Introvert To Insider
If you’re a twenty-something trying to make it in the corporate world, let’s get one thing straight: networking isn’t just for old men in golf clubs. It’s the secret sauce that can take you from ‘struggling to get noticed’ to ‘mysteriously landing opportunities you didn’t even apply for.’ Sounds like magic? Not quite. But it is an art, and I’m here to teach you how to paint a masterpiece (or at least a decent sketch).
I hate to break it to you, but just being good at your job isn’t enough. If it were, half the leadership team wouldn’t be people who still struggle with attaching documents to emails. The truth is, opportunities often come from who you know. That’s not nepotism; that’s life. Networking doesn’t have to mean schmoozing in a conference hall while clutching a cheap wine glass for dear life. It can be as simple as grabbing coffee with someone in your industry or sliding (professionally!) into someone’s LinkedIn DMs.
The first time I went to a networking event, I overthought everything. Was my handshake too limp? Too aggressive? Should I mention my love for cats, or is that irrelevant? By the time I introduced myself, I was a bundle of nerves and ended up blurting out, ‘Hi, I’m Calliope, and I think I’ve forgotten my own job title.’ Smooth. The trick is to stop seeing networking as some sort of high-stakes performance. Instead, approach it like making a new friend at work. Ask people about their careers, share something interesting you’re working on, and, this is key, actually listen. People love talking about themselves, and if you let them, they’ll think you’re the best conversationalist in the room.
Networking isn’t just about what you can get, it’s about what you can give. Share an interesting article, offer to introduce people to someone relevant, or simply be a supportive presence in conversations. The more value you provide, the more likely people are to think of you when opportunities arise. Think of it as planting career karma. LinkedIn is a goldmine for networking, but there’s a fine line between being proactive and being that person, you know, the one who cold-messages strangers with ‘Hi, I see we have mutual connections. Let’s hop on a call to discuss synergies.’ Instead, engage naturally. Comment on posts, share insights, and send connection requests with a short, personalised note. Something as simple as, ‘Hey [Name], I really enjoyed your article on [Topic]. Would love to connect!’ works wonders.
If the thought of walking into a room full of strangers makes you want to curl up in a blanket burrito and never emerge, I get it. Networking as an introvert can feel like some kind of medieval torture. But fear not, there are ways to make it work without draining your social battery. Big conferences? Nightmare fuel. Coffee meet-ups? Much better. Focus on one-on-one chats or small group settings where you can have real conversations without feeling like you need to ‘perform.’ Not knowing what to say is half the stress, so have a few conversation starters ready. My favourites: ‘How did you get into your current role?’ ‘What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?’ ‘What’s one thing you wish more people understood about your industry?’ People love these questions because they’re about them, and the less you have to talk, the easier it is. Good news: networking doesn’t have to be entirely in person. If you meet someone interesting but feel exhausted at the idea of scheduling another in-person catch-up, send a thoughtful LinkedIn message instead. Something like, ‘Hey [Name], really enjoyed chatting at [Event]. Let’s stay in touch!’ Easy, effective, and no face-to-face energy drain required.
Networking might feel awkward at first, but like most things, it gets easier with practice. Start small, be yourself (but, like, the polished version), and remember: half the battle is just showing up. Oh, and if all else fails, buy the first round of drinks. Works every time.
