Hate networking? Let me try and change your mind
There's a single word in the English language that makes most sane people reflexively cringe. It can immediately conjure up visions of awkward small talk, bad coffee, stale canapés and tired conference room carpets. The word in question? Networking.
Now, I can feel your forehead tensing instinctively as you read that, because professional networking can be all those negative things at once. If you're not an extrovert, or dislike talking about the weather, then the idea of walking into a room full of strangers with nothing in common, except for your jobs, will rightly fill you with fear.
But, whether you like it or not, networking at work is more important than ever. There's been a 28 per cent increase in Google searches for networking events globally, and building new connections can help with career growth, industry collaboration and maybe even finding your next job.
It's one of those things that takes practice (and a bit of courage) to get better at, so here are six ways to become a better professional networker.
1. Make it personal
It's easy to believe that networking has to involve walking into a cold room and introducing yourself to twenty new people in one sitting, but networking can be much more enjoyable if you do it one-by-one.
Identify someone in your industry you think can learn from, or share knowledge with, and message them to ask for a coffee.
2. Shorter is better
Everyone is busy so don't monopolise too much of people's time. If you're meeting virtually, resist the default video meeting time of one hour, and schedule it for 25 minutes instead. This will force them to get straight to the point and cut some of the unnecessary fluff.
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Sydney Morning Herald
4 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Hate networking? Let me try and change your mind
There's a single word in the English language that makes most sane people reflexively cringe. It can immediately conjure up visions of awkward small talk, bad coffee, stale canapés and tired conference room carpets. The word in question? Networking. Now, I can feel your forehead tensing instinctively as you read that, because professional networking can be all those negative things at once. If you're not an extrovert, or dislike talking about the weather, then the idea of walking into a room full of strangers with nothing in common, except for your jobs, will rightly fill you with fear. But, whether you like it or not, networking at work is more important than ever. There's been a 28 per cent increase in Google searches for networking events globally, and building new connections can help with career growth, industry collaboration and maybe even finding your next job. It's one of those things that takes practice (and a bit of courage) to get better at, so here are six ways to become a better professional networker. 1. Make it personal It's easy to believe that networking has to involve walking into a cold room and introducing yourself to twenty new people in one sitting, but networking can be much more enjoyable if you do it one-by-one. Identify someone in your industry you think can learn from, or share knowledge with, and message them to ask for a coffee. 2. Shorter is better Everyone is busy so don't monopolise too much of people's time. If you're meeting virtually, resist the default video meeting time of one hour, and schedule it for 25 minutes instead. This will force them to get straight to the point and cut some of the unnecessary fluff.
The Age
4 days ago
- The Age
Hate networking? Let me try and change your mind
There's a single word in the English language that makes most sane people reflexively cringe. It can immediately conjure up visions of awkward small talk, bad coffee, stale canapés and tired conference room carpets. The word in question? Networking. Now, I can feel your forehead tensing instinctively as you read that, because professional networking can be all those negative things at once. If you're not an extrovert, or dislike talking about the weather, then the idea of walking into a room full of strangers with nothing in common, except for your jobs, will rightly fill you with fear. But, whether you like it or not, networking at work is more important than ever. There's been a 28 per cent increase in Google searches for networking events globally, and building new connections can help with career growth, industry collaboration and maybe even finding your next job. It's one of those things that takes practice (and a bit of courage) to get better at, so here are six ways to become a better professional networker. 1. Make it personal It's easy to believe that networking has to involve walking into a cold room and introducing yourself to twenty new people in one sitting, but networking can be much more enjoyable if you do it one-by-one. Identify someone in your industry you think can learn from, or share knowledge with, and message them to ask for a coffee. 2. Shorter is better Everyone is busy so don't monopolise too much of people's time. If you're meeting virtually, resist the default video meeting time of one hour, and schedule it for 25 minutes instead. This will force them to get straight to the point and cut some of the unnecessary fluff.
Sydney Morning Herald
10-06-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘Reclaim the classroom': Catholic school discipline goes back to basics
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