Key Takeaways
- Networking is about building relationships that provide mutual value and help people grow.
- Strong networking connections can support emotional and mental health by creating a sense of belonging and support.
- Coming prepared, being yourself, and prioritizing quality interactions can help people network effectively, even if social interaction feels challenging.
Networking is more than just sharing job openings via word of mouth or using it to climb the corporate ladder. Ideally, networking helps you grow both personally and professionally—and the right strategies can turn a good networking experience into a great one.
What Is Networking?
“Networking is the intentional process of building and nurturing professional relationships that provide mutual value,” explains Kimberly Brown, Career and Leadership Expert and founder of Brown Leadership. “Networking works because careers are fundamentally built on relationships—people hire, promote, and recommend people they know and trust.”
When most people think of networking, they think of a large meeting room filled with eager (and some not-so-eager) participants, trying to make connections to help further their careers. While that scenario is one aspect of networking, it doesn’t paint the entire picture.
There are different types of networking to help achieve your goals:
- Professional networking is what most people consider “networking.” It happens at conferences and business events, through one-on-one conversations with coworkers, or while learning from a mentor. “These connections help us grow our careers, expand our influence, and access new opportunities,” says Brian Smith, founder and managing partner of IA Business Advisors.
- Personal networking is when you meet people through family, friends, yoga classes, mom groups, at the gym, or through other activities. The sense of camaraderie from these groups provides an enriching experience. “These relationships often support our emotional and mental health, giving us a sense of belonging, identity, and unconditional support,” Smith says.
Strategies for Effective In-Person Networking
Networking is about more than just talking. The right strategies can help you not only connect and foster meaningful relationships, but also enjoy the process.
“Networking isn’t just about who you meet—it’s about how you show up,” Smith says. “When you lead with intention, stay true to your values, and remain open to growth, challenges become stepping stones—and your network becomes a source of strength, not stress.”
Here are a few practical networking tips to consider:
- Be yourself. Whether you’re joining a new friend group or trying to find potential clients, let people meet the authentic you.
- Make personal connections. “Remember people’s names and something personal about them and what they care about. People don’t want to feel like they are mere contacts in your files to be useful,” advises Richard E. Boyatzis, PhD, Professor in the Departments of Organizational Behavior, Psychology, and Cognitive Science at Case Western Reserve University.
- Show genuine interest in each person you meet. “Apply the ‘Probe’ principle by asking thoughtful questions that demonstrate genuine interest in others before talking about yourself,” says Andres Lares, career expert and Managing Partner at Shapiro Negotiations Institute.
- Be prepared. If you’re going to a conference, research the speakers and other people attending before you go. You’ll feel more confident and will be able to interact in a meaningful way.
- Make quality interactions your goal. “Rather than collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections, invest time in fewer, deeper relationships,” says Brown. “One strong advocate is worth more than 50 casual acquaintances.”
Strategies for Networking Online
While networking online may seem easier than talking face-to-face, it can take more effort to make authentic connections.
Consider these strategies to improve your online interactions:
- When people see your profile, let them learn more about you. Your online forum should give people insight into who you are, your mission, and your goals.
- Make your words count. “Engage consistently, not constantly,” Smith advises. “Comment, share, and message when it adds value—but avoid scrolling or reacting mindlessly. Your time and energy are assets.”
- Create boundaries. It’s easy to waste valuable time mindlessly scrolling. Take a break from the screens when needed. Give yourself a set amount of time to engage and then disconnect.
Why Does Networking Matter?
According to Cornell University, almost 80% of job openings aren’t advertised to the general public. That means those positions are filled by someone who likely heard about it from someone else. In other words, those jobs are filled by networking!
“I have never had a job where I formally applied and then ultimately got the job after an interview process,” says Lares. “My jobs have come from meeting people at conferences, introductions set up through former colleagues or classmates, people that I reached out to during school to get to know and have kept in touch with, etc.”
Meeting others through networking also fosters strong, interconnected support. “Social support is the foundation of effective networking,” Brown explains. “Building genuine connections creates a community of people who can provide emotional encouragement, practical advice, and strategic introductions.”
That type of connection has mental health benefits. LinkedIn notes that networking helps combat alienation, isolation, and loneliness while fostering a sense of being understood, valued, and supported.
How To Overcome Networking Challenges
For many people, networking with strangers or even people they may know is a dreaded task. In fact, more than 70% of Americans say they’d rather be silent than engage in small talk.
Luckily, there are strategies for dealing with the challenges you might face while networking.
Dealing with Networking Anxiety
It’s not uncommon to feel butterflies in your stomach when you’re headed to your first book club meeting or stepping into your boss’s dinner party. This sensation often stems from the fear of saying or doing the wrong thing.
You can help to overcome networking anxiety by pre-planning discussion topics to use as conversation starters.
You can also set a realistic goal for yourself, such as having three meaningful discussions before you leave the event.
Strategies for Introverts
“Networking affects introverts differently because their energy is depleted rather than enhanced by extensive social interaction,” Lares says. “However, introverts often excel at the ‘Probe’ phase of networking, as they tend to be excellent listeners and ask thoughtful questions. Introverts can focus on quality over quantity in networking.
“Introverts can leverage their natural strengths in one-on-one conversations and deeper connections rather than trying to work a room,” Lares continues. “By adequately preparing and setting realistic goals for each networking opportunity, introverts can network effectively without overwhelm.”
Handling Rejection and Setbacks
No one likes rejection. Unfortunately, when you start talking to someone you don’t know well, it can open the door for them to not be interested in what you have to say. Then, there’s the fear that your follow-up efforts will be met with silence.
Try to avoid taking the rejection personally. Brown says to “redirect your energy to receptive connections rather than dwelling on those that didn’t materialize.”
Having coping mechanisms in place for networking challenges can make you feel more empowered and ready to face the task at hand.
