20 Networking Tips to Try When You Don't Like Networking

What’s your favorite networking tip? Share it in the comments!

Say the word “networking” and many people think of awkward meet-ups, sweaty business cards, and annoying small talk. With a reputation for being disingenuous, one-way, and simply uncomfortable, it’s understandable that many people don’t like networking and would prefer a world where we don’t have to do it at all.

Alas, we don’t live in that world, so how do we shift our views of networking to be less about anxiety and fear and more about opportunity? What if we thought of networking as a way to meet people with whom we share mutual interests and aspirations? That it wasn’t about racking up tons of names and business cards, but rather about cultivating a strong and supportive community? And instead of being one-way or one-time, it’s about creating long-term relationships to nurture and grow?

For me, networking is about my desire to meet new people wherever I am and be helpful to others whenever possible, much like how I approach making new friends in my personal life. If this sounds intriguing, then you already know what I mean.

So how exactly do we get ourselves to network when we would rather do anything but? Below are a few networking tips to employ to grow your connections and advance your career—I hope you’ll find them useful.

Pain-free networking tips to meet people

The goal: research an event in your field, or something that you’re simply interested in, and RSVP. This is the simplest part, I know, but once you’re there, I want you to trust me and try some of these tips to make networking feel less awkward and painful: 

• Take a friend. So much of the anxiety surrounding networking events is the idea that you’ll be a wallflower with no one to talk to. Ease that fear by taking a friend or colleague with you, and encourage each other to find a few people to bring into your conversation.
• Ask for an introduction. If someone you meet at the event mentions an interesting contact, ask them to connect you with them sometime. This type of third-person networking eases some of the fear about going out of your own way to meet someone, and it gives you the potential to make a deeper connection with two people instead of one.
• Attend a workshop. Does this networking event have some sort of panel discussion or activity associated with it? Go! Workshops often allow you to have conversations with other participants, inadvertently introducing you to new people. It’s also a good topic for conversation with your seatmate: What did you think of x? 
• Attend a conference. Although conferences might be full of people, it’s not always easy to introduce yourself. You get busy with the various speakers or just stick with your colleagues. So, if you can, figure out who will be at the conference ahead of time and reach out to them on LinkedIn. That way, when you arrive, you already have a plan of action for who you want to speak with. You can also try to get your network to reach out to you by using this handy OOO template when you’re attending a conference. 
• Make a plan for after the event. Don’t let your new connections fall through the cracks. If you’ve spent time in good conversation with someone you meet at a networking event, make a plan to catch up in a couple of weeks or a month. Let’s grab a coffee sometime? See you at the next event? Even just an email you send one week later telling them you enjoyed the conversation is enough to potentially move from temporary bond to lasting connection. 
• Join the board for the event. Attending an event for a group that is so cool that you’d love to get more involved with them? Find the person in charge and ask to join their board, or leadership group. Many networking groups rely on board members to put together events, reach out to supporters, and build a cohesive group united around a certain field, industry, or topic, so it’s a great way to continue growing your own network.
• Sign up for relevant clubs or activities. I've met a ton of great people through the New York City chapter of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network, and there are often spin-off groups that meet more frequently for creative discussion, coffee, or pickleball. Here are a few associations and community groups to explore on Idealist if you don’t have an existing networking event to attend.
• Volunteer. Volunteering allows you to help others, meet people who share your passion, and learn more about your community. Here’s how to make the most of a volunteer opportunity to advance your social-impact career.
• Connect with a coworker. Sometimes we ignore the people right next to us. If there is a coworker you’d like to get to know more, invite them to the networking event with you and get to know them!
• Reach out to your alumni group. Alumni groups often host networking events for people to get together. Alumni doesn’t just apply to colleges, either. Have you completed or participated in any fun programs? Connect with your cohort and see if there are any meet-ups scheduled.
• Harness social media. We could write an entire article about this (and we have!) but think about how you can turn online relationships into face-to-face meetings. Don’t be afraid to be the person who pulls out LinkedIn at the end of the conversation—everyone wants to do it, and they’ll be grateful you took the first step.

Networking tips to grow existing connections

• Make introductions. One of the best networking tips I can give you is to help others network—answer that student’s email, share your colleague’s advice with a friend, and introduce two people who have something in common. 
• Host a party. Yep, even partying is networking. You can have a small get together in your home or a restaurant to bring together friends and colleagues, past and present, to mingle over a shared meal or board games.
• Send a thank you note. Whether by email or snail mail, a short note thanking someone for helping you lets them know you appreciate their support…and will make them more likely to help you again soon. 
• Share a resource. Read a fantastic take on networking on Idealist’s Career Advice blog? When an interesting article speaks to what people in your network are passionate about or problems they are having trouble solving, don’t be afraid to share it around with a few thoughts.
• Share a skill. We’re all good at something—how can you use your skills to help or inspire people in your network? If it’s a project, consider launching a Recipe for Action and inviting others to try it out. If it’s stellar copy editing skills, devote a couple of hours each month to providing feedback on people’s resumes.
• Make a recommendation on LinkedIn. You can craft a great recommendation in just a few minutes. Not only will it surprise and delight a former colleague, but it’s also a great way to start a conversation about what they’ve been up to recently.
• Share praise! I have a friend I brag about to everyone I meet; she’s sharp, generous, and a joy to be around. Once someone asked me, “Do you tell her how much you adore her?” Good point! Let the people in your life know you admire who they are and what they do.
• Stay in touch online. One of the easiest ways to keep your network lively is to be in constant contact, and today, social media makes this easy. You can do many of the aforementioned actions online (like sharing praise, a recommendation, or a resource). Try to hop offline occasionally, too, if possible.
• Ask them what they need. Seriously! So many people could use an extra hand, a day off, a vent session. Just ask.

Now that you have a solid list of networking tips to try, I hope you’ll give networking a shot once more. If you feel like the conversations you’re having aren’t fruitful, and in fact are just glorified small talk, then don’t be afraid to try something new. I’m confident one of the above tips will stick.