When we think about networking, we are often told that it’s primarily about gaining access to exclusive circles, top-tier schools, and elite business networks. There’s a prevailing notion that if you didn’t attend a prestigious private school or an Ivy League institution, your network might be inherently limited. However, I have realized that meaningful connections don’t come from privilege; they come from authenticity. 🤝

In my own journey, I’ve connected with people from all walks of life—some from well-known institutions, yes, but many others from completely different backgrounds. Old schoolmates from a definitely non-elite government school in India. Friends I played table tennis with years ago. Colleagues from different jobs. People I met through shared interests, casual conversations, or even chance encounters. And over time, these connections have become some of the most valuable relationships in my life—not because of their backgrounds but because of the trust, support, and mutual respect we’ve built. 🌍

The truth is, real networking isn’t about proximity to power or wealth. It’s about genuine relationships. Here’s what I’ve learned about meaningful networking:

• Give without expectation: The best connections are built on generosity. You don’t help someone expecting an immediate return. Often, the value you create for one person comes back to you from another, in unexpected ways.
• Build a reputation for being helpful: When people know they can rely on you—not because there’s something in it for you, but because you genuinely want to support them—that’s when you create real influence.
• Prioritize organic connections over forced ones: The most impactful relationships aren’t manufactured—they grow naturally. Instead of chasing high-status connections, focus on people you truly connect with.
• Stay in touch without an agenda: Whether it’s customers, investors, or peers, maintaining relationships without expecting something in return often leads to opportunities down the road.
• Find ways to contribute to the larger ecosystem: One of the most rewarding aspects of networking is creating value beyond individual relationships. For example, being an entrepreneur and having been through startup incubators myself, I now try to connect startups to the right incubators, helping both sides thrive.

Networking isn’t about where you studied or who your family knows. It’s about how you show up, how you contribute, and how you build authentic relationships over time. 🚀

As the year draws to a close, the LINK! office is buzzing with anticipation for 2025. Reflecting on the past year, our team is stepping into the new year with fresh energy and clear goals. From health and hobbies to adventure and self-improvement, each resolution highlights our individuality and shared drive for growth.

A Festive Kickoff: Holiday Celebrations

We welcomed the holiday season at LINK! with a warm and cheerful team gathering. The office, adorned with festive decorations, featured a hot chocolate station stocked with marshmallows, chocolate wafers, and crushed candy canes. Our Secret Santa exchange brought plenty of laughs and smiles, with quirky gadgets and thoughtful gifts adding to the joy. It was the perfect way to wrap up the year and set the tone for 2025.

Health, Fitness, and Adventure

The new year often inspires a focus on health and well-being, and our team is no exception. Vijaylaxmi, Technical Ops Specialist, plans to make fitness more enjoyable by taking up badminton, blending exercise with some friendly competition. Swaroop Joshi from the tech team is balancing gym sessions with flute practice, combining wellness and creativity. Maas, who is pursuing his master’s degree, aims to maintain a consistent fitness routine to stay energized.

Adventure is another recurring theme. Anshul Pandey, UI/UX Designer, is diving into off-roading and bike classes, while Neha Rai, QA Manager, plans to explore new travel destinations and immerse herself in different cultures. Akram is planning a solo ride from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, which will necessitate meticulous planning.

Personal Development and Lifelong Learning

At LINK!, the passion for learning and growth is unwavering. Shivam Shinde from the tech team is expanding his skill set with a data analyst course, while Hina Pathan, SQA Engineer, is diving deeper into automation frameworks. Tushar Mukherjee, a software engineer, is embracing his creative side by learning the violin, adding a new rhythm to his year. These aspirations showcase a balance between professional growth and personal passions.

Cultivating Mindfulness and Balance

In the midst of busy schedules, many on the team are focusing on mindfulness and balance. Shreya Vaidya (Data Ops) is committing to waking up earlier and reducing screen time to reclaim valuable moments for herself. Aishwarya is prioritizing mental well-being by traveling more with friends, cherishing the joy and renewal that come from shared adventures and fresh perspectives.

Fueling Passions and Building Connections

The team’s diverse interests continue to inspire. Khushbu Pathe from the QA team aims to read 12 books and travel across Europe, combining intellectual curiosity with a love for exploration. Suraj Mandal, Sr. FullStack Developer, is honing his time management skills to make room for more adventures and growth. These goals reflect a collective spirit of making the most of the year ahead through meaningful pursuits.

Looking Ahead

As we step into 2025, the LINK! team is excited to pursue new goals and create lasting memories. Our resolutions are more than aspirations—they represent our commitment to growth, both individually and as a team. Here’s to a year filled with progress, challenges, and moments to celebrate.

Skip the ticket; show up anyway.

