You’ve heard it before: You need to network. But let’s be honest, the very thought of entering a room full of strangers and trying to strike up a conversation is the stuff of nightmares for most of us. Does your heart race just thinking about handing out business cards? You’re not alone.
Here’s the thing: Networking is awkward for almost everyone, even the people who seem like pros at it. But it’s also a crucial part of growing your career and business relationships. The good news? It doesn’t have to be the cringefest you’re imagining.
When you stop thinking of networking as “schmoozing” and start seeing it for what it really is—building genuine, long-term relationships—it becomes a whole lot more manageable. Let’s dive into why networking matters and, more importantly, how to make it less painful.
Why Is Networking So Important Anyway?
Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections. It’s about exchanging knowledge, sharing opportunities, and gaining new perspectives. Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder or launching a new venture, having a network of peers, mentors, and even casual acquaintances can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
Here’s the kicker: Networking should be a two-way street. You’re not just there to gain something; you’re also there to offer help, advice, and connections in return. The most successful networkers understand this.
Now, you might be thinking, “Okay, I get it, networking is important. But how do I get past the awkwardness?” Well, let’s break it down into manageable tips that will take the edge off.
Before You Even Leave the House: 4 Tips to Get Prepped
- Nail Down Your Elevator Pitch, but Keep It Human
You’ve probably heard of the elevator pitch—a brief summary of who you are and what you do. But here’s the thing: People don’t want to listen to you ramble through a scripted speech that sounds like you rehearsed it in the mirror.
Instead, keep it short, simple, and authentic. Something like, “I’m a freelance writer who helps businesses tell their story.” That’s it. You don’t need to go into a deep dive unless they ask. Just be ready to answer two questions:
- What do you do?
- Why does it matter?
- Bring Way More Business Cards Than You Think You Need
You don’t want to be that person scribbling your contact info on a napkin (trust me, we’ve all been there). Always pack more business cards than you think you’ll need. Set yourself apart with really impressive cards that are unique, like flooring business cards. You never know when you’ll run into someone important, and you don’t want to be caught unprepared.
- Buddy Up
Networking alone can feel like stepping into a lion’s den. If you’re nervous, bring a friend or colleague along. Having a familiar face by your side can make the whole experience feel less daunting. Plus, you can work the room together, introducing each other to new contacts.
- Set a Loose Plan (but Don’t Overthink It)
It’s smart to have a game plan before you walk into a networking event. Maybe you want to meet three new people or reconnect with an old acquaintance. Whatever your goals, keep them realistic. Don’t put pressure on yourself to walk out with a stack of leads. Focus on making a few meaningful connections.
In the Thick of It: 6 Tips for Surviving the Networking Event
- Pep Talk Yourself First
Right before you walk into that room, give yourself a mental pep talk. Remind yourself why you’re there. Whether it’s to make new friends, learn from others, or explore new opportunities, centering yourself will make you more confident and calm.
- Quality Over Quantity
You don’t need to “work the room” like a politician on a campaign trail. Instead, focus on having a few quality conversations. If you make one solid connection, that’s way better than handing out 10 business cards with no follow-up.
- Small Talk Is Okay
Small talk might seem pointless, but it’s how humans warm up to each other. Don’t feel pressured to dive into deep, meaningful conversations right away. Chat about the event, the appetizers, or even the weather. It’s not about the topic; it’s about creating a rapport.
- Ask Interesting Questions
Once the small talk is out of the way, steer the conversation towards something more engaging. Instead of the standard, “What do you do?” ask, “What’s the most exciting project you’ve been working on lately?” You’ll get a much more lively response and maybe even learn something cool.
- Treat It Like a Normal Conversation
Don’t overthink networking. Treat it like you would any other conversation with a new person. Forget about what you can get from the interaction. Focus on making a good impression and having a genuine conversation. People can always sense when someone’s just there to sell something or make a pitch.
- Look for the Stragglers
If approaching a group feels too intimidating, look for the people hanging on the outskirts—they’re probably feeling just as awkward as you. Approach them with a smile and a simple introduction. Chances are, they’ll be relieved you did.
After the Event: 4 Tips for Following Up Without Being Weird
- Invest in the Follow-Up
You went to the event, made some connections, and now you’re done, right? Not quite. The real magic happens in the follow-up. If you’re not willing to spend a little time after the event maintaining those connections, then what’s the point of going?
- Connect on LinkedIn (and Actually Personalize It)
Sending a LinkedIn request is a great way to keep the connection going. Just don’t send the generic, “I’d like to connect with you” message. Instead, include a personal note about something you talked about, or mention how nice it was to meet them.
- Ask Open-Ended Questions
When you follow up, don’t just say, “It was great meeting you.” That doesn’t give the other person much to respond to. Instead, ask an open-ended question related to your conversation. For example, “You mentioned you were working on a new marketing strategy—how’s that going?”
- Stay in Touch (Without Being Annoying)
Networking is a marathon, not a sprint. Set a reminder to check in with your new contacts periodically. Whether it’s sending them a useful article or inviting them to coffee, consistent, thoughtful follow-ups help turn casual acquaintances into valuable relationships.
Networking Doesn’t Have to Be Terrifying
At the end of the day, networking is just about building relationships. It doesn’t have to be a stiff, awkward experience. In fact, it can be fun and rewarding when you focus on connecting with people in a genuine way.
So take a deep breath, loosen your tie (or heels), and give it a try. With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be able to network like a pro without feeling like you need to chug three glasses of wine first. And make sure to be memorable, with a keepsake – like Metal Business Cards are game changing
