When you hear the word “networking,” you might picture awkward handshakes, forced small talk, or people handing out business cards like confetti. But that’s not what it’s about.

At its best, networking is simply building genuine relationships. Relationships that help you learn, grow, and sometimes open doors later on.

The key is curiosity and generosity rather than treating it like a transaction.

The tips that follow draw on advice from Harvard Business Review, the Open University, Warwick University, and the University of Manchester. All of these resources highlight how preparation, authenticity, and good questions can make in‑person networking feel far less intimidating.

Reset your mindset

Think of networking as connecting, not pitching. It’s about maintaining professional contacts rather than selling yourself. One meaningful conversation is more valuable than twenty rushed ones, and it’s perfectly normal to feel awkward. Focus on asking, “What can I learn? How can I help?” and the pressure eases.

Before the Event

A bit of preparation makes everything smoother. Set one or two simple aims: for example, learning something new about another industry or meeting a couple of people from a company.

Do some light research on who might be there and jot down a couple of questions you’d like to ask. Have a short, natural introduction ready, something you can actually say without cringing.

For instance:

For example:

It also helps to prepare a few easy openers about the event or a recent talk so you’re never stuck for words.

In the Room

Arrive early if you can, look for small groups or pairs, and approach with a smile. First impressions count: open body language, eye contact, and a calm pace often set the tone. Use one of your openers, then steer the chat into something more substantial.

People usually prefer moving beyond small talk relatively quickly but don’t rush straight into deep questions.

Asking Better Questions

Good conversations come from curiosity. Open questions (ones that start with what, how, or why) give people the chance to share their experiences. Listen more than you speak, and let the chat flow naturally instead of firing off a checklist.

Some questions that usually spark real conversation:

• What drew you into your field or company?
• What surprised you most in your first year?
• What does a typical week look like for you?
• What kinds of problems does your team solve?
• What’s a project you’re proud of, and what made it challenging?
• For someone starting out, which skills really signal potential here?
• What do successful graduates tend to do differently in your company?
• If you were me, what would you do next?

Handling Awkward Moments

Everyone gets stuck sometimes. Accept that nerves are normal, try to use them as a signal rather than a symptom. They are telling you that you are doing something hard and important, thats a good thing. Set small goals, like having just one meaningful chat before taking a break.

Keep a polite exit line ready, such as: “I don’t want to take up too much of your time, this has been really helpful. Mind if I follow up via LinkedIn?”

If the conversation stalls, go back to the context: the event, a talk you both heard, or even the journey to the event. You will find something you have in common.

Closing and Following Up

A strong close can turn a short chat into a lasting contact. Ask if you can keep in touch and note down their details straight after. Follow up within 24–48 hours with a short message that references your conversation, and connect on LinkedIn with a personal note.

From there, keep things light, comment on a post or share something useful, rather than jumping straight to a request. Remember it isn’t a transaction.

The Move

Before your next event, create a simple “123 Follow" Networking Card in your pocket or phone notes:

• Aims: 1 outcome you’d like to achieve
• Openers: 2 easy lines you can use to start conversations
• Questions: 3 from the list above, try to tailor them to the event
• Follow‑up: A reminder to send a short message within 48 hours

With a little prep and the right mindset, networking feels less like a performance and more like what it should be: a chance to learn, connect, and build relationships that last.

Resources

If you want to dive deeper into the resources I used for this edition please check out the links below.

• ​Harvard Business Review – A Beginner’s Guide to Networking — How to shift networking away from being transactional and towards building genuine relationships.
• ​Open University – Networking for your career — Explains what networking really means, with conversation starters, using LinkedIn effectively, and tips for employer fairs.
• ​Warwick University – Networking tips for beginners — Practical guidance on setting aims, preparing for events, making a good impression, and asking open questions.
• ​University of Manchester – Networking as a student without being awkward — Reassurance and strategies for students, including starting small, keeping it authentic, and following up within 48 hours.

See you next week!

Tom​
​Hired in Design

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