Whether you love networking or find it painfully awkward, one thing is clear: it’s an essential skill for career growth. A strong network opens doors to job opportunities, mentorship, and industry insights you won’t find anywhere else. But showing up to an event or sending a connection request on LinkedIn isn’t enough—you need to approach networking strategically.

Before you step into your next event, let’s break down what works (and what doesn’t) so you can walk away with valuable connections.

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Networking Do’s: What Actually Works

✔ Be Curious, Not Salesy

People remember great conversations, not sales pitches. Instead of talking about yourself the whole time, focus on asking thoughtful questions and really listening. A simple, “What do you love most about your job?” or “How did you get into this industry?” can spark a meaningful exchange.

💡 Pro Tip: People love talking about themselves. Show genuine interest, and they’ll naturally want to learn about you, too!

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✔ Follow Up ASAP

Met someone interesting? Don’t let the connection fizzle out! Send a quick LinkedIn message within 24-48 hours. It can be as simple as:

"Hey [Name], great meeting you at [Event]! I really enjoyed our chat about [topic]. Let’s stay in touch!"

💡 Pro Tip: Add a personal detail from your conversation—it makes the message feel more authentic and memorable.

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✔ Be Yourself (Really!)

It’s easy to feel like you need to impress people at networking events, but the best connections happen when you’re genuine. You don’t need to have the “perfect” elevator pitch—just be open, friendly, and engaged.

💡 Pro Tip: If small talk feels awkward, start with something light like, “What’s the most interesting thing you’ve worked on lately?” to get the conversation flowing.

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✔ Offer Something, Even If It’s Small

Networking isn’t just about getting something—it’s about giving too. Even if you’re early in your career, you can offer value by sharing a relevant article, making an introduction, or simply passing along an insightful resource.

💡 Pro Tip: A great way to be memorable is by being helpful. If you promised to share a link or make an intro, follow through!

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✔ Go in with a Learning Mindset

Not every networking interaction will lead to a job offer—and that’s okay! The goal is to build long-term relationships and gain knowledge. Think of networking as planting seeds; some will grow into opportunities down the line.

💡 Pro Tip: Instead of focusing on "what can I get from this?", ask yourself, "What can I learn from this person?" That shift in mindset makes networking feel much more natural.

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Networking Don’ts: Avoid These Common Mistakes

❌ Wing It Without a Plan

Walking into an event with no strategy can make networking feel overwhelming. Have a few goals in mind, such as meeting three new people or speaking with someone in a specific industry.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re nervous, research attendees beforehand and prepare a few questions to break the ice.

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❌ Monopolize Conversations

Ever been stuck in a conversation where the other person talks nonstop? Don’t be that person. Keep the conversation balanced—listen as much as you speak.

💡 Pro Tip: Use the “50/50 rule” in conversations: aim to talk 50% of the time and listen 50% of the time.

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❌ Ask for a Job Right Away

Nobody likes feeling used. Instead of leading with “Are you hiring?” focus on building a genuine relationship first. If an opportunity arises naturally, great! But networking should be about connection, not just job hunting.

💡 Pro Tip: A better approach is, “I’d love to learn more about your work at [Company]—what’s been the most exciting part of your role?”

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❌ Forget to Follow Up

Networking doesn’t end when the event is over! If you don’t follow up, the connection fades fast.

💡 Pro Tip: Put a reminder in your calendar to send follow-up messages. A quick “Great meeting you!” keeps the relationship alive.

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❌ Stick with Your Friends the Whole Time

It’s tempting to stay in your comfort zone, but networking is about meeting new people. Challenge yourself to step out of your circle and introduce yourself to others.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re nervous, set a goal to meet at least three new people before leaving the event.

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Networking is a Long Game

Great networking isn’t about collecting business cards—it’s about building meaningful relationships over time. Focus on being curious, helpful, and authentic, and opportunities will naturally follow.

So next time you walk into a networking event, remember: listen more than you talk, follow up quickly, and always go in with a learning mindset. Your future career connections will thank you!

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