How to Start Networking Again: 7 Networking Tips to Get Talking

Photo by Bernard Hermant on Unsplash

It can be especially hard if you’re trying to put yourself out there in a new situation—or in a situation you haven’t been in in a while.

Whether it’s because you've been working remotely with just your pet for company most days or trying to break into a new industry, you might find yourself in a position where you know you *need* to network but don’t know exactly how to get started. 

You might read this and shudder if you’re an introvert like me (hi!).

But don’t stress—today, we’re talking about how to ease into networking in a no-frills, low-stakes way, even if you’ve been anything but social or involved lately. 

Get ready to have some great conversations while building relationships to transform your career.

Let’s get into it.

Table of Contents

Professional Networking: We Need Other People to Build a Career

The thing is, we often think about networking as a means to an end. As in: we go to the effort of networking in hopes of finding a new job or looking "involved” at work. I’m arguing that we need to rethink this approach.

Networking should be less about hoping you’ll make a connection that will ultimately end up in a job and more about creating meaningful (and mutually beneficial!) relationships with people. 

That quote about women standing behind other women to hold them up? It’s true—we have to have the support of others to build a meaningful career (and, arguably, a meaningful life). 

Here’s an example: Let’s imagine you’re a freelance graphic designer. Your business relies on forming relationships that turn into work. You likely rely on “word of mouth” for your business to thrive—and that couldn’t happen without performing well and delivering solid work for your clients. It also likely requires an ample amount of networking.

Another example: Let’s say you’re a corporate HR generalist. Moving up at your company likely means that you’ll need to form strong relationships with your colleagues and team leaders. This means putting yourself out there, forging relationships, and establishing rapport with others.

Yes, both examples show how people matter when it comes to thriving at work, but it’s also important to have these connections for the meaning they provide.

There’s no way around the fact that we need other people—no matter our role. 

Networking Tips to Advance Your Career or Get Hired 

All of that said, we’re not naive. We know that networking is one of the best ways to get hired or to advance your career. 

But, even if that’s your end-goal, it’s important to network with the idea of forming meaningful connections in mind. You don’t want to be transactional about things—others can sense that, and it’s an uncomfortable feeling when you feel you’re being “used” for advice or as a means to an end. 

Instead, focus on genuinely getting to know and learn from the connections you make with other people. 

Step 1: Prepare Your Materials 

To get started making these connections, we recommend preparing as if you’re going to start applying for jobs right away. That is, you'll need to have your “materials” ready.

This might look like ensuring you have business cards to hand out, checking that your email signature is current, freshening up your LinkedIn profile, and looking at your online presence. If you know you’re putting yourself out there, ensure you’re putting your most professional foot forward.

Step 2: Use Informational Interviews

We’ve written a lot about the importance of informational interviews—and for a good reason. They’re a smart way to gather information about a job or a company and to grow your network. Looking to change up your career trajectory by transitioning from marketing to recruiting? Request an informational interview with a recruiter. Looking to learn more about the work your colleague does so you can best work cross-functionally with her? Schedule an informational interview. 

If you don’t know where to start—or who to ask for an informational interview—we provide a step-by-step guide to the informational interview process here. We also have a list of 40 informational interview questions you can use right here. 

Step 3: Grow Your Skills 

I recognize that this is crossing over into professional development territory, but signing up for upskilling classes is a smart way to grow your skills and network. If you work for a relatively large company, they may offer in-house professional development opportunities that you can easily access.

This would put you in a (virtual or real) room with others who are looking to learn similar skills, as well as the leaders of the courses, both of which are great connections to make. Learning something in a classroom environment is a more low-stakes way to create those connections and relationships. 

This is particularly helpful if you’re looking to get hired, as you’re (a) adding a skill to your resume and (b) expanding your potential network in the process. Maybe the instructor can help you locate an internship!

Step 4: Get Involved in Groups

Whether you’re just starting your career or you’re looking to ease into networking again, signing up for civic groups that you’re interested in is an easy way to meet people and make connections. Your company may have in-office groups that you can join (office book clubs, anyone?). Check out your city’s Women in Business groups. Depending on your field, there may be professional organizations that you can sign up to be a part of. 

For this one, you’ll get out what you put into it. If you’re signing up to add the group to your resume and you don’t actually attend any of the group’s functions, you’re not likely to have a successful time networking there.

On the other hand, if you regularly attend the events, you’ll get to know more and more people there. Who knows? Maybe you’ll make some new friends—and secure a new role—in the process.

How to Make Contacts to Learn More About Your Field

Like networking with the intent of getting a job, networking to learn more about your field relies first and foremost on informational interviews. In fact, this is where those can come into play even more.

If you’re trying to transition into a new career or industry, you’ll want to learn more about what the role, company, or industry is really like. To request an informational interview, we recommend first finding out whether you have a mutual connection that can introduce you to someone in the industry or company in which you’re interested.

If you do, wonderful! They can send an introductory email, and you can take it from there. If you don’t, it’s helpful to search LinkedIn or the company website and reach out via LinkedIn or email (or both). Here’s how to do that. You want to let them know that you’re not after a job; rather, you’re interested in learning from them. 

How to Make Brainstorming Contacts

Hello, freelancers and remote workers. Yes, we’re talking especially to you. We know how hard it can be to be alone while working…all the time. It’s hard to come up with creative ideas without having someone to bounce ideas off of. It’s helpful when you have someone you can chat with who understands your job, who wants to help, and whose professional companionship you enjoy.  

Whether you’re still working remotely, in-office, (or a mix of the two), we think networking to find colleagues is worth the while. 

Our advice here is to take advantage of the smaller groups within your current company. Is the marketing department divided up into smaller sections? If so, could you introduce yourself to someone in a similar position as you? 

