When people hear the word “networking,” they often picture crowded rooms, stacks of business cards, and forced small talk. But real networking is quieter, more strategic, and far more human.
It’s not about who you meet—it’s about who you connect with.
Here are a few ways to rethink your approach:
- Start with Curiosity
Instead of launching into your elevator pitch, ask questions. People open up when they feel heard, not sold to. - Create Value Before You Ask for Anything
Share a resource, make an introduction, or simply offer a perspective. Those small gestures build trust. - Be the One Who Follows Up
Most contacts fade because no one nurtures them. A thoughtful follow-up—even just a week later—shows you care about more than the moment. - Play the Long Game
Lasting business relationships are built over months and years, not minutes. Consistency is what turns a contact into a collaborator.
Networking is less about adding names to your contact list and more about building a circle of people who trust you, value you, and want to work with you again.
➡️ Want to go deeper? I break down my full networking framework in my book The Introvert’s Guide to Becoming a Master Networker and inside my digital course Networking School. Both are designed to help you grow your network naturally, without the awkward sales-y tactics.