Making ‘connections’, going to networking drinks and ‘reaching out’ to contacts... Anyone else just throw up a little in their mouth? While professional networking might do wonders for your career, the idea of putting yourself out there with strangers (heck, even people you know) to further your trip up the professional ladder can be more nerve-racking than meeting a Hinge date for the first time. This explains why many of us steer clear. The awkward Brit in us simply cannot. In fact, according to a recent Cosmopolitan poll, 77% of you don’t feel comfortable networking and only half of you have ever attended a networking event.
On the other end of the spectrum? Enter Los Angeles. Now that’s a city that knows how to network without shame. Ordering your morning matcha at the local coffee shop and you get chatting to someone in the queue? You’ve probably just made a useful Hollywood connection. Milling around with your fellow yogis after a class? There’s another! And it all adds up. Love it or hate it (and let’s be real, most of us hate it), there’s no two ways about it: networking is a pivotal part of job progression. So even if you find it awkward, phoney and painfully ick-inducing, it’s time to hop aboard the networking train. Here’s how to make it work for you...
Connect with your close circle
A lot of us mistakenly believe that we need to be clinking glasses with CEOs to be any good at networking, but in reality it’s actually about connecting with people who will be ‘incredibly supportive of you or the mission you’re on’, says Joanna Briggs, founder of What Matters CIC, a career consultancy helping to upskill young adults so they can successfully navigate the workplace with confidence. Don’t overlook your friends, family and old schoolmates, as they’ll be the people you naturally feel comfortable around, helping you to make an authentic approach. Someone who knows you is going to be an 'easier pitch' than a stranger, adds Briggs.
Engage with people online
Social media is your friend when it comes to finding new contacts. LinkedIn is one very popular and largely effective choice, but you can also engage with online communities related to your field, says Anna Campbell, career expert and coach at Reclaim Your Lane. Doing so helps you to ‘connect with like-minded individuals and gradually build relationships through shared discussions and common interests’, she explains. Whether you find these communities on Instagram, TikTok or elsewhere will depend on your career path.
Keep it casual
Networking doesn’t have to be a stuffy affair, explains Campbell. She recommends getting coffee with colleagues and seeking out more informal, social mixers. ‘These events provide a relaxed atmosphere for networking and connecting with people in a casual setting that makes conversations more natural,’ she says. If corporate settings make you feel nervous, remember it’s not just you – other attendees probably feel the same way, too.
Pick IRL events wisely
Virtual connections are a good starting point, but it’s meeting people in person that builds real trust. And as icky as IRL events may seem, doing your research can help you feel more confident. Ask what the event size will be and opt for smaller meets – or choose events being held in local or familiar venues. Trust us, when you’re actually there, it often feels less icky than cold-calling digitally. ‘The realness of in-person events helps conversations flow, allows for stronger rapport and creates memorable interactions,’ Campbell says.
Plan ahead
To give yourself the best shot at success, Campbell suggests you should always have one or two questions prepared, while Briggs says find out who’ll be there if it’s an IRL event – and who you’re keen to talk to – ahead of time. If you find group scenarios intimidating, ask a friend if they’re free to join you. Once there, take some time to study the room before introducing yourself to a smaller group. It’s like Taylor Swift says (okay, fine, Benjamin Franklin), ‘If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.’
Embrace the ick
Even if you stick to every single piece of anti-ick advice out there, Briggs points out it’s natural to feel uncomfortable when you’re trying something new and working on personal growth. ‘If you get the ick or feel awkward, reframe the discomfort as a positive sign that you’re pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.’ Yes, networking can be exhilarating, effective and embarrassing all at the same time. But an even ickier move? Not giving yourself the chance to see what you can achieve when you start exploring your connections.
