Networking is essential in today’s professional (and social) world.

The great thing about networking (and doing it well) is that anyone can be good at it—even introverts. Networking is a lot like flexing a muscle—the more you use it and the more you practice, the stronger and more stable that muscle becomes.

Getting good at networking can open up a world of opportunities for career advancement, expanding your knowledge, skills, and personal and professional growth. It’s all about how you connect, from building meaningful connections to leveraging online platforms.

Why is Networking Important for Your Career?

The goal of networking is to create and nurture mutually beneficial relationships with the hope that it can lead to opportunities like job referrals, partnerships, collaborations, mentorships, and business growth. Effective networking relies on authenticity and a genuine interest in other people. It’s about cultivating a strong network of contacts who can provide support, advice, and resources to help you advance in your career, navigate roadblocks, and create opportunities.

5 Ways to Become a Better Networker

Networking is essentially an exercise in self-efficacy—

It’s about having confidence in yourself and your ability to navigate relationships and create opportunities for yourself. When you approach networking with a self-efficacy mindset, you’re more likely to leverage opportunities – so here are five ways to become a better networker ASAP:

1. Be Authentic

Authenticity is key in networking. Instead of trying to impress people, focus on being genuine, engaged, and true to yourself. Embrace what makes you stand out (hobbies, experiences), and let them shine (within reason). Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses, and don’t be afraid to show vulnerability.

When you approach networking with authenticity, you’ll build deeper, more meaningful connections that are best aligned with who you are and what you want.

2. Make an Effort

Networking requires effort and initiative. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you—you need to seek them out actively. Get out of your comfort zone and attend local networking events, reach out to contacts, and follow up with people you meet. Show authentic interest in people by asking thoughtful questions and actively listening to their responses.

Take the time to nurture relationships and stay connected with your network. Consistently making an effort to engage with others will expand your network and open up new opportunities in bigger and better ways year after year.

3. Add Value

Effective networking is not just about what you can get but also what you can GIVE.

Look for ways to add value to the people in your network through the generosity of your expertise, insights, or resources (including your network!). Actively share relevant information, articles, or industry updates, offer to make introductions, or volunteer your time and skills to help. When you focus on being a valuable resource, you’ll strengthen your relationships, build trust, and ultimately become someone your network can rely on.

4. Lean into Connections

It’s all about building relationships, so don’t be afraid to lean into your connections and cast a net far and wide. Reach out to people regularly to check in, share updates, or seek advice.

Proactively nurture your relationships by catching up for coffee, lunch dates, or virtual meetings. Show genuine interest in their lives and careers, remember these details (we recommend keeping a Note), and look for opportunities to support and uplift them. Investing time and energy into your connections will strengthen your relationships and network and create a supportive, like-minded community of professionals.

5. Be Persistent

Networking success doesn’t happen overnight, so know that you are playing the long game. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks or rejections; focus on your goals and keep moving forward.

Be proactive in seeking out new opportunities and making connections, even when you’re unsure of yourself; as they say, ‘fake it ’til you make it.’ Follow up with people you meet, stay engaged in your network, and continue to pursue new connections and opportunities. Staying consistent and positive, you’ll gradually build a strong and diverse network that can support you throughout the lifetime of your career.

How to Network (and Where)

So, where can you put some of these skills to the test?

StellaPop has a few recommendations:

• Industry Events and Conferences: Attend relevant industry conferences, trade shows, and seminars to meet professionals in your field.
• Professional Associations: Join industry-specific professional associations and attend networking events, workshops, and webinars.
• Online Networking Platforms: Establish and actively engage with online networking platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals, join industry groups, and participate in discussions.
• Alumni Networks: Tap into your alumni network from college or university to reconnect with former classmates and leverage shared connections to network up.
• Community Events and Meetups: Attend local community events, networking mixers, and meetups related to your industry in a more casual setting.

Ready to network? We’re ready to meet!