The Person Behind the Title

You are not meeting with a company. You are meeting with a person. That person has a career history, professional interests, communication preferences, and priorities that may or may not align with their company's stated goals. Understanding the person is what lets you tailor the conversation — not just the content, but the tone, the depth, and the angle.

1. LinkedIn Profile Their career trajectory tells a story. Someone who has been at the same company for 12 years thinks differently from someone who joined 4 months ago. Their previous roles tell you what they know well. Their endorsements and skills tell you what they want to be known for.
2. Published Content Have they written articles, given conference talks, or been quoted in industry publications? If so, you know what they care about and how they think. Referencing something they wrote is one of the most effective ways to demonstrate genuine preparation.
3. Social Media Presence LinkedIn posts, X/Twitter activity, and industry forum participation reveal priorities and communication style. Someone who posts thought leadership content regularly will respond well to strategic conversations. Someone who shares technical content will value depth over polish.
4. Mutual Connections Check for shared connections on LinkedIn. A mutual connection is not just a networking tool — it is context. If you both know someone in the industry, it establishes common ground and provides a potential reference point.