Networking can help our careers greatly, so why are we so scared of it?
Ah, networking. The word that launched a thousand social anxieties. But what if we told you networking is about more than just mustering all your courage and speaking to people? That’s right. Networking is about creating connections, learning from people, and it is far easier than it may seem.
Take, for example, speaking to college pals or ex-colleagues. That is a kind of networking too. You can talk about work, potential opportunities, and your industries. In fact, you can use this as a practice ground to hone your skills. The next time you meet an old acquaintance, try and ask about their work and try to gain knowledge and insight from it.
Another thing to keep in mind is that networking is not always just transactional. “I met someone at a party three years ago. Last month, she called to ask if I was interested in a position at her company. She said she remembered how passionately I spoke about what I did, and that made her remember me,” data scientist Hari Kumar tells us.
Networking can help you move ahead in your career, learn from other people, and help you with your job. But, that doesn’t mean it has to be difficult or superficial. Find your rhythm, put your best foot forward, and try some of these helpful tips till you know what works for you.