TIN #130 - Are You Burned Out On Networking? 3 Tips To Get You Back On Track
How to Network Consistently Without Burning Out
Networking is essential.
But what happens when it starts feeling like a burden rather than a benefit?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by constant meetings, back-to-back coffee chats, and a never-ending cycle of follow-ups, you’re not alone.
I’ve been there recently myself.
As I’ve built my new business, Retention and Rewards Partners, networking has been my lifeline—connecting with potential clients, growing my professional circle, and positioning myself as a thought leader.
But I hit a point where I felt stretched too thin.
I wasn’t following up, I was hesitating to set up meetings, and I realized:
I was burned out on networking.
How do you keep networking sustainable without letting it take over your calendar?
Here’s what I’m doing to reset—and what might help you too.
This issue takes about 4 minutes to read…
Before We Get Started:
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.
1. Dial It Down, Don’t Drop It
One of the biggest mistakes I made?
Trying to do too much at once.
I’d reach out to five or ten people in a single sitting, feel great about it—until suddenly, my calendar was packed with meetings I didn’t have time for.
My first reaction: Stop networking until I caught up.
But, that’s the wrong approach.
It’s critical to stay consistent with your networking.
I realized instead of stopping altogether, I needed to dial back my efforts a little.
Instead of mass outreach, I’ve shifted to a “one-a-day” approach.
Just one connection request, one follow-up, or one check-in per day.
Some days, I might do three, but I stop myself before I fall into my old habits again.
This keeps networking manageable while maintaining consistency.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try scaling back your outreach rather than stopping completely.
Small, steady steps work better than intense bursts followed by burnout.
2. Time Block Networking Conversations
Scheduling was another challenge.
I found myself cramming networking calls between client work, leading to constant context-switching and stress.
The fix?
Dedicated networking time blocks.
Now, I set aside a specific time each week for networking calls.
This means I know exactly when I’ll be having these conversations, and I can protect that time without feeling like they’re encroaching on other responsibilities.
If you haven’t done this yet, try setting up a weekly networking block—whether it’s Tuesday mornings or Friday afternoons. Whatever works for you.
It makes a huge difference.
3. The “Don’t Miss Twice” Rule
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you’ll miss a day (or a week) of networking.
That’s okay.
Just don’t let it turn into a pattern.
That’s what I was doing. I was letting one missed day turn into two or three.
Now, I follow a simple rule: If I miss a day, I don’t let myself miss twice.
This applies to daily habits, weekly check-ins, and anything else I’m trying to stay consistent with.
It’s a great way to maintain momentum without beating yourself up for occasional lapses.
If you’ve fallen out of your networking habit, don’t stress.
Just make sure you get back to it tomorrow.
Final Thoughts: Sustainable Networking > Intense Networking
Networking shouldn’t feel like a chore.
It’s about making meaningful connections at a pace that works for you.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed:
Scale back outreach to 1-3 messages at a time.
Time block networking conversations so they don’t overrun your schedule.
Follow the “Don’t Miss Twice” rule to keep yourself on track.
The goal isn’t to network as much as possible—it’s to build relationships consistently over time in a way that fits your life.
Have you ever felt networking burnout?
How did you handle it?
I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment or send me a message.