What stops you from networking?

Let's face it, whenever anyone mentions the word ‘’networking’’ It conjures images of awkward small talk, bacon butties (or pastries) coffee, and a relentless pressure to "sell yourself." No wonder so many of us avoid it like the plague.

But here's the thing: We’ve all been there. For me, the thought of walking into a room full of strangers, armed with a business card and a forced smile, filled me with fear and dread.

Then, something changed. I realised that a strong network wasn't just about getting something (a new customer or client), it was also about giving. It was about building genuine connections, sharing knowledge, and fostering mutually beneficial business relationships.

That's when for me networking transformed from a thing to be feared to an opportunity.

So, if you're feeling the same way, fear not! Here's a breakdown of what I believe to be some of the common culprits that hold us back from networking greatness, along with some tips to overcome them:

Fear of Rejection

The fear of being turned away or not being taken seriously can be paralysing. It’s the voice in your head that says, “They won’t be interested in what I have to say,” or “I’m not important enough.” This fear can stem from past experiences or self-imposed beliefs about our worth in professional settings.

Lack of Confidence

Confidence is definitely the key to networking. Without it, we struggle to present ourselves and our ideas effectively. A lack of confidence might come from feeling unprepared, or doubting our abilities to make meaningful contributions.

Not Knowing What to Say

The pressure to make a good first impression can leave us tongue-tied. We worry about saying something wrong, sounding uninformed, or simply running out of things to talk about. This often stems from overthinking interactions instead of allowing conversations to flow naturally.

Overwhelm and Time Constraints

In today’s fast-paced world, finding the time to network can be challenging. We’re often so caught up in our work and personal lives that the thought of adding one more activity feels overwhelming. We neither have the time nor the inclination to do lots of networking when we have other priorities!

Negative Networking Experiences

A previous bad experience, such as feeling out of place at an event or having a conversation go poorly, can deter us from trying again. These experiences can leave a lasting impression, making us hesitant to put ourselves in similar situations.

The Digital Dilemma

In an age where digital connections are everywhere, the art of face-to-face networking is becoming a lost skill for some. It can be far too easy to rely too heavily on digital means, and this can make the prospect of in-person networking seem foreign and intimidating.

How to Overcome Networking Hurdles

Embrace Rejection as a Learning Opportunity

We’ve all experienced rejection at some point in our lives I would imagine. But remember rejection is not a reflection of your worth. Each ‘no’ brings you closer to a ‘yes’ and teaches you something new. Embrace it as part of the process.

Build Confidence Through Preparation

At our Networking Know How Course we always stress that preparation is the key. Prepare for events by researching attendees and topics of interest, and have a list of easy questions you can ask. This preparation can boost your confidence and provide conversation starters.

Practice Makes Perfect

It’s really quite simple. The more you network, the easier it becomes. Start with smaller, less intimidating events and work your way up. Create and practice your elevator pitch until it feels natural.

Prioritise Networking

Allocate specific times for networking in your schedule. Don’t try to attend every event out there, there are lots and it can be very time-consuming. It’s important to have some sort of networking strategy. Treat it as an essential part of your professional development.

Learn from Past Experiences

Reflect on what went wrong in previous networking attempts and devise strategies to avoid similar pitfalls. Seek feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors.

Balance Digital and In-Person Networking

Use digital tools to complement, not replace, face-to-face networking. Social media can be a great way to initiate connections that you can later strengthen in person.

Conclusion

Networking doesn’t have to be a source of stress. By understanding what holds us back and taking proactive steps to address these challenges, we can transform networking from a daunting task into an opportunity for growth and connection. Remember, the goal of networking is to build relationships, not just contacts. It’s about finding common ground and mutual support. So, take a deep breath, step out of your comfort zone, and start connecting.

Try one of our friendly events to get you started.