Networking like a pro: building connections for career growth
16.10.25 ArticlesFor most people, ‘networking’ is a scary word. The idea of standing in a room full of business-minded strangers and waiting for an opportunity to strike up a conversation is undeniably daunting. To stand-out amongst the sea of seasoned veterans is even more-so. Nevertheless, networking is a vital part of career evolution. Love it or hate it, your professional path can be as much determined by who you know as what you do.
That being said, networking doesn’t have to feel transactional – done properly, it can be a key opportunity to forge genuine, long-lasting connections. Yes, networking can help support your career growth, but it can also pave the way for meaningful collaboration and knowledge sharing between your peers.
If you’re feeling confused, anxious or unsure about how to approach your first (or maybe even your tenth!) networking event, here’s some advice to help you get started in a way that works for you.
Why does networking matter?
Whilst it may not be mandatory, networking is a great way to grow your professional connections and help drive your career. There’s a mountain of research out there to suggest that people with strong networks end up with higher salaries and more promotions. It also gives you the chance to gather vital insights and tips from those who have been in your shoes.
Yet the phrase “I hate networking” is something we hear all the time from candidates and executives alike. For those who aren’t natural extroverts, it can be difficult to overcome that uncomfortable feeling of ‘phoniness’ networking events bring up. However, we’re here to give you some tips to get you out of your comfort zone.
But where do I look?
So, we’ve covered the why, now what about the where? Networking used to be all about in-person interactions, with an industry-specific event out there for everyone.
To make sure you know about these types of events, join organisations in your field, subscribe to industry newsletters and follow social media accounts. You can even reach out to colleagues or friends in your industry for suggestions on past events they’ve enjoyed.
These days though, networking doesn’t have to be so formal. Co-working in shared spaces and reaching out to your peers on platforms like LinkedIn can be equally as effective as attending in-person events. Start one person at a time (networking shouldn’t feel like speed-dating) it’s all about planting seeds and finding genuine, meaningful connections. Start off slow, and the rest will follow, remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Top tips for natural networking
✨ Remember that networking can be about helping others – If networking all still feels a bit too transactional to you, try flipping the script. Think of it less as a self-serving task, and more like an opportunity to offer your skills, advice, and expertise to others (even if you don’t necessarily want or need anything in return). This can help you connect with people on a much deeper, more genuine level.
✨ Skip the small talk – Sick of bringing up the weather, or asking people which university they went to ten years ago? Here’s the good news – research shows that most people prefer more intimate conversations, even if they’ve just met you for the first time. Deep conversations are correlated with higher levels of happiness and play an essential role in solidifying better connections. Seeing the bigger picture helps you stand out from the crowd, and gives you the building blocks for crafting career defining relationships.
- Instead of: What do you do?
- Try: What’s the most valuable aspect of your work – to yourself and others? What’s the one thing you want to be remembered by when you retire?
- Rather than: Who do you know?
- Try: What has been the most vital relationship you have cultivated throughout your career?
✨ Don’t go into conversations with an ulterior motive – The best networkers are those who put career ambitions aside, and simply focus on pursuing authentic friendships. Take it back to basics, have a conversation over coffee, show genuine interest, connect over shared hobbies. People are naturally more reciprocating when they feel that you’re not trying to gain something.
✨ Stay in touch – Whether it’s in the form of a follow-up email or a casual chat at the pub, maintaining a line of communication is a vital part of nurturing the relationships you’ve cultivated. Neglecting these connections is the easiest way to throw away all of your hard work – go the distance, and you’ll be hard to ignore.
While networking might feel like an uphill struggle at first, viewing it as a skill to be honed helps to make it feel more manageable. All you need is a little bit of practice. Getting yourself out there is the first step towards opening up a whole new world of opportunity – so what are you waiting for? There’s no time like the present!