Does Networking Make You Cringe? Do This Instead
Mary Daphne Ed.M.
Executive Communication Coach | Empowering Leaders & International Professionals to Master High-Stakes Communication for Career Growth
For most people, networking feels like a chore. The awkward small talk. The fake smiles. The feeling that you’re “using” people just to get ahead. No wonder so many people avoid it altogether.
But here’s the truth: networking isn’t about schmoozing or handing out business cards like candy. It’s about building real relationships that actually matter—without feeling awkward, forced, or desperate.
Why Confident People Network Differently
Think about the most charismatic, well-connected person you know.
Do they hustle to meet people?
Do they force conversations?
No.
They make it look effortless because they’re not “networking.”
They’re just being themselves, confidently engaging with others in a way that feels natural.
The good news?
You don’t need to be born with charisma to do this.
You can build networking confidence just like any other skill—with the right strategies.
Three Small Tweaks That Change Everything
Want to feel confident in any conversation and build meaningful connections? Try these:
1. Ditch the “What do you do?” question. Instead, ask something that sparks real conversation:
2. Use the “Confidence Borrowing” Trick. If you feel awkward at networking events, borrow confidence from someone who already has it. How? Walk into the room like you’re hosting the event. Smile. Make eye contact. Say hi to the first person you see. You don’t have to be the life of the party—just act like you belong. (Because you do.)
3. Follow Up Like a Pro. Most people go to networking events, collect a few business cards, and… never follow up. That’s a huge mistake. A simple message like this makes all the difference:
"Hey [Name], really enjoyed our chat about [topic]. Let’s grab coffee or hop on a quick call next week—I’d love to keep the conversation going! I’m free at [this and this] time. Let me know what works for you."
Boom. You’ve just separated yourself from 99% of people who never follow up.
Your Challenge: Take Action Today
Networking isn’t about luck—it’s about intentional action. So here’s your challenge:
? Attend an event and introduce yourself to three people.
? Or go a step further—host your own meetup in Explearning Academy.
No more waiting for opportunities to come to you. Create them.
Comment below and let me know: What’s one thing that’s held you back from networking confidently??
#Explearning #SocialFluency #ExecutiveCommunication