Many people know networking matters, but they avoid it anyway. They don’t like awkward events. They hate forced small talk. Reaching out to new people feels uncomfortable.
Real networking isn’t about handing out lots of business cards. It’s not about meeting everyone possible. Good networking means building real relationships with the right people.
If you don’t like networking, it isn’t because you’re bad at it. You probably learned it the wrong way.
The Big Mistake: Thinking More Contacts Means Better Results
A big network isn’t always strong. Some people think having many contacts leads to success. But if those connections aren’t meaningful, they won’t help when you need them.
A strong network is about knowing the right people. It means those people remember you clearly when it matters.
Step 1: Pick Quality Over Quantity
Instead of meeting everyone, pick relationships carefully. Choose people who share your goals and values.
Here are four groups to focus on:
- People in your field – They offer useful advice and chances to work together.
- Influencers and experts – They can help more people notice you.
- Peers at your level – They understand your experience and can offer support.
- Possible clients or partners – These people directly benefit from your skills.
When you focus clearly on these groups, you don’t need a huge network to succeed.
Step 2: Give Value Before Asking
Many people only reach out when they want something. That breaks trust.
It’s better to give value first. You could:
- Leave thoughtful comments on their posts.
- Share their content with your network.
- Give helpful advice or share useful resources.
When you help first, people naturally want to help you back.
Step 3: Start Conversations, Not Sales Talks
Networking isn’t about selling yourself. It’s about starting real conversations.
Instead of saying, “I’d love to connect,” use something personal, like:
“I really liked your post about [topic]. What made you want to share it?”
This feels natural and friendly, not forced or fake.
Step 4: Keep Engaging Regularly
Building a strong network takes time. Just sending one message or attending one event isn’t enough.
Try to:
- Comment daily on posts from your connections.
- Check in monthly with important contacts.
- Share helpful ideas without expecting immediate rewards.
Regular contact makes your connections stronger.
Step 5: Use Events and Online Groups the Right Way
People often avoid networking events because they feel awkward. But events and online groups can be powerful if used correctly.
To make events work:
- Pick events your ideal connections attend.
- Look up attendees and speakers beforehand.
- Prepare a few good conversation starters.
- Follow up within two days after meeting new people.
If events aren’t your style, use online groups or LinkedIn communities instead.
Final Thoughts: Make Networking Work for You
Networking shouldn’t feel fake or stressful.
Just change your goal from meeting lots of people to building meaningful connections. This shift will lead to better results quickly.
A strong network comes from regular, genuine interactions. The right people are out there. Your job is to show up, offer value, and make sure they remember you.
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