative AI: From Fun to Competitive Edge
AI can be fun to explore, yet its true value lies in leveraging it to secure a competitive edge. Achieving this requires a closer look at what is working, who it is working for, and how to make it work for us.
1. What’s Working
Boardy is certainly easy to use, requiring only an internet connection and a phone. A direct message to Boardy on LinkedIn results in a phone call from the Boardy bot. Through this discussion, the Boardy AI facilitates introductions, sending follow-up emails with the details.
2. Who is It Working For?
Anyone, anywhere, with internet access and a phone. Entrepreneurs or professionals who need to expand their network for commercial outcomes stand to benefit the most.
3. How to Make It Work for Us?
Theoretically, almost anyone in the world is already accessible. There are 5.55 billion active internet users globally, and LinkedIn alone has 1 billion members across more than 200 countries and territories8.
It’s easy to collect LinkedIn connections - a vanity metric (a number that looks impressive but lacks substance) like the count of connections and followers. Yet, these numbers don’t necessarily reflect a network that contributes to achieving commercial targets and outcomes. Key is to focus on value metrics, which measure the effectiveness and quality of your connections in achieving specific outcomes, such as referrals, collaborative projects, or revenue generated from the network.
Using Boardy or another AI-based networking platform, the risk lies in gathering more contacts without achieving smarter, easier, or more sustainable commercial outcomes.
“Your social capital - your ability to form and use connections with others - is the
most valuable currency you have in today’s world.”
- Herminia Ibarra, professor at London Business School, from Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader.
Who Are the Right Connections?
The ideal network depends on what you want to achieve. If your goal is international business growth, consider:
Business Targets: Identify individuals aligned with your specific international business objectives. Who can help you achieve investment, income, ideas, implementation, intelligence, insights, introductions, and influence?
Network Gaps: Assess your current network. What expertise or connections are missing? Look for emergent areas of expertise, geographic markets with potential, and upcoming leaders.
Building Influence: Verne Harnish, author of Scaling Up, highlights the importance of including influential individuals in your network to support business scaling.
Mutual Value: Networking should be underpinned by mutual benefit. What can you offer that would make others value having you in their network?
What’s Next?
If you were to speak to Boardy, who are the five people you’d aim to connect with in the next month?
Unsure? Learn to identify and engage your “Fast Five” - the key people in your global network who can unlock opportunities, overcome barriers, and drive results. While AI can connect you, this session will help you pinpoint who you need to in your networking to succeed on a global scale. No painful networking included.
You’ll be speaking with an actual Aussie 👋.
Join me: [link here]
Thanks info Sophie. Did you try using Boardy?