Coffee Talk: What’s your networking style?

Nov 2, 2012

Coffee Talk: What’s your networking style?

When you’re just starting out as a career gal, making connections is paramount. Some are more sheepish about this working girl reality than others, never speaking up unless approached first, declining to ask someone to coffee for fear of intruding on their schedule. Others are a bit more resolute in their mission: requesting a business card from a prospective contact at a wedding or emailing that friend’s father’s co-worker’s cousin to see if there are any openings in their fabulous internet start-up. So Everygirls, which category best describes you? Are you shy and withdrawn, or advantageous when making business contacts? When it comes to networking, what’s your style?

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elizabeth fitzgerald

http://twitter.com/catfishcaviar Drew Elizabeth

Outgoing. I love talking to new people & networking!

http://thehistoryofever.com/ Brianna

I’m with Drew! While it can be scary, I find that people (for the most part) really love helping other people. If I’m feeling nervous about reaching out, I tell myself to buck up because no one gets anywhere without a little risk. They say it’s “who you know”, and you can’t know anybody without introducing yourself!

http://answertheunasked.blogspot.com/ JMill

I need to have a goal in mind. It’s embarrassing to admit, but I only make connections when I can see a shred of benefit. I swap business cards with those in my industry, with those who are high-up or with those that I can easily talk to so as not to have to struggle for the connection. I work in Marketing and that’s often confused with BD, but it’s soooo different. I like pens and paper more than coffee-dates and cold-calls I’m not shy, but I do struggle with networking sometimes.
http://galleryeight.blogspot.com/ Brittany

I’m definitely on the shy-er side of the scale. It’s just not my personality to be out there chatting constantly. But I have learned how to network at events in a way that suits me, so I’m just going to stick with that
http://twitter.com/ann_ueno Ann Ueno

My networking style is the same as my everyday style…just being me. People crave authenticity and can see through to the ulterior motives from others (I know I can!) so it’s important to be yourself and be open to what you want to talk/network about. Additionally, flip the switch and hear their needs…you never know when you are in a situation and you are able to help that person. I have hired or referred many people that are just themselves…it’s a good indication of who they will be on the job (hint hint).
Molly Murkett

I agree with Ann! While sometimes I strive to put myself out there, in the end, the best connections are the genuine ones. You can introduce yourself to people but unless there is that shred of human contact, you are not remembered.
http://www.lifeandcomposition.com/ BessieAkuba

I used to be very shy when it came to “networking” until I changed my approach and my goal to focus more on building new relationships instead.
Sarah

I heard this great quote once that said “not to go through life with your head down.” Each person you meet can open up a whole new world of possibilities through their connections as well. Stay interested and curious about other people instead of automatically closing off. Even though I’m a little shy, I really enjoy talking to new people and hearing about their lives, so I try to look at networking as simply meeting new people and being friendly.
Emily VanderBeek

I think it all depends on the person & situation! I tend to air on the side of being adventurous with networking – I try to keep in mind, “The worst they can do is say no”. Plus, I believe people genuinely are nice and like to help others.

The reason I got my current job was through networking and putting myself out there, so I definitely have found value in being bold with it. I agree whole heartedly that networking needs to be genuine though. People can see right through you if you’re just out to use them for a connection, and vice versa. Go at it with the intentions of making a new friend, and follow through with those intentions, even if nothing “career-wise” comes of it. Isn’t That Charming.
Charlotte

God, I find networking near impossible! Even though I’m friendly, outgoing, chatty and (I like to think) smart/interesting.

Maybe it’s my English-ness, but I inwardly cringe whenever I hear the word networking! I’d rather make friends and let career opportunities open up organically rather than spend hours crammed in a room of suits trying to out-play the other in search of that lucrative “connection” (or 500 micron foil-edged business card!)

Props to anyone who can do it and enjoys it though!
http://www.streetsandstripes.com/ Chaucee

Honestly, if I have a good outfit on I’m usually feeling confident! If I believe in what I’m doing it gives me the courage to reach out to people and make connections. I love meeting new people!
http://twitter.com/maxwelllauren Lauren Maxwell

I always try to read the person I’m dealing with. Some people are more open to helping strangers! I bet it’s so much easier with the internet than it used to be. I can’t even imagine.

http://www.laurenmaxwell.blogspot.com
debrakay86

I tend to be quiet unless I feel comfortable with someone or a group of people.
I wish I were more networking savvy. I’ve always been told the secret to getting people to open up and to make easier conversation is to ASK QUESTIONS! I can see why that helps. I think the thing I’m afraid of most is getting myself into an awkward situation were neither I nor the person I’m trying to speak to know what to say and we get stuck into an awkward silence. That makes me cringe just picturing it but like they say “practice makes perfect”, right?

honestlydebra.blogspot.com
instantphoebe

I’m quite introverted, so though I have no trouble talking with friends or people I know, strangers? It’s difficult. I have to force myself to network, but apparently some friends say that I fool them into thinking I’m outgoing, hah. So I guess I’m faking it pretty well, but inside, I’m hating it!
http://profile.yahoo.com/JZWC7LTQT7HSKRHMGPG7XFQ7JA Anna

Right out of college I was very shy when networking – it felt way too forced and fake! But I soon realized that I felt that way because I wasn’t genuinely interested in what I was doing. As I work toward a career that is a better fit, I’ve realized that networking has become much, much easier. That may seem obvious, but having that natural curiosity makes approaching people much less scary.
Margaret

I have to say that three years ago I would easily fit into the sheepish category because I was working for a man that treated me with a great deal of disrespect.

I have now been working at a well known company in Atlanta and have been surrounded by incredibly talented people. They have taught me to be proud of who I am and what I have to offer. It’s because of my co-workers, friends, and family that I have no become fearless in the world of business!

Xx, Margaret @ thegildedpeach.blogspot.com
http://occasionseventdesign.blogspot.com/ Rachel

I think it’s important to let go of the idea that networking has to be done at a “networking event”. I strive to meet people and show my best self everyday, it’s just who I am! If you live with an intention to create authentic relationships, they will come up naturally. Before you know it, you’ll know 50 new people with a possible connection for you!
http://twitter.com/cmroman Cristina Roman

I’m with Ann- I think genuine networking is superior to generic “same old same old” networking, so I try to remember that when I’m in social settings. I’m naturally outgoing, so I feel comfortable following up with people I meet via email, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.