source: how to network better without it feeling awkward

• change/adjust your relationship w/ the idea/connotation of "networking;" we tend to have negative associations w/ the very concept of networking, which leads to feelings of tension + anxiety, simply because we build it up to ourselves as an undesirable/unfavorable event; a more realistic + useful way to think of networking is as an ongoing practice of building relationships w/ people you like; keep in mind the value of mutual respect + relationships, and remember that rare chances for social connections are what underpins everything
• take every small chance to practice, practice, practice! every time you meet or speak to someone is an opportunity to network, small-talk, and make a connection (and most importantly, each time is an opportunity to improve/hone all 3 of these skills further)
• make sure your approach to networking isn't just about getting something for yourself out of it; some occasions are chances for you to listen/learn from others, and some are chances for you to contribute to others; in every interaction, always know who you are showing up as & what skills/knowledge you're bringing to the table, and ensure you arrive w/ a positive, open, collaborative attitude; go into each interaction w/ an intention to provide something useful or meaningful for the other person (rather than to simply fill up your own bag + walk out)
• aside from the professional advantages networking affords, it's generally always good to 'know a person;' establishing a wide, varied network makes it easier to do our existing jobs better by allowing us access to people who can help us do the things we don't know (& vice versa!)
• learn to listen(!!), especially when you're having reservations about small-talk & unsure what to say; rather than work yourself up more over it, try to adopt a better approach by getting out of your own head & instead actively listening to the other person; not only will this help take the pressure off you, it'll also help you appear more comfortable in conversation & leave the other person feeling heard; you'll also walk away w/ the satisfying sense that you've allowed someone else to speak & that you've learnt something about another person
• create your own luck by being positive + embracing every opportunity to connect; 'lucky people' are known to share a common characteristic: they're likeable; 'lucky people' smile a lot, listen well, ask good + thoughtful questions, demonstrate open/positive body language, & always listen more than they talk; do your best to always be positive when speaking to anyone; aim to be seen as someone who is positive, upbeat + uplifting, and above all, someone who others want to be around often
• don't underestimate the value of following-up after a successful meeting; it establishes a (necessary!) line of communication to allow the relationship to continue; when following-up by phone:
  • 1) be a strong, clear, kind voice
  • 2) show how articulate + interesting you are; and
  • 3) have a conversation in a good, natural way
• as w/ any skill, the more you do it, the better at it you will be

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