Getting Smart with Networking Prep

Networking used to be the bane of my existence.

As someone who isn’t the biggest fan of large social events or talking about myself, having to network felt like pulling a tooth without novocaine.

Fun? Absolutely not.

Unfortunately, between organizing fundraisers, planning symposiums, and navigating jobs and internships in college, I was introduced—okay, more like thrown—into the wonderful world of networking.

And I quickly learned that some people make it look so easy.

They walk into a room, strike up conversations like they’ve known everyone for years, and somehow leave with five new contacts and three potential opportunities. Meanwhile, I’m over here trying to figure out how to join a conversation without making it awkward.

If you’re anything like me, here’s the good news: networking is a skill, and like most skills, it gets easier with practice.

You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room or have a perfectly rehearsed speech. You just need a little preparation, a willingness to connect, and a few tricks up your sleeve.

Here are the networking tips I’ve learned along the way.

First Things First…

Before we get into the dos and don’ts, let’s cover a few things that can make networking feel a little less intimidating.

1. Be Approachable

You don’t have to walk into an event with the energy of a motivational speaker, but a little openness goes a long way.

Make eye contact, offer a smile, and try to avoid looking completely closed off. If you’re standing in a corner staring at your phone, people may assume you’re not interested in talking—even if you’re secretly hoping someone will come say hello.

And remember, the other person might be just as nervous as you are. Sometimes all it takes is a simple introduction to get the conversation started.

2. Keep an Open Mind

Not every conversation will be a home run. Some people will be easier to talk to than others, and occasionally you’ll find yourself in a conversation that feels like it’s moving at the speed of a snail.

That’s okay.

You don’t have to connect with everyone in the room. The goal is to be open to meeting people you might not otherwise encounter and to recognize that a brief conversation can still be worthwhile.

3. Find Common Ground

Small talk doesn’t have to be painful. Instead of relying on the usual weather commentary, try asking questions related to the event, someone’s work, or what brought them there.

For example:

• “What brought you to this event?”
• “How did you get started in your field?”
• “Have you attended one of these events before?”
• “What’s been keeping you busy lately?”

And if the conversation does drift toward the weather? Don’t panic. You’re allowed to be a normal human being having a normal conversation. The goal isn’t to impress someone with every sentence. It’s to find something you can genuinely talk about.

The Dos of Networking

1. Prepare a Short Elevator Pitch

You never want to be caught completely off guard when someone asks, “So, tell me about yourself.” Cue the internal panic. A little preparation can help you feel more confident, especially if talking about yourself doesn’t come naturally.

An elevator pitch is a brief introduction that explains who you are, what you do or are interested in, and what you’d like to pursue. It doesn’t need to sound like a sales presentation. Think of it as a starting point for conversation.

Try including:

• Who you are: Your name and a little about your background.
• What you do: Your current role, area of study, or professional interests.
• What motivates you: The kinds of projects, problems, or opportunities that interest you.
• What’s next: A goal you’re working toward or something you’d like to learn more about.

Aim for around 30–60 seconds, depending on the situation.

For example:

“Hi, I’m [Name]. I have a background in [your field] and I’m particularly interested in [area of interest]. I’ve enjoyed working on [relevant experience or project], and I’m hoping to learn more about opportunities in [area]. What kind of work do you do?”

See? Concise, conversational, and it gives the other person something to respond to.

The point isn’t to memorize a speech word for word. It’s to have a general idea of what you want to say so you can relax and let the conversation flow.

And if the elevator gets stuck, well, I suppose you’ll have plenty of time to perfect your pitch.

2. Be an Active Listener

Ever met someone who responds with a simple “yes” or “no” to a question that practically begs for a full sentence? Or someone who nods along to everything without seeming to absorb a single word?

Yeah. Let’s not be those people.

Networking isn’t just about getting someone to remember your name. It’s also about showing genuine interest in the person you’re speaking with. Listen to what they’re saying, ask follow-up questions, and pay attention to the details they share.

For example, if someone mentions that they’re working on an exciting project, ask what their role involves or what they enjoy most about it. Not only does this make conversations more engaging, but it can also help you discover shared interests and opportunities to learn from one another.

You don’t have to be the most fascinating person in the room. Sometimes, being a thoughtful listener is what makes you memorable.

3. Exchange Contact Information

If you’ve had a good conversation with someone, don’t let it end without a way to reconnect.

Depending on the setting, that might mean exchanging business cards, connecting on LinkedIn, or simply asking whether they’d be open to staying in touch. You don’t need to collect everyone’s contact information like you’re completing a scavenger hunt though, just focus on the people with whom you’ve had a meaningful interaction.

