Networking Lotería: Mastering Connections the Latino Way – Round Two – Time to Win

So, you’ve been to the summits, the conferences, the mixers where the Botana tacos are tiny but the name tags are Mas grande que… your abuela’s Sunday lunch portions. You’ve got your Networking Lotería card in hand, and despite all your frijolitos, pennies, and the botones from the blue tin can (that was supposed to have Danish cookies), you still haven’t filled your Lotería card. Maybe you’ve checked off a few squares, but it’s like playing forever and still waiting for that “Lotería!” moment. —La Mano here, El Mundo there. But now what? You’re back at your desk, staring at a stack of business cards or LinkedIn connections, wondering, Why am I still stuck? It’s like showing up to your cousin’s quinceañera in your first communion suit—awkward, standing there, and no one’s asking you to dance. Sure, you’ve got all these contacts, but nothing’s clicking, no real connections are developing. It’s like you’re in the room, but not really in the conversation. Time to step it up and make those interactions matter!

Well, let’s break it down, amigo. If you’re feeling like you’re playing Networking Lotería on repeat, waiting for “Lotería!” to be called but only getting El Catrín and El Barril, you’re not alone. A lot of us get stuck in this loop where we’re collecting contacts, sending follow-ups, and… nothing. It’s like showing up to a party where everyone promised to bring the carnitas, but all you got was a bag "El Gringo Grande's Totally Legit Tortilla Triangles" and salsa that comes in a jar. Where’s the substance?

"Ahí viene el pajarito, volando tan bonito." “El Pajaro!”

Let’s be real, carnal. You’re not exactly out there spreading your wings like El Pájaro—you’re nesting, sticking close to what’s comfortable, like buying the house across the street from your mamá, right between your tío’s place (her brother’s) and your dad’s cousin’s house. Safe? Sure. But is it helping you grow? Nah. You’re chilling in your little comfort zone, talking to the same people, swapping the same stories. It’s time to volar, to spread those wings and leave the nest! There’s a whole world out there, beyond your primos and compadres, waiting for you to explore and make connections. Quit nesting—fly, hermano, fly!

Familismo is great—we love our people, our tíos and primos, but if you’re only sticking to the folks who feel like family, you’re missing out on the chance to explore the wild part of networking. The part where you meet that random CEO who knows the cousin of the guy you once worked with, and suddenly, boom—you’ve landed a new opportunity.

So, after the event, don’t just cling to the familiar faces in your contact list. Channel your inner El Pájaro and leave the safety of your nest. Don’t just rehash conversations with the same folks—follow up with those you met who are outside of your usual circle. Send that email, set up that coffee chat, and keep exploring. The sky’s the limit, but only if you’re willing to spread your wings and take flight. No more perching—it’s time to soar!

Your Conversations Are Hollow – “No te arrugues, cuero viejo, que te quiero pa' tambor.”

Now, let’s talk about your conversation game. Are you the guy who’s all “Where do you work? Cool, here’s my card” and then—Nada? Yeah, that’s you being El Tambor—lots of noise, but nothing deep or memorable. Be like a tamborazo still ringing in your ears after the backyard baptism for your wife’s sister’s cousin’s neighbor’s co-worker’s kid—those follow-ups need to be just as unforgettable. Don’t let that post-event buzz fade. Keep the rhythm going!

Networking isn’t about collecting contacts like you’re trading tiny plastic luchadores back home in your pueblito just to impress your friends—it’s about making connections that last. If all you’re doing is loud, surface-level chatter, you’re not giving anyone a reason to remember you. We don’t need more tambores banging away in the background, we need you to be someone who makes a real connection. Ask better questions, share something more personal. People remember stories, not stats.

Think about it: Do you remember someone because they told you their job title, or because they shared that story about wearing their primera communion suit to their cousin’s quince? Be memorable, carnal—don’t be just another hollow sound, like El Tambor in the background noise of networking events. It’s the personal, funny moments that stand out, not just the stats. That’s how you make a real connection!

Are Your Follow-Ups Weak? "Cantando la sirena, pasa por todo el mar."

Now, if your follow-up game is weak, I gotta say it—no wonder you’re stuck, No Mames! You can’t just hit people up in your best gringo voice, like, “Yes, well, we should absolutely circle back on that and strategize how to leverage our assets in the verticals.” Meanwhile, inside, you’re thinking, “¡Ahi Dios! Where did I even hear that?” (probably from some LinkedIn TED talk a connection you don’t even know shared) email, and expect them to swoon. That’s like throwing out a line in the ocean and expecting the mojarra to jump right into your hands.

