Superficial small talk, uncomfortable asks, awkward silence.
That’s not pleasant for anyone.
But networking, when done right, can be enjoyable while opening doors to positive opportunities. It starts with having a plan and ends with being a generous person.
Six tips to help you approach networking with more comfort and confidence
-
Have a smooth introduction
A lot of times people just wing it when they attempt to network, believing spontaneity is more important than preparation. Every networking meeting will have some standard parts you should prepare for. One of them is your introduction. Write and memorize a 30-60 second introduction about yourself and what you’re looking for. Practice it until it feels natural.
-
Have three questions to ask
A conversation will have some give and take. Come to every networking meeting with three questions you can ask. Sometimes this will require a bit of research. This could be an opportunity to get valuable job-market insights or specific career advice. By using open-ended questions (ones that can’t be answered with a “yes” or “no”), your discussion can be more dynamic and informative.
-
Listen with curiosity
One aspect of networking is to have a balanced dialogue, not to talk too much or too little. A way to ensure this is to pay close attention to what the other person is sharing. Let your curiosity guide you to ask more questions. “How did that happen?” “What did you think then?” “What would you suggest?” This leads to a richer, more interesting conversation while building a genuine rapport.
-
Know what you want
A networking meeting should have an objective. Without an eventual ask, networking can feel like a casual conversation without a point. A networking meeting should include a succinct summary of what you’re aiming for. It could be a job lead, an introduction, a resource, some advice, etc. Share it in a way that feels collaborative instead of imposing. “Eric, I was wondering if you knew of anyone at XPO logistics. They have some interesting marketing positions.” This is much better than, “Eric, can you introduce me to your wife’s boss?”
-
Offer to give back
One reason many hate networking is because it feels like an imposition. You counter this by giving too. During any networking meeting, try to figure out how you can assist them. Get clues from your conversation. Your help could come in any form, such as advice, introductions, or ideas. If you can’t figure it out, just ask them. “How can I be of help to you?” Remind them that your offer of help is broad and remains open-ended.
-
Feel confident in what you’re doing
Boost your confidence by reminding yourself that you’re just talking with other people who are just like you regardless of their position. That Senior VP had to start somewhere once too. By approaching these conversations with some confidence—even if you’re still nervous—you give off a positive vibe that can lessen the awkwardness for everyone.
Wrap-up
These networking tips are a good place to start to help you feel more prepared and therefore more at ease when you start networking. Networking takes practice but with more repetition it will start to feel more natural and become more effective.