Networking is often described as essential for career growth, yet for many people it can feel overwhelming. Early in my career, the word would fill me with dread.

The thought of introducing myself to strangers, telling people what I did, or talking about my job triggered feelings of imposter syndrome and I felt I had nothing to contribute. But when I shifted my mindset and approached conversations with genuine curiosity – asking about others’ experiences, interests, and challenges – it became much easier.

I’ve come to realise that networking isn’t about being the most outgoing person in the room; it’s about building meaningful connections that can help you grow.

Here are some ideas on navigating networking:

1. Reframe networking as relationship-building

Many people view networking as a transactional process – something you do only when you need a job or a favour. This mindset can make networking feel forced and uncomfortable. Instead, think of networking as relationship-building. It’s about getting to know other people, finding common ground and learning from others.

Networking doesn’t have to be about selling yourself; it’s about creating connections based on shared experiences and mutual support.

2. Start with small, low-pressure interactions

If the idea of networking events makes you anxious, start small. Engage with professionals on LinkedIn by commenting on posts, sharing insights, or messaging someone whose work you admire. I found that engaging in these smaller, online interactions helped me feel more confident when it came to in-person conversations. It’s much easier to approach someone at an event when you’ve already exchanged a few messages online.

3. Prepare conversation starters

One of the biggest fears of networking is not knowing what to say. Having a few conversation starters ready can ease the pressure. Here are some simple but effective ways to start a conversation:

“What brought you to this event?”

“Have you had to travel far?”

“How did you get started in your industry?”

“I read your recent article/post – what inspired you to write it?”

By asking open-ended questions, you encourage a natural flow of conversation while taking the focus off yourself.

4. Leverage your existing connections

You don’t have to network from scratch. Think about former colleagues, classmates, or even friends who might introduce you to people in your industry. Reconnecting with someone you already know can be a great way to ease into networking. A turning point for me was realizing that networking isn’t just about meeting new people – it’s also about strengthening relationships with those already in my circle. Reaching out for a casual coffee chat while in the office to ask someone about their career helped me practice networking in a comfortable setting.

5. Focus on listening rather than impressing

Self-doubt often makes us feel like we have to prove ourselves in every conversation. Instead of worrying about what you should say, shift your focus to listening. People appreciate good listeners, and engaging in meaningful conversations will leave a lasting impression. I once attended an industry event where I felt out of place, but I made a conscious effort to listen and ask thoughtful questions. To my surprise, people were drawn to the conversation, and I left with new connections – not because I talked about my accomplishments, but because I showed genuine interest in theirs.

6. Follow up and nurture relationships

Networking doesn’t end after the first conversation. Following up is what turns a brief interaction into a lasting connection. Send a connection request and short message on Linkedin expressing appreciation for their time, mention something specific you discussed, or even share a relevant article!

I was surprised by the impact this can have – after meeting someone at a conference, I sent a quick LinkedIn message thanking them for their insights and asked for a follow-up call to learn more about their career. That small step led to a mentorship opportunity and I am still in contact with them to this day!

Networking can be intimidating, especially when self-doubt creeps in, but it’s a skill that improves with practice. Start small, approach it with curiosity, and remember that networking is about building relationships, not proving yourself. The more you engage, the more natural it will feel.

Good luck!