If you’re a freelancer, is there an online forum or Facebook group where you could chat with others in similar roles? 

It’s also helpful to join professional organizations that pertain to your industry so that you’re likely to meet others who understand your work. It’s likely that these individuals might want someone to connect with too! 

How to Make Contacts for the Sake of Human Connection 

It’s been a long few years, right?

I’d say that human connection is *very* needed right now. But if you’re like me, it can feel impossible to put yourself out there. It’s hard to make connections just for the sake of it. It’s hard to make friends when you’re a busy adult. 

Here’s the thing: it is almost always worth it when you decide to step outside your comfort zone. Here are some ideas for meeting like-minded people: 

7  Networking Strategies to Try Today 

If you want to make great first impressions that turn into lasting impressions, we have a few helpful networking tips to help build and maintain strong professional relationships. 

It's especially helpful to start networking when you're not in the pressure cooker that is a job search. 

Use these tips to ease into networking, networking events, and feeling generally more comfortable talking to different people.  

1. Utilize Your Existing Network

Your network doesn't have to be comprised of people who are currently strangers. 

Unsurprisingly, it’s easier to build on your existing network than to start completely from “scratch.” Even if you don’t feel like you have a network, you do! Start with your good friends and your family members, and work out from there. 

Let your friends and family know that you’re hoping to network to expand your knowledge about an industry or company. If people know your goals, they’re likely to spread the word. They may know someone who knows someone.

This might also look like touching base with former bosses, colleagues, or classmates. Even if you’ve lost touch, reach out via LinkedIn. You could request some time to chat or let them know you’re looking to network. 

Another existing opportunity is to take advantage of your current workplace’s networking options. For example, bigger companies often send individuals to professional conferences. Consider volunteering for these types of opportunities—even if you’re looking to pivot roles, you’ll meet individuals in similar companies and industries, which will help grow your network. 

If you are a college graduate, consider using your college alumni network to your advantage. Most universities offer alumni association memberships, and these often come with the perks of built-in events and activities. This is an easy way to get involved, and you’ll have your college experience to chat about when you meet someone new there. 

2. Give More Than You Get

We touched on this briefly above, but it’s helpful to consider networking as more of a “mutually beneficial” idea rather than simply seeking out someone to help you. Before you reach out, consider how you can add value and help others. Here are some “give back” ideas: 

3.  Use a Trusted Person as Your Wingman

When I was trying to be social in college, I hated walking into a social setting if I didn’t know anyone. It can feel so intimidating to walk up to a group of people and attempt to join the conversation. Even thinking about it makes me anxious. If you’re not hugely extroverted, enlist a buddy to help. 

Some people are just “connectors.” My friend (hi, Robyn!) is one of them. She is naturally extroverted and talented at thinking about people she knows who would benefit from meeting other people she knows. She has lots of genuine friendships and full relationships, and this comes naturally to her. I, on the other hand, tend to be on the shyer side. I always felt better walking into the unknown with a friend nearby. If you’re like me, lean on your “Robyn." It’s likely you already have one in your friend group. Plus, these extroverts love the challenge (ha). 

And if you’re a “Robyn,” be the friend who is an awesome wingman! Your I-hate-networking friends will appreciate it more than you know. 

4. Network When You Don't "Need" To

Here’s the thing. You probably don’t have to network right now, even if it feels like it. But sometimes, that makes it harder to get started. I say: take the pressure off. Even if you’re wanting to change careers or you’re in need of a job, try to place that in the back of your mind. Instead, try to take make connections that you think you’ll enjoy. Look at it this way: You’re investing in the “now” so that your future self will thank you. 

Networking is a slow process, so try to enjoy it as much as possible. Take advantage of interesting classes, attend your local college’s free readings or lectures, start working from a coffee shop on Friday mornings, go to your library’s book club.

Subscribe to your industry’s newsletters and consider joining some virtual groups where you can become involved (but without the pressure). All of these things matter. Go slowly, and enjoy what you learn and who you meet along the way. 

5. Use Volunteering and Internships

Volunteerism lets you “win” in two ways: you get the intrinsic satisfaction of feeling like you’re doing something worthwhile and helpful, and you have the opportunity to meet new people. Consider volunteering regularly so that you can start to build relationships with the other volunteers you meet. The organization might have different committees that you can get involved with as well, making your chances of getting to know people even better. 

Consider interning with the same ethos in mind: you never know how spending some time, even if it’s part-time, doing work for an organization you admire might open doors for you. 

6. Try Online Networking and Social Media

Try being social on…social media platforms.

This one is easy: follow the companies or industry leaders you admire, and engage with their posts. Of course, you don’t want to go overboard with the “likes,” but it’s helpful to get your name out there when appropriate. Don’t forget about LinkedIn for this—you can share and comment there, and hiring managers and recruiters may start to remember your name. 

Many larger companies offer “get to know the culture” hiring events. These usually look like webinars or booths at career fairs. Take advantage of these! Many times, they offer a chat or live question option, where you can show that you’re interested in the role and where you can potentially chat with someone at the company. You could then add them on LinkedIn and send a message that it was nice to speak with them. 

There are also online learning opportunities that may put you in the same “space” as thought leaders you admire. For example: we offer a range of live webinars that are great to use to network. 

7. Maintain Your Existing Relationships

Finally, once you’ve done all of this hard work to establish relationships and get more socially involved, do what all successful networkers do.

It’s always easier to build on what you know than to start over, so nurture those bonds—whether they’re old or new. These are the people who will connect you to new opportunities and vouch for you, your personality, and your work ethic.

Putting in the work to help these relationships grow will only pay off in the long run—they’ll be beneficial for the both of you, and they may lead you to the career path that feels just right.