How to Fight Networking Fatigue

“Networking” is a term that, for some, conjures up a bunch sweaty businessmen exchanging cards and booming “get to know me!” over cocktails. For others, the cheesiness of networking events is not the issue. The sheer anxiety caused by going to a networking event solo is enough to scare many off from what could be a truly beneficial experience. Here are some of my personal mantras for fighting networking fears and fatigue.

Networking is Exhausting

After working in Chicago for the past 12 years, I can say that Austin is an extremely “networked” town and everyone I know here is very involved in some sort of professional and/or charitable organization. In Chicago, “networking” would cut into the late hours you were expected to work. I think the vast array of networking opportunities happening here on any given day are what contribute to Austin have a small-town feel when it’s actually growing like crazy.
I made this observation after moving to Austin in February 2011 without a job. I’d put feelers out through my friends from high school and college, but had to get the ball rolling ASAP. I went to many, many networking events from AWC Austin to the Austin High-Tech Happy Hour and I was thrilled to have the opportunities to meet so many talented new people. Although I’m an extrovert, I will admit it got a little old after awhile.
I kept myself going with a few mantras. Perhaps these phrases will help when you’re feeling like you’d rather go home and curl up with your Kindle, than spend your evening chatting up strangers.

 Networking Mantra’s To Live By

1. “You never know”: This is the big one for me. You just never know what will happen or who you’ll meet at an event. There’s something kind of exciting about that. Assume they will like you, even if you’re having a bad hair day and your pants are feeling tight. Any event you participate in from a Habitat for Humanity project, to a real estate council meeting could yield a connection, a future interview job prospect, an investor in your business, a future client or simply a friend.
2. “What do I have to lose?”: I figured that if I didn’t know anyone at the networking event, I could slip in and out if I really didn’t find anyone interesting to talk to. At the very least, I’d have a chance to drink a glass of Pinot Grigio and say “I tried!” The good news is, I always seemed to meet someone else walking into the event who served as my “jumping off” point for conversation.
3. “No risk, no reward”: If you’re searching for a new job or have a specific goal in mind, you must network in person. It’s so easy to make excuses not to put yourself out there, but if you don’t take the risk of looking silly or having awkward initial conversations, you’ll never reach your goal. The majority of people going to networking events feel the exact same way that you do—they want to meet you (not make fun of you).

I’m happy to report that my networking did pay off with a great position I currently hold with Texas Gas Service. This was a direct result of networking. I went to an AWC New Member event and learned about this position from a fellow attendee. I almost didn’t attend because I was burnt out from so much networking (ironic, huh?) but mantras #1-3 dragged me out the door. It turned out for the best and I’m glad I remembered to use the mantra’s.

I hope they help you as much as they helped me!

 Photo uploaded to Flickr Creative Commons.