TIN #122 - Always Be Connecting: Recognizing Networking in Your Everyday Life
Networking Isn't What You Think: How to Start Without the Awkwardness
Many people think, "I'm not good at networking."
Maybe you feel like you’ve never done it, or the idea of networking fills you with dread.
You might imagine stuffy networking events, handing out business cards, and making small talk with strangers.
But here's the thing: you're probably networking already, and you don't even know it.
Let’s rethink what networking really means and how it’s been quietly helping you all along.
This issue takes about 5 minutes to read…
Before We Get Started:
This week’s issue is dedicated to Ed Han. He and I talked in TIN #043 - From Invisible to Irresistible: How to Grab A Recruiter's Attention. A great guy who’s gone too soon. Thanks for coming to my #EDtalk.
And A Reminder:
My online course, “5 Steps To Grow Your Professional Network,” is FREE for all my newsletter subscribers. Learn the process I use everyday to grow my professional network.
Each week, I post a new podcast with tips you’ll find in the weekly newsletter and bonus stories, wisdom, and motivation. The Introverted Networker podcast is like the weekly newsletter but with additional narration and thoughts from me. Be sure to listen to this week’s podcast and check out the previous episodes of the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for more networking tips and insights.
The video version of the podcast is available on my YouTube channel.
Networking Is More Than Events
If you think networking is just attending conferences or happy hours, you’re not alone.
That’s what I used to think too.
As an introvert, those traditional networking scenarios felt forced and awkward.
I avoided them because they weren’t my style.
But then I realized something: networking isn’t about events.
It’s about connections—real, genuine connections with people.
When I looked back over my career, I saw that many of my opportunities came from conversations, relationships, and small actions that I never labeled as "networking."
For example, getting to know people in other departments or teams at work was networking.
Asking questions and learning what made my colleagues tick helped me build a network that opened doors and made my job easier.
And guess what?
You’re likely doing this too.
Reflect on Your Past Connections
Take a moment to think about your career.
Have you ever had someone refer you for a job?
Did a casual conversation turn into a new opportunity?
These are all examples of networking in action.
One of my first networking moments came when I was a teenager looking for a summer job.
My parents knew the owners of a local sandwich shop, and through that connection, I landed the job.
Was that traditional networking?
Maybe not, but it was using relationships to create opportunities—and that’s what networking is all about.
Another example came early in my career when I moved to Colorado.
I had no job lined up after quitting a role that didn’t fit me.
A family member connected me with their company, and I landed a contract position.
While I got in through a connection, I had to prove myself. I worked hard, exceeded expectations, and turned that temporary role into a nine-year career that culminated in a VP position.
That opportunity started with networking, even if I didn’t realize it at the time.
Sometimes, networking isn’t about getting a job but staying connected.
After leaving a consulting firm, I returned a year later because I reached out to former colleagues who vouched for me.
That connection smoothed my way back into the organization, showing how keeping in touch can pay off.
Networking Isn’t Just for Job Seekers
Most people think of networking as something you do when you’re looking for a job, but that’s only part of the story.
Networking can also fuel your career growth in your current role.
By building relationships across teams and departments, you can:
Be more effective in your job.
Gain visibility with decision-makers.
Position yourself for promotions or new opportunities.
When my company was acquired by a larger organization, I made a point to meet people from the acquiring company before the merger was complete.
Those connections made my transition smoother and led to new opportunities within the organization.
Others who didn’t prioritize building relationships often felt out of place and chose to leave.
Networking internally isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s a key to thriving during changes and finding your next step.
Turn Your Experiences into Lessons
Look back at your own experiences:
When did relationships help you find a job or solve a problem?
What approaches worked for you in those situations?
How can you apply those strategies today?
Whether it’s asking someone to coffee, offering help to a colleague, or reconnecting with an old contact, these small steps are networking.
They build trust and create the kind of connections that make people think of you when opportunities arise.
Take Action This Week
Here’s your challenge: think of one connection you’d like to strengthen or one person you’ve been meaning to reach out to.
Send them a message, invite them for a quick chat, or simply check in.
It doesn’t have to be big or formal—just a genuine gesture to connect.
Remember, networking isn’t about collecting business cards.
It’s about building meaningful relationships, one conversation at a time.
Have a story about networking that worked for you?
I’d love to hear it!
Comment on this newsletter, shoot me a note, or share your story on LinkedIn.