building a great network
This one goes out to anyone who’s ever felt awkward at a networking event.
For years, networking stressed me out. The idea of approaching strangers and engaging in small talk (no thank you!).
There’s no doubt who you know matters. But, building a great network doesn’t have to feel forced or stuffy.
Here are some tips that have helped me make networking more fun:
1. Most people are just waiting for someone to say hi
You don’t need a pitch or the perfect thing to say to strike up a conversation. Start with the obvious,
Ask if they’ve been to this event or group before, how they heard about it, or if there are other networking events in the community they like to attend—I’ve found plenty of new groups I wouldn’t have known about otherwise this way! Then, let the conversation flow. One good question can carry the entire interaction.
2. Take the focus off of you by getting curious about others
Networking is not about selling yourself. Most people love to talk about themselves—and rarely get the chance. Ask questions you’re genuinely curious about. It communicates “I’m interested in you”. You will naturally seem more genuine and likable 🙂.
Connection is rarely built by being the most interesting person in the room. It’s built by being the most interested.
3. Let the conversation surprise you
This one is my favorite! Sometimes we hype ourselves up by trying to predict how everything will go and what we will say. We get so in our head that we miss out on the opportunity to form genuine connections.
You don’t need a pitch or the perfect thing to say. And honestly? it’s always obvious (energetically) if someone is genuinely trying to build a relationship vs if they have an agenda. You can literally feel it.
4. Let work come up naturally
Work can be part of the conversation, but it doesn’t have to be the whole thing. Rather than forcing your agenda on them by leading with things about you and your business, let them ask. Some of the strongest connections happen when the conversation feels human first and professional second.
Which changes the way we think about success. A meaningful five minutes is far more valuable than collecting a handful of business cards.
5. Remember: networking is long-term
A networking event is just the jumping-off point for starting a new professional relationship. It doesn’t have to lead to something immediately. Real relationships rarely work that way. One good conversation can plant a seed that matters later — sometimes much later.
Networking works best when it feels like something you’d do anyway—whether that’s a one-on-one coffee, a small meetup, or a book club. Experiment with what fits your personality.
What advice do you have when it comes to relationship building? I’d love to hear them!
