Are you struggling to network? I sure am.
Keep reading for tips on how to overcome your fear of networking, prepare for a networking event, and where you can go to meet new people and boost your network!
Boost Your Confidence and Overcome Your Fear of Networking
1) Before Networking: Create a pre-networking routine.
Right before my networking calls, I get extremely anxious. So to calm myself, I rehearse what I’m going to say in the mirror and reassure myself that I’m going to be okay. This past year’s positive affirmations have been a game-changer in boosting my self-esteem and confidence when speaking to others.
2) While Networking: Keep the conversation moving!
Honestly, in the beginning, I found it quite challenging to have a “flow” when speaking to other professionals. As time went on, I wrote various questions, that not only referred to their careers but personal questions like, “What future endeavors are you excited for?” and “What are you passionate about?” These types of questions create a welcoming environment and can be quite therapeutic for both parties.
Related Read: Here’s a list of questions to ask during your next networking chat.
3) After Networking: Keep them engaged.
After my networking calls, I STALK! I know this sounds quite strange, but it’s necessary to show you’re truly invested in the long-haul. Find your connections on any social media (preferably LinkedIn) and get connected! Interact with other commenters, and like posts you find amusing or inspiring. Usually, I’ll keep a list of topics my connections frequently engage with for future reference. This is helpful in case a project or open opportunity comes through!
💡 Bonus: How to Set Up Your Next Networking Chat
If you’ve never networked or are a little rusty, overcoming your fear of networking can be hard. Here are a few networking strategies to try.
- Start small. Connect with your peers, teachers, family, and friends. Most of the time you’ll find opportunities you didn’t know existed, so put yourself out there.
- Think outside the box. Most of the time I cold-emailed while looking for internship opportunities, it was jarring at first to find that 99.9% of the time I was rejected (and most never even responded). Those who did respond to me weren’t looking for entry-level employees.
It was exhilarating, to say the least, to not attach my worth to a copy and paste email. With constant rejection letters and emails, I was able to redirect my energy to my craft. As a result, it became easier to present myself via email and at in-person events. - Make the first move. It can be quite intimidating to reach out if you don’t have a huge social presence. But you honestly miss 100% of opportunities you don’t take…So take them.
3 Platforms to Help You Build a Strong Personal and Professional Network
If you’re ready to put the networking tips above to the test, try joining these online and in-real life communities.
1) Eventbrite: Non-Traditional Networking (IRL & Online)
Eventbrite: Want a fitness buddy. Check, looking for illustrative art? Check. Wanna own a business? Double-check. Eventbrite is a global e-invite website to induce all your passions. While some events can be costly, most require basic registration (A.K.A free!).
With its “cool” and “hip” marketing techniques, Eventbrite does a great job catering to all demographics. Though some of the workshops I’ve attended aren’t traditional networking events, It has been extremely vital for my well-being and interacting with a realm of interesting people.
💡 Workshops I’d Recommend for a Healthy Mind & Body:
Master Your Work/Life 👇
Join over 1,000 other professionals! Get work/life tips sent directly to ya.
2) Acadium: A Long-Term Commitment (Online)
Acadium: For anyone who loves marketing, this 3- month apprenticeship offers 1:1 mentorship from industry professionals, real-world experience, and plenty of networking opportunities.
Acadium connects apprentices to businesses that relate to their career goals and produces quality content on creating digital portfolios, improving your digital marketing skills, and redirecting your career path after college. Additionally, if you’re hesitant to commit (P.S only 10 hrs weekly), Acadium offers FREE online courses from SEO, digital marketing, and content creation. There is a plethora of accessible information with just one click.
💡 TIP: Acadium also offers a premium version.
3) Ladder: A Clubhouse Alternative (Online)
Ladder: This is the perfect peer-to-peer messaging platform for anyone who is intimidated by clubhouse (that’s me!) Ladder offers an approachable way to interact with a community of people. By joining Ladder you’ll gain exclusive content and job opportunities that may not be present on larger networking platforms.
Ladders Product Designer Arthur Kim said, “ I joined Ladder because it felt like I was solving a problem that was very close to me. Coming from a low-income, immigrant family- I aggressively disliked LinkedIn and everything that it stood for. The fact that users have to pay for premium to connect and network with people often discouraged me… Ladder is democratizing this process and to be able to design for a solution that hits close to home is the reason why Ladder is meaningful to me.”
Additionally, Ladder offers live webinars where users can speak to industry professionals. Some past speakers include leadership professional Simon Sirek, 30 under 30 Charles Yu, and many others. If you’re scrambling last minute to find a summer internship, no worries, try Ladder. With Ladder, you’ll make a connection and maybe even a new friend along the way.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ronyell Wells is a freelance writer and LinkedIn enthusiast. When she’s not reading or watching YouTube, you can catch her existing cause why not?
Follow and connect with Ronyell on Linkedin!