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The act of networking! Some of us have a great deal of excitement around meeting new people and making connections, and some have to prepare to use all our energy to “get out there” and mingle. We can feel a great deal of pressure in the networking process as we look for opportunities or walk in with confidence and an upper hand as the keeper of those opportunities.
No matter what seat you sit in, there are a couple of “truths” we can lean on:
- Networking is a part of the human experience. Coming to the realization that it’s something we all have to do can help level the playing field.
- Networking should be uncomfortable for all of us. If you’re not growing or learning while you’re networking, you probably have room for improvement.
What are some ways you can reframe networking with intention?
1. Determine what conversational ratio would grow you.
Do some reflection on how you normally show up at networking events and consider how you might adjust. If you usually go into an event thinking about all the things you want to make sure the room knows about you – you might grow by understanding that networking is not only about you, but also about gaining knowledge and value from the folks in the room with you. If you’re known for only asking questions and rarely bringing your own work, life, or perspective to the table – a growth area could be to share your story more.
2. Set balanced goals.
Before you walk into a career fair, happy hour, or event, ask yourself what some desired outcomes could be, and “meet new people” isn’t one of them. Create a “bingo card” of people to meet or things to learn. For example:
- Connect with a leader and learn more about their career path
- Share something you’re excited about and ask what you might be missing
- Connect with a younger professional to gain perspective on their worldview
- Ask someone about their hobbies
- Capture notes about people you want to remember (back of a business card or a quick note to yourself)
3. Follow up like a human.
We often treat networking like a one-time event, when the real value shows up after everyone’s gone home and thought, “what a nice evening” or “thank goodness that’s over” (let’s be honest, we have all felt both).
A thoughtful follow-up can turn a quick exchange into a relationship or future project. Instead of a generic “great to meet you,” try something specific, memorable, or valuable:
- Reference a moment from your conversation that stuck with you
- Share a resource, article, or connection that ties back to what they mentioned
- Keep it short, but meaningful enough that they remember why you reached out
At the end of the day, networking is about connection and relationships, which is a critical component to the human experience. Doing it intentionally means we hold up a mirror and consider what we’re bringing to those interactions – learn, improve, and repeat! Try the approach and review how your connections change over time!
At De Lacy Executive Recruitment North America, we help professionals master the skill of networking with intention and confidence—without pretending it’s effortless. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your presence in the room, refine your follow‑up strategy, or build relationships that actually move your career forward, our advisors are here to support you. Ready to say less and connect more? Reach out to us at advisor@delacyexecutive.com and let’s start the conversation.
