Does the idea of professional networking send chills up your spine? We can relate—in fact, a lot of people can. A study from 2014 found that networking tends to make people feel… well, icky.
Strategic mingling tends to feel fake. So, as the study suggests, professional networking interferes with a person’s “moral purity.” It can be hard to feel like yourself in a networking conversation if sharing your achievements and poking around for opportunities doesn’t come naturally.
But as many cringy connotations as the word “networking” might have, we’re not ready to dismiss it completely. It’s one of the best ways to meet people in your industry with similar goals and interests. And connecting with people who may be interested in collaborating can lead to genuine fulfillment, creative inspiration, and a boost in confidence.
While there may be people out there who are strictly looking for opportunities to get ahead, that doesn’t have to be your approach. You can make genuine connections through networking. And that’s really what it’s about—building relationships with like-minded people. Here’s how we’re redefining networking so we can create meaningful professional relationships that will last.
You can make networking look like you
Networking doesn’t have to resemble the stock images of people in business casual shaking hands and laughing. It can take on many forms. Maybe it’s an email you send to someone you admire asking for mentorship, or an afternoon coffee where you share an idea. The important thing is to find a setting where you can be yourself.
Professional connections can be genuine
If you’re seeking new work relationships, look for people that interest you beyond your professional realm. There’s nothing that says professional relationships and genuine connections are mutually exclusive. Approaching conversations with curiosity and interest will help you set a more authentic tone. And finding your shared interests and values with someone can help you build a lasting, meaningful relationship.
Networking is not one-sided
If you go into a networking opportunity focused only on what others have to offer, you’re missing half of the picture. Think about what you bring to the table, too. You’re more likely to build healthy, collaborative relationships when you consider the supportive role you might play. And you may feel more confident when you acknowledge everything that you have to contribute.
Networking is an opportunity to give
In his TEDx talk, Dr. Daniel Hallak compares networking to a garden. The more care and attention you give it, the more it thrives. And ultimately you may end up with more vegetables (or connections) than you know what to do with. This, he says, is what makes networking so fulfilling. It’s not just about what you can take, but what you can give. When you have a healthy network, you could make introductions that support another’s success. There’s nothing icky about that!
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