Top 10 Tips If You Hate Networking

Do you dread networking? I know many who do. Why? They’re going to dull and dreary events, forcing them to speak to a few people and then come away with a bunch of business cards. They collect dust if they do nothing with those business cards.

Networking is one of these activities that many want to do, but it ends up being on the sidelines for maybe tomorrow. I hear a lot, ‘I know I should, but…..’

Networking only becomes fun if you do it regularly versus ‘doing two hours networking’ one afternoon. If you’re still networking like the above, then that’s so yesterday. Networking in today’s fast-paced world requires a mindset shift.

Top 10 Tips

1. Don’t think of networking as a chore. Instead, see it as building a bridge with someone you don’t know
2. Don’t procrastinate
3. Learn to harness the power of online networking, especially on LinkedIn
4. Learn to make small talk
5. Build bridges regularly, not every so often
6. Ditch the business cards
7. Instead of going to big networking events, find smaller ones where you can get more value
8. Don’t network for the sake of networking
9. Build your online presence, especially on LinkedIn
10. Ditch the mask when you meet new people. You’ll come across as being authentic

Let me expand on the above in a bit more detail:

1. Reframe Networking as Bridge-Building: Shift your mindset from seeing networking as a tedious task to viewing it as an opportunity to build bridges with new people. Focus on the mutual benefits and connections that can arise from these interactions.
2. Avoid Procrastination: Tackle networking proactively. Set specific goals for yourself, such as reaching out to a certain number of people each week, to ensure you consistently engage with others.
3. Leverage Online Networking: Utilise platforms like LinkedIn to their fullest potential. This can involve regularly updating your profile, joining relevant groups, participating in discussions, and connecting with professionals in your field.
4. Master Small Talk: Develop your small talk skills to make initial conversations smoother. This can involve keeping up with current events, preparing a few go-to topics, and practising active listening.
5. Consistent Engagement: Make networking a regular activity rather than something you do sporadically. This could mean setting aside weekly time to attend events, send LinkedIn messages, or follow up with contacts.
6. Move Beyond Business Cards: In today’s digital age, consider more modern and effective alternatives to business cards. For instance, I can connect on LinkedIn on the spot or use digital contact exchange apps.
7. Choose Smaller Events: Opt for smaller, more focused networking events where you can have meaningful conversations rather than large, overwhelming gatherings. Smaller events often allow for deeper connections and less superficial interactions.
8. Network with Purpose: Don’t just network for the sake of it. Have clear objectives for each networking opportunity, whether finding a mentor, learning about a new industry, or seeking job opportunities.
9. Strengthen Your Online Presence: A strong online presence is crucial, especially on professional networks like LinkedIn. Share your insights, comment on industry news, and showcase your professional achievements to build credibility and attract connections.
10. Be Authentic: Drop the facade and be yourself when meeting new people. Authenticity leads to more genuine connections and relationships, making networking more enjoyable and effective.

Call To Action

A simple networking exercise you can practice is the “Elevator Pitch Exercise.” This is useful for improving your ability to introduce yourself with confidence in networking situations.

Here’s how you can do it: Elevator Pitch Exercise

Objective: To create and practice a short, impactful introduction that you can use in networking scenarios.

Steps:

• Define Your Goal:
• Identify what you want to achieve with your elevator pitch. It could be finding a job, seeking mentorship, or simply making a new professional connection.
• Write Your Pitch:
• Start by writing a brief introduction about yourself. This should include your name, your profession or what you’re studying, and a key detail or achievement that makes you stand out.
• Example: “Hi, I’m [Your Name], a XXXX (profession/job title) from [Company) known for increasing social media engagement by 30% in my last Company.
• Add a Purpose:
• Include what you’re looking for or what you can offer. Be specific about your goals or interests.
• You can say why you’ve attended the event if you’re not looking for a role.
• Example: “…and I’m passionate about using digital marketing to drive brand growth. I’m currently looking for opportunities in the tech industry.”
• Practice Your Pitch:
• Practice saying your pitch out loud until it feels natural. Aim to keep it under 30 seconds.
• Please consider your tone and body language to ensure they are positive and confident.
• Seek Feedback:
• Share your pitch with friends, family, or mentors and ask for their feedback. They can provide insights into your pitch’s clarity, engagement, and effectiveness.
• Refine and Adapt:
• Based on feedback, refine your pitch. Remember, you might need to tweak it depending on the context and the person you’re speaking to.
• You can also record yourself, watch it back, and see where to improve further.
• Use it in Real Situations:
• Next time you’re at a networking event or meet someone new in a professional context, use your elevator pitch. Observe the reactions and continue to refine them as needed.

Parting Comments

Don’t network for the sake of it; do it because you want to. It’s essential to keep your professional online presence up to date, including your LinkedIn profile.

When you are networking, be respectful of other people’s time, but also manage your expectations. I like networking without expectations and prefer building a solid bridge. I might leverage the bridge at some stage, but that’s not my initial intention.

Others are more forthcoming with their expectations. If you’re in this camp, then,

be clear about your goals: Be upfront about what you are looking for and what you can offer to people in your network.

Lastly, show gratitude: Remember to thank people for their time and any help they offer you.

Thank you for your attention.

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Pervin

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