How to Make Networking Less Cringe

October 26, 2024

Networking can be daunting, but it’s crucial for getting into the right roles, companies, and industries. One of my clients recently focused on attending in-person networking events. We celebrated her latest success where she made five new connections and broke down her winning networking strategy.

Here’s her recipe for making networking easier:

Positive Self-Talk & Encouragement

Start your day with a pep talk or a motivational playlist. Remind yourself, “You’ve got this!” or have a quick hype session with a friend for a confidence boost.

Bring a Friend

Invite a friend or coworker to join you. Review the attendee list beforehand and identify a few people you want to connect with. If possible, reach out before the event to warm up your intros.

Dress for You

Choose an outfit that makes you feel comfortable and confident. It’ll help you engage without feeling self-conscious and might even serve as an icebreaker for others to approach you.

Warm-Up Chats

Ease into the event by starting conversations with someone you know or someone who seems approachable. This helps build confidence as you work up to other connections.

Set a Time Limit

Manage your energy by setting a time limit or a goal for the number of new chats. This gives you a clear end point and makes the experience more manageable.

Recharge Plan

Plan a reward for after the event—a meal at your favorite spot, a delicious treat, or simply relaxing in your PJs. This helps you look forward to something and recharge.

The key is to focus on connecting with people you genuinely want to learn from. Lead with curiosity and genuine interest. If you’re not excited to engage with others, networking will always feel forced.

Ready to take your networking skills to the next level? Let’s connect. Whether it’s refining your approach or building your confidence, I offer personalized coaching designed to help you network with intention.

Book a Call Today to discuss how we can work together.
Sign Up for My Free Email Series: The Pivot & Promotion Email Series – receive exclusive insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Listen to My Podcast: The Pivot & Promotion Podcast for more strategies on career growth and leadership.
Connect with Me on LinkedIn for daily insights and updates.

Let's Work Together

Research and deep dives are just the first step (trust me, I’m the first one to dive in for months)—but having a plan and accountability is what leads to action. Book a call, and we’ll go over what’s working, where you’re stuck, and I’ll recommend a plan to hit your goals. Together, we’ll explore if private or group coaching is the right fit for you.

Book a Call

Hi, I’m Dani Tan

I’m a first-gen Asian-Latina with Puerto Rican, Filipino, and Chinese roots. I went from a sample coordinator to VP at a billion-dollar company, pivoting careers five times with 11 promotions in 11 years. Now, as a Leadership Coach and Speaker, I’m traveling the world and helping ambitious women of color lead boldly and make a lasting impact.

Join My Weekly Email Series

Stay in the loop with exclusive offers, the latest blog posts, and updates on my most impactful coaching insights. Perfect for leaders focused on growth, team success, and mapping out their next big career move.