I hate to network because…
- It’s time consuming.
- I’m introverted.
- I hate talking to strangers.
- I’d rather be home in sweatpants.
- I never know what to say.
- I feel conspicuous walking into a room alone.
- I don’t really like “people-y” people.
- Everyone else seems smarter than me.
- Everyone else seems more successful than me.
- I’m terrible at small talk.
- I don’t want to “sell myself.”
- I’m afraid no one will remember me.
- I’m afraid they will remember me.
- I never know where to stand.
- I’m awkward holding a drink and not spilling.
- I hate introducing myself over and over.
- I don’t know how to leave conversations gracefully.
- I worry everyone already knows each other.
- I’m exhausted by the end of the day already.
- Sometimes I simply don’t feel “on.”
And yet…
Business grows through people.
Opportunities come through conversations.
Friendships emerge from shared moments.
Ideas spark over coffee, cocktails, Zoom calls, and random chats before the meeting starts.
Networking isn’t about being the loudest person in the room.
It’s about showing up.
Being curious.
Being generous.
Being willing to connect one human to another.
You do not need to work the room.
You do not need a polished elevator pitch.
You do not need to transform into a motivational speaker with jazz hands.
You just need to start.
One conversation.
One question.
One “Tell me more about that.”
That’s how relationships begin.
That’s how business begins.
That’s how community begins.
Most people in the room are nervous too.