Tickets can be very expensive, and as a startup founder, I couldn’t justify spending thousands. So I decided to skip the ticket and just go to the same city where the trade show was happening. The best conversations often happen outside the event—in coffee shops, hotel lobbies, and nearby restaurants. Trust me, you don’t need to be inside the venue to make excellent connections.

Do the outreach beforehand.

Before I landed, I did my homework. I contacted people I knew would be attending, set up coffee meetings, and scheduled casual lunches. This took a bit of LinkedIn outreach and some emails, but it paid off. I had meaningful one-on-one conversations, all without the noisy, crowded exhibit floor.

Work the vicinity of the trade show

Most trade shows and conferences have an outside zone/seating for coffee and networking. I used that area to get work done, while keeping an eye out for people that I wanted to meet for a quick handshake. You never know who you’ll meet; those chance encounters can lead to big opportunities.

Focus on Relationships, Not Sales

Since I wasn’t under the pressure of having a booth or a big-ticket expense to justify, I focused on building real relationships. I wasn’t pushing for sales—I was simply meeting people, getting to know them, and finding ways to follow up later.

Ask Customers if You Can Represent Them

One creative way to attend trade shows without breaking the bank is by leveraging your existing customer relationships. It’s always worth asking your loyal customers or clients if you can tag along, represent them, or attend the event on their behalf. By doing this, you may gain free or discounted access to the event while still promoting your own brand. Customers attending the trade show might appreciate the additional representation, especially if they can’t send a full team themselves. This also gives you the chance to meet potential partners, prospects, or other companies in their network while staying within budget.

At the end of the trip, my total expenditure was a fraction of what it would’ve cost to attend the trade show officially. Flights, hotel stay, a few coffees, and a couple of lunches, but I still walked away with solid connections—and even potential deals. People want to see you in-person and showing up gives your brand credibility.

My resolution is to do everything possible at LINK to create a perfect woman’s workplace.

Here’s my list of takeaways and “Must Do’s”:

• Gender diversity is not accidental, which means it needs a thoughtful and persistent effort. Generally, 9 out of 10 applications that we get for engineering roles are from male applicants. To change that, I believe every aspect of the company—from the branding, job postings, to the language we use in all our communication—needs to be welcoming to women. In our recruiting efforts, we keep the search going until we have a big enough pool of female applicants. Women who are already working at LINK are encouraged to bring referrals of female candidates from their network.
• That said, branding, recruiting, and language will not suddenly bring in female employees if the culture/environment are not truly supportive of a woman’s needs. For example, I asked an Air India employee in Stockholm (mother to a 2-year old who was instrumental in making our work trip happen) about how she managed to pull this off with a toddler. She said it was because of the trust and flexibility that her manager consistently placed in her that motivated her to go the extra mile, including how her maternity leave was handled.
  We (and I am sure many other startups) offer a similar level of flexibility, but we have to go deeper and consider if each employee in the organization, without fail, represents those values and is supportive towards female employees on his/her team.

•  It is critical to sensitize the workforce on sexual harassment, acceptable protocols, and etiquette. In India, the POSH law requires companies of all sizes to ensure their employees have undergone the necessary training.  The training is important but not enough – HR together with leadership needs to proactively enforce timely interventions and ensure that every employee knows that their concerns will get heard and addressed.
  There is sufficient evidence that a diverse workforce results in higher productivity and profits. So I am hopeful that the startup founders reading this article will also take steps to make their respective companies more diverse and inclusive.

Sriram Subramanian

We hope that our pet policy will help make our workplace more animal-friendly for our employees and their families. The inclusion of pets in the office has the potential to increase happiness, decrease stress, and strengthen bonds among team members, in our opinion. Who among us doesn’t adore a playful puppy wagging its tail or a furry cat snuggled up in a corner, purring away?

How Office Pets Can Relieve Stress

An individual’s general health and output can be significantly improved with the company of a furry pet while working. Pets make people happier, less anxious, and better able to concentrate, which in turn makes for a more pleasant and productive work environment.

Petting an animal, such as a dog or cat, can have a calming effect on your anxiety and stress levels. These mild-mannered friends bring comfort and camaraderie, allowing you to centre yourself and enjoy the here and now. Their ability to love without conditions might provide a welcome break from the stresses of daily life.

Pets as Cultural Ambassadors and Conversation Starters

Pets in the workplace have the potential to greatly enhance teamwork and communication. These furry friends have a knack for making people feel more at ease and bringing everyone together.

Pets in the Workplace: A Unique Employee Perk

For many employees, their furry companions are an integral part of their lives, and the ability to bring them to work can be a significant factor in their job satisfaction and overall well-being. By embracing a pet-friendly culture, companies demonstrate a commitment to their employees’ happiness and work-life balance.

By providing companionship, promoting physical activity, and offering a sense of purpose, pets can significantly contribute to improving mental health and overall quality of life.