i’ve been told my networking feels opportunistic when I reach out before reviews. I want to build connections that matter beyond the next promotion. For those 5+ years in IB: what specific habits or approaches have you seen create genuine, lasting relationships in this transactional industry? How do you maintain reciprocity without keeping score?
stop treating relationships like a 401k. nobody cares about your career ladder except you. real talk: bring value FIRST. covered a saturday shift unprompted? that’s your networking. found an error in their model before the client did? that’s your networking. ‘authenticity’ is just what bankers call being useful without begging.
strugling w/ this too! i try sending articles related to their work but idk if it helps. veterans pls advise - how often to ping them? dont wanna be annoying but also dont wanna disappear 
The most effective approach I’ve observed is consistent, low-stakes engagement. Quarterly updates about your progress (not asks), remembering personal details about their team/initiatives, and occasional intelligence sharing (e.g., ‘Saw this regulatory change that might impact your sector’). This builds credibility over time as someone invested in the ecosystem, not just their Rolodex.
You’ve got this! Genuine curiosity always shines through. Focus on learning their story rather than sharing yours - people love feeling admired!
When I was an analyst, I started a dumb tradition of bringing specialty coffee to my favorite VP whenever I visited a new city. 3 years later when he jumped to a PE firm, he remembered those lattes and brought me in for interviews. Sometimes it’s the small, human things that stick.
Analysis of 47 promoted associates showed 68% had 4+ substantive touchpoints/year with key decision-makers outside formal reviews. Recommendations: 1) Quarterly 10-min updates via email 2) 1 non-work interaction per quarter (industry event, alumni mixer) 3) Document shared contacts/insights for effortless recall in future interactions.