the art of networking (when you hate networking)
networking. the word alone is enough to make some of us want to suddenly find a very urgent reason to reorganise our sock drawer.
if you’ve ever walked into a room full of strangers and immediately wished you could become invisible, you’re not alone. networking doesn’t come naturally to everyone. in fact, most of us would rather be anywhere else. but here’s the catch – whether you’re building a business, climbing the career ladder, or just looking to swap ideas, networking is unavoidable. the good news? you don’t have to love it to be good at it.
here’s how to master the art of networking, even if it’s your personal nightmare 🗣️:
1️⃣ flip the script: think connection, not networking
networking feels daunting because we make it transactional: what can i get from this person? instead, think of it as building connections. approach people with genuine curiosity – ask about their work, passions, or the podcast they’re raving about. connections last longer when they’re built on shared interests, not just linkedin follow-ups.
2️⃣ small rooms, big wins
if the idea of large events makes your palms sweat, focus on smaller, curated gatherings. (hint: leap.club’s events are a goldmine for this!) intimate settings mean fewer people, more meaningful conversations, and less pressure to "work the room."
3️⃣ prep your cheat sheet
networking is 50% showing up and 50% knowing what to say. prepare 2-3 talking points about your work, a project you’re proud of, or even a book that inspired you recently. having a mental script can save you from (the dreaded) awkward silence.
4️⃣ the power of one
you don’t have to talk to everyone. set yourself a simple goal: one meaningful conversation per event. walk away with one contact, one insight, or even just one good laugh. a win is a win!
5️⃣ the follow-up game
here’s where most people drop the ball. the magic isn’t just in meeting people – it’s in staying in touch. send a quick note or email within a week. keep it light, personal, and specific.
6️⃣ be that person
you know the one; the person who listens more than they talk, who remembers names, and who genuinely celebrates others’ wins. when you approach networking with generosity, it stops being a chore and starts feeling…dare we say it…fun.
the truth is, networking doesn’t have to feel slimy or fake. it’s simply about showing up as yourself, being curious, and building bridges that matter. so the next time you find yourself dreading a mixer, take a deep breath, channel your inner people-person (or borrow someone else’s), and remember, connecting > networking.
over to you –
what’s the one networking hack that’s worked for you?
