Magnetic Networking: Guest lecture at HvA Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences

Objective

The goal of the guest lecture during Your Next Step at HvA Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences was to give students and visitors insight into how LinkedIn can effectively be used today for networking, visibility, and business development.

The focus was on:

• Strengthening LinkedIn profiles and online positioning
• Creating awareness around follow-up and relationship management
• Showing that successful sales starts with networking
• Introducing Magnetic Networking as a sustainable LinkedIn strategy
• Using AI to make follow-up both personal and scalable

In addition, the goal was to let participants experience how small LinkedIn improvements can immediately impact visibility and professional opportunities.

Approach

The event focused on content, interaction, and direct application.

Thor was present throughout the day at the career market, helping students optimize their LinkedIn profiles. Interest was high, and the results were immediately visible. Students received practical feedback on their profiles and learned how to position themselves more effectively for internships, jobs, and networking opportunities.

During the sessions, one central message stood out: sales on LinkedIn is not about pushing — it is about building relationships.

From that perspective, the sessions explored Magnetic Networking:

• Building relationships consistently instead of relying on one-off outreach
• The importance of structured follow-up within business development
• Why many sales processes fail due to a lack of structure and administration
• How long-term conversations ultimately lead to new business
• Using AI to make follow-up personal, authentic, and scalable

One key insight was central throughout the sessions: 80% of new business comes from conversations that last longer than 6 months.

The sessions were practical, energetic, and focused on direct application within LinkedIn and networking.

Results

The impact of the event was immediately noticeable:

• High interest and interaction around LinkedIn profile optimization
• Strong engagement during the sessions and conversations
• Increased awareness of the importance of consistent follow-up
• New insights into how AI can support networking and relationship management
• Immediate interest in the Magnetic Networking scan and methodology

What stood out most was the realization that successful sales is not about pushing harder, but about staying visible and maintaining relationships consistently.