And once you’ve made a connection, follow up! A short message thanking someone for their time and mentioning something you discussed is often enough to keep the conversation going.

For example:

“Hi [Name], it was lovely meeting you at [event]. I enjoyed hearing about your work in [area], especially what you shared about [specific topic]. I’d love to stay connected, and I hope we have the chance to speak again soon!”

Keep your message natural and appropriate to the interaction. If the conversation was relaxed, there’s no need to sound like you’re drafting a formal business proposal.

4. Follow Up While the Conversation Is Fresh

Exchanging contact information is a great start, but the real value comes from building a relationship over time. Try reaching out within a day or two of meeting someone, while you can both still remember the conversation.

If you discussed a resource, article, or shared interest, you can even use that as a natural reason to reconnect.

And remember, networking doesn’t have to lead to an immediate job offer or professional opportunity to be worthwhile. Sometimes it’s simply about getting to know someone in your field and learning from their experience.

Networking Dos: The Quick Recap

• Research the event and prepare beforehand.
• Practice a short, conversational elevator pitch.
• Be yourself rather than trying to perform a particular personality.
• Listen carefully and ask thoughtful questions.
• Exchange contact information when it makes sense.
• Follow up with people you’d genuinely like to stay connected with.

The Don’ts of Networking

Now that we’ve covered what to do, let’s talk about a few habits worth avoiding.

1. Don’t Make the Conversation All About You

We all know someone who can turn literally any conversation into a story about themselves.

You mention that you went on vacation, and suddenly they’re telling you about the three-week trip they took five years ago.

You mention a new job, and somehow you’re hearing their entire career history.

Networking is not the time to audition for the role of Most Interesting Person Alive.

Share your experiences, absolutely, but make room for the other person to contribute, too. A good conversation should feel like a two-way street.

2. Don’t Feel Obligated to Spend the Entire Event With One Person

If you meet someone you really click with, it’s perfectly fine to enjoy the conversation.

But if you’re attending an event specifically to meet new people, try not to spend the entire time talking to the first person you meet. After a while, you can politely wrap up the conversation and move on.

Something as simple as, “I’ve really enjoyed chatting with you! I’m going to say hello to a few more people, but I’d love to stay connected,” works beautifully.

And if you’re nervous about approaching someone new, remember that you don’t have to work the room like a seasoned politician. Even two or three meaningful conversations can make an event worthwhile.

3. Don’t Become Attached to Your Phone

I know. Your phone is familiar, comfortable, and an excellent escape route when a room full of strangers feels overwhelming. But constantly checking notifications or scrolling through social media can make you seem uninterested in the people around you.

Before the event, consider silencing unnecessary notifications and keeping your phone tucked away unless you need it.

If you need a quick breather, that’s fine, too. Step away for a moment, collect yourself, and return when you’re ready.

You don’t have to force yourself to socialize every second. Just try not to let your phone become a permanent shield between you and everyone else.

4. Don’t Treat Every Interaction Like a Transaction

This one is important.

Networking is often framed as a way to find jobs, meet influential people, or get ahead professionally. And while those can be valuable outcomes, approaching every conversation with an agenda can make connecting feel unnecessarily stressful.

You don’t have to figure out what someone can do for you within the first five minutes of meeting them.

Be curious. Share what you know. Offer help when you can. Let relationships develop naturally.

The best connections aren’t always the ones that produce an immediate opportunity. Sometimes they’re the ones that grow into something useful months or even years later.

Networking Don’ts: The Quick Recap

• Don’t dominate the conversation.
• Don’t feel obligated to stay with one person all evening.
• Don’t spend the event glued to your phone.
• Don’t treat people as stepping stones to your next opportunity.

The Bottom Line

Networking might never become my favorite activity, and if you’re someone who finds large events, introductions, and professional small talk exhausting, I completely understand. But I’ve learned that networking doesn’t have to mean walking into a room and transforming into the most outgoing person there.

You can be quiet and still make meaningful connections.

You can feel nervous and still introduce yourself.

You can have an awkward conversation and still walk away having learned something.

The more you practice, the more comfortable it becomes. And the more you focus on building genuine relationships instead of trying to impress everyone, the less intimidating the whole process can feel.

So do your research, prepare a few conversation starters, put your phone away, and give yourself permission to be a little awkward. After all, you’re there to meet people, not deliver a TED Talk!

What are your top networking tips?