Introducing The Founder’s Corner – candid reflections and insights from the woman behind Kayo’s trailblazing community. We’re excited to share this new section of our blog. Many of you know Lindsay Burton as the visionary behind Kayo. Now, she’s opening up with personal stories, thoughtful reflections, and behind-the-scenes insights to bring you even closer to the journey.
Remember the buzz of September back-to-school season? New faces, new classes, and endless opportunities to make connections. That same energy exists in the professional world—only now, we call it the September Surge.
After summer vacations wind down, inboxes get cleaned out, and people return to business with fresh focus. It’s a golden moment to rekindle relationships, expand your network, and position yourself for career growth before year-end.
Here’s how to take advantage of it with smart networking strategies:
1. Start with Summer Catch-Ups (and Make It About Them)
Reconnecting doesn’t have to be complicated. September is one of the few times of year when a warm opener like “How was your summer?” feels natural and well-timed. Use it to reignite conversations with colleagues, mentors, or clients.
But here’s the key: don’t stop there. Turn the spotlight on them by asking questions like:
- “What’s exciting for you this fall?”
- “What goals are you focused on before year-end?”
- “Is there someone I can introduce you to who might help?”
Leading with curiosity makes your outreach authentic—and positions you as a thoughtful, trusted connection rather than just another person looking for something.
2. Refresh Your Professional Calendar
Think of September as the season when the networking calendar resets. To stay visible and connected:
- Schedule at least one coffee or lunch a week. Even a short touchpoint keeps relationships alive.
- Balance virtual and in-person. Some people are traveling less—so mix in a few video catch-ups to keep your reach wide.
3. Prioritize Conferences and Events
Fall is conference season. From industry summits to regional meetups, September and October are packed with opportunities to gather in person. These events are especially powerful because:
- Everyone shows up with fresh energy and new ideas.
- They concentrate decision-makers, potential clients, and future colleagues in one place.
- They create space for both formal learning and casual, serendipitous conversations (often the most valuable part).
Don’t just attend—be intentional. Review attendee lists, set goals for who you’d like to meet, and follow up quickly afterward. The relationships you build at a fall conference can fuel your career well into next year.
4. Host Your Own “Back-to-Business” Gathering
Want to stand out? Take initiative. Hosting a small dinner, happy hour, or virtual roundtable is a great way to:
- Reconnect with multiple people at once.
- Position yourself as a connector.
- Spark conversations that might not happen in a 1:1 setting.
It doesn’t need to be formal. A “welcome to fall” coffee meet-up at a local café can be just as impactful.
5. Use LinkedIn as Your Digital Hallway
Think of LinkedIn as the busy hallway between September “classes.” This is the month to:
- Share thoughtful posts on trends, events, or lessons from summer.
- Comment on others’ updates with genuine insights.
- Reconnect with dormant contacts by reacting to or sharing their work.
Staying active and visible on LinkedIn amplifies the in-person networking you’re doing.
6. Add Accountability With a Coach or Peer Partner
Networking can be easy to put off, but consistency is key. Consider:
- Partnering with a peer to set weekly networking goals.
- Hiring a coach to help you craft your networking strategy, refine your personal brand, and hold you accountable.
It’s like having a workout buddy—you’re much more likely to show up and see results.
The Bottom Line
The September Surge is more than just a busy season—it’s a window of opportunity. By leading with curiosity, showing up at conferences and events, and reconnecting with purpose, you’ll not only expand your network but also set your career on an upward path heading into the new year.
👉 Ready to maximize your networking this fall? Hire a coach to help you sharpen your strategy and make every connection count.