Are You Good At Networking?

They say 'it's all about who you know.' I do think that contacts can make a difference in your career. As much as I consider myself a pretty well-grounded professional, I've never been too passionate about networking events.

Source
I got to meet my most valuable professional contacts -who, by the way, have become friends or even close friends- in job interviews, business meetings, former jobs, casual/random encounters or by common friends.

They also say that 'practice makes perfect.' Maybe it's just a matter of just attending to those events and proof to myself that I can do it. 

How about you, guys? Are you good at networking? Where did you get to meet your 'most valuable' professional contacts? 

11 comments

  1. I am terrible at networking. Such events make me cringe so I tried to avoid them at all costs!

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  2. I need to get better at it to be honest, I need to get some business cards made as well. It's a must :) x

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  3. I think of "networking" as a necessary evil...... it's a lot of "work" to go to these events, be engaged and make conversation. I have a hard enough time remembering names! I'm not working in the professional arena right now but I find even as a stay-at-home mom.... I need to network to make connections and friends.

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  4. I am so bad at networking. Especially work-related. I'll talk to people about kids, dogs, crafts, etc., but when it comes to trying to get out there and get work projects, not so much.

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  5. I hate networking events, haven't been to any in years.. I am not good at talking about my work especially in person. I have yet to meet my most valuable contact..

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  6. I am great at networking online - via Linkedin, Twitter, and other social media. But in person, I am very shy so I really have to push myself to be comfortable in a social setting. I try, and I think I'm getting better!

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  7. Hi Elsa! Stopping by from your lovely comment on my post at G&G! :) I'm honestly a millllion times better at networking online than I am in person. I need to get over my shy ways so I can learn to network more! In general though I network best when I meet other people through close connections, rather than just a random conference. At least then, I have something definitely in common with them!

    Evani
    simplyevani@gmail.com

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  8. I love conferences but haven't been to one in ages. I'm so eager to finally go to Alt Summit next year :)

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  9. Networking is key to everything...in business. I have to force myself sometimes but it always pays off.

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  10. i wish i was better at networking, i can say that much.... definitely agree, it is invaluable and you learn so much!

    http://dallianceswithsuitsandskirts.blogspot.com/

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  11. I'm really good at networking, but I can't enjoy it, even when I learn a lot and it certainly pays, I feel like drained after these events, and my face hurts because of the perpetual frozen smile required!

    Big hugs, dear Elsa!
    Inés

    SimplyClassyMe.blogspot.com

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I would love to hear from you! You comments make me happy and inspire me to get better. Thank you!

@elsacafesocietyxxi

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