Your career is important, and you want to do anything necessary to make sure it maintains a steady upward trajectory. You know that networking is one of the best ways to keep your name in front of potential employers and get new opportunities, but networking makes you feel uncomfortable. It’s not uncommon for people who are just starting out in their careers or who have recently changed jobs to experience some anxiety about networking because they don’t know where or how to start “networking up” their reputation. However, this doesn’t mean that you should avoid networking all together! In fact, if you want your professional life to thrive, then learning how to network effectively is essential for your long-term success.
Networking is uncomfortable because we have been conditioned to distrust strangers
We are naturally suspicious of people we don’t know. In fact, studies show that we’re more likely to trust our friends than strangers.
In business settings, networking is uncomfortable because it requires us to act against these natural inclinations in order to build relationships with people outside our comfort zone.
The other reason is that it is a skill that needs to be learned and practiced until it becomes second nature
You cannot expect to be good at networking after one or two events, especially if you are shy or introverted. It takes time and effort to become good at any new skill, but once you break through the awkwardness of networking, it will get easier over time.
People are afraid of rejection or being judged, which is why networking can often be uncomfortable
The first step to getting over your fear of networking is to understand that the fear is not rational. Rejection isn’t personal, and it’s not because you’re a bad person or don’t deserve success.
It’s also important to understand that most people are open to new connections–they just need an invitation from someone they trust, like you! So if you’re nervous about reaching out because of rejection, remember: You have nothing to lose by trying; even if they aren’t interested right now (which isn’t always the case), there’s always another time when they might be more receptive. And even if someone does turn down your request for connection or support, it doesn’t mean anything negative about who either of us really is as individuals.
Networking requires you to overcome your fears and practice a little more courage in your daily life
Networking is a skill that you can learn, but it also requires practice. As with any skill, the more you practice networking, the easier it will be for you to do in your daily life.
You might think that networking requires courage because you may be nervous about meeting new people or talking about yourself at first. However, there are many ways to overcome these fears and practice more courage in your daily life:
- Try talking about yourself during lunch with friends or family members who know what they’re doing – they can help boost your confidence by giving positive feedback!
- Ask someone what their favorite movie or book is (or even their favorite song) and then tell them why this topic interests them so much; this way, they’ll get excited about sharing their passion while simultaneously learning something new from another person’s point of view!
Networking is a skill that can be learned and practiced. It requires you to overcome your fears and practice a little more courage in your daily life. It’s not something that comes naturally for most people, so if you want to succeed at it, then prepare yourself for some discomfort along the way!
