Let’s be honest: the word networking makes most people cringe.
It brings up images of forced smiles, rehearsed elevator pitches, and pretending to care way more than you actually do. If you’ve ever thought “I don’t want to use people” or “I’m terrible at small talk,” you’re not broken, you’re normal.
The good news? Real networking doesn’t look like that at all.
Here’s how to build connections without feeling fake, awkward, or like you’re trying to sell yourself.
First: Redefine What Networking Actually Is
Networking isn’t: