Hello, happy networkers. Are you networking more and enjoying it less?
That happens, and when it does, burnout isn’t far behind. Here are 3 ways to bring the joy back into networking:
1. Be selective about where you go
Hate early mornings? Then why are you dragging yourself to a 7 or 8am meeting? Don’t convince yourself that’s the only option. There are plenty of rooms, events, and people happening at times that actually work for you.
Networking should energize you and not exhaust you before your first cup of coffee.
2. Do follow-ups your way
Who says networking has to mean another formal sit-down? Love coffee? Go for coffee. Prefer fresh air? Take a networking walk. Love art? Meet at a museum (yes, you can absolutely network in front of a Monet).
When you enjoy the setting, the conversation isn’t forced and flows differently and better.
3. Be intentional about who you connect with
You don’t need to talk to everyone in the room. Repeat that sentence and in fact, trying to connect with everyone is one of the fastest ways to burn out.
Choose your conversations and go a little deeper, and don’t forget to follow up with purpose.
In my opinion (because I’m the writer!):
One of the biggest reasons people stop enjoying networking is because they overdo it and under-enjoy it. Don’t be one of those people.
Make it work for you and make it enjoyable again, and then sit back and watch what happens next.