Take a cue from La Sirena. She knows how to lure people in, not by being loud, but by being irresistible. Your follow-up should be that—personal, thoughtful, with just enough charm to make them stop and listen.

You met someone at a networking event? Don’t just send the basic follow-up email. Reference something specific you talked about, offer a useful resource, or suggest grabbing a cafecito to dive deeper. It’s all about making your follow-up so good they can’t ignore you. Be La Sirena—captivate their attention and leave them wanting more.

The Non-Response Blues, "El que a buen árbol se arrima, buena sombra le cobija."

Listen, carnal, we’ve all been ghosted. You send what you think is the perfect email—full of charm, a dash of sazón, and even a sprinkle of abuelita’s wisdom—and then, nada. Crickets. It’s like calling out El Catrín at the lotería table, and everyone just stares at you—no reaction, like when you tell your tía chismosa something juicy, and she already knows. Ouch, right? But, here’s the deal—don’t take it personally.

Non-responses happen all the time, even in the most chismoso of circles. People get caught up in their own novelas, emails get buried under 137 other messages, and life moves fast. The key? Don’t lose your cool. Be El Árbol—steady, grounded, and resilient. Give it a little time, send a friendly reminder with something new or interesting—like a mention of Bad Bunny’s latest concert or his wild fashion statement that’s got everyone talking (ok maybe not that cool)—but stay on their radar.

And remember—just because one follow-up went quiet, it doesn’t mean your seed won’t grow. Keep at it, plant those connections, and eventually, you’ll see the fruits of your patience growing like the nopales that are now taking over your back yard fence. ¡Ánimo! Stay grounded, and you’ll get there.

Match Their Rhythm – “Tocando su bandolón, se le alegra el corazón."

So, you’ve been playing Networking Lotería, and you know by now it’s not about speed. In networking, just like playing El Bandolón, it’s not about rushing through the notes. You’ve got to tune into the other person’s vibe and play along, whether it’s a slow ballad or an upbeat corrido: it’s about matching energy—like a good baile at the family wedding. You don’t bust out salsa moves while they’re playing a ranchera, right? You’ve got to feel the rhythm and match your partner’s pace. Networking works the same way.

If the person you’re connecting with is slow and thoughtful, don’t rush them like you’re trying to steal the spotlight during the first dance at a quinceañera. Sit down, enjoy the conversation, and let it flow like you’re sharing a quiet cafecito. On the flip side, if they’re fast-paced, bring that energy and keep up—be ready to move, make things happen, and vibe with their flow like you’re hitting the dance floor when the Reggaeton drops.

The key is knowing when to slow it down and when to speed it up. You don’t want to overwhelm someone by being too eager, but you also don’t want to drag the conversation down if they’re ready to move fast. It’s all about syncing up, finding that connection, and moving together. Like in any good dance, when you match their energy, the conversation feels smooth, and the connection? Unbreakable.

The real magic happens after the event when you show that you were paying attention, syncing up to their style. Before you know it, you’ll be creating a rhythm that feels natural, making those connections last longer than just a fleeting handshake or a forgotten business card. Because let’s be real, it’s all about finding that flow and making the connection stick, like a perfect dance partner who just gets you.

 So, are you really stuck? Like, seriously? Not really, bro. You just must pivot!

I got a little flashback there, sorry (gringo voice again)!

If you are, maybe it’s time to take a step back and look at how you’re playing the game. Are you being El Pájaro—exploring new skies, or are you still in the same nest? Are your conversations leaving a lasting impression, or are you just banging on your tambor? When it comes to follow-ups, are you being La Sirena, pulling people in with your charm, or just tossing out bland lines? Or maybe you need to channel your inner El Bandolón—are your interactions harmonious and in tune with the other person’s energy, or are you missing the beat?

And let’s not forget about being El Árbol—steady, patient, and well-rooted. Are you nurturing your connections, giving them the time and care they need to grow, or are you just expecting instant results without putting in the effort?

Networking isn’t just about showing up, it’s about how you show up. So, next time you find yourself playing Networking Lotería, remember: fly high like El Pájaro, play in harmony like El Bandolón, stay grounded like El Árbol, and always follow up with a little charm like La Sirena. And before you know it, you’ll be calling out Lotería! with a full card—and a full Rolodex of meaningful connections.

By the way, did you get the hint about a Cafecito? Let’s connect!