The Joy of Networking

I know many people would cringe at the combination of the words “joy” and “networking.” After all, who truly enjoys walking into a room filled with strangers, each group huddled in circles, talking, laughing, and sharing ideas? As you step inside, your heart races, unsure if your outfit is appropriate for the event. You desperately scan the room for a familiar face, but none appears. The thought of breaking into a circle feels daunting, with all eyes potentially diverting to you.

They say networking is for extroverts, but I believe that’s not true. Networking is for anyone who genuinely loves what they do. It’s for those who pursue their passions with depth and enthusiasm, who feel confident that their work is making a difference in the lives of others. If you have a passion for what you do and are unafraid to express it, you belong in the networking arena—regardless of your personality type.

I recently attended four networking sessions in the last two weeks. Yes, sometimes they all seem to converge at once! The events varied significantly—ranging from intimate gatherings of 20 people at a cozy bookshop to larger ones with 150 attendees in banquet rooms. Some were exclusively for women, while others welcomed a mixed crowd. The themes spanned the spectrum from inspirational, fun to future-focused and knowledge-driven, with formats including speaker-led sessions, pop-ups and small group discussions.

Regardless of the objective or theme, the most important part was simply showing up. Here are some friendly tips to help you enjoy networking events:

1. Be Clear About Your Goal: Know why you’re attending the networking event. What do you want to achieve? Whether it’s meeting specific people or learning about new trends, having a clear goal can provide direction. I’ve had times when I returned home feeling “meh” after spending an entire evening in a sea of people when my goal was not clear to myself.
2. Dress Comfortably: Choose an outfit that makes you feel both confident and comfortable. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it boosts your confidence and allows you to focus on making connections instead of feeling self-conscious. Given my recent experience with perimenopause and sudden hot flashes, I’ve started wearing more cotton and avoiding fabrics that easily stain with sweat. This helps me feel more at ease as I network.
3. Arrive Early: This is the best tip I can offer to newcomers – getting there early can help you acclimate to the environment before it gets crowded. You might even have the chance to chat with organizers or other early arrivals in a more relaxed setting. And let’s be honest—a drink can help soothe those frayed nerves right at the start!
4. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Avoid questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no,” as they can lead to awkward silences. Instead, engage others by asking open-ended questions about their work or interests. This encourages richer conversations and takes the pressure off you to fill every pause.
5. Take Breaks: Meeting all those new faces can be overwhelming. I’m terrible with names and always breathe a sigh of relief at events with name tags! Even after attending numerous networking meets, I often feel exhausted. Taking a quick break in the restroom helps regain composure and enthusiasm.
6. Be Yourself: Authenticity goes a long way in building connections. Share your genuine interests and experiences. After introducing myself as a mindset coach who helps women going through transitions, I often circle back to my role as a mom of two boys. This personal touch helps the conversation flow!
7. Follow Up: Last but not least, after the event, take a moment to connect with new acquaintances on social media or via email. A simple message can keep the conversation going and solidify your new connections.

Networking doesn’t have to be daunting—it can actually be a lot of fun! You never know how your enthusiasm might inspire and resonate with others, creating opportunities that you might never have imagined. Happy networking!