Do you suck at networking? Try these unconventional tips

If you’re an introvert, networking might not come easy to you.

Yet it’s such an asset to your career progression.

In fact, according to money.co.uk, 39% of Gen Z have secured a job through networking.

So, what if you suck at networking? Are you destined never to succeed in your career?

Of course not! We have some tips that will make even the most awkward networking novice start building those all-important connections with ease.

Wear something weird

Okay, this one is a little off-base, but hear me out: if you wear something unusual, or even just not the standard suit or jeans and tee combo that most people wear, people will start conversations with you.

This means that if you’re someone who struggles to start conversations, you won’t need to worry about it at all - people will notice and want to chat to you if you stand out.

Of course, wear something you’re comfortable in, but if you have killer personal style, don’t feel the need to tone it down just because you’re at a professional event.

Take it online

When you think about networking, you might think of networking events, but connecting with people online is a valuable way to network, too.

Follow people in or adjacent to your industry and interact with their posts (you could even slide into their DMs if they share something on their story that you have thoughts on) and start building those connections.

Making friends online has given me so many amazing opportunities that I would never have had otherwise, plus it stops you being limited to networking where you live.

Find something to do

This applies more to in-person events, but if you, like me, find standing around twiddling your thumbs to be intensely awkward, make yourself busy - go and get a drink, get some food, have a look around the room. It makes you feel less awkward, and you’ll probably end up striking up a conversation with someone doing the exact same thing.

In fact, I advocate for attending networking events which are centred around an activity, be it a dinner, crafts or a panel talk. It’s way less anxiety-inducing to be doing an activity.

Ask questions

When in doubt, ask someone about their favourite subject: themselves.

Come on now, we all love to talk about ourselves, our job, our interests - it’s a failsafe way to connect with someone, to be engaging and to make them feel good.

Stop calling it networking

For so many of us, the word networking makes us shudder.

When really, it simply means connecting with people. Building relationships. Making friends.

If you can reframe networking as building relationships with people, it takes the pressure of and makes it feel much more natural.