Networking

New
jumbo261

New

jumbo261
Mar 4, 2020 6 Comments

Most people find networking draining. Are there ways you can make it more bearable?

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TOP 6 Comments
  • New
    burntwooki

    New

    burntwooki
    An easy way to make networking more bearable is to limit your network to people you actually relate/want to interact with. I know when I'm looking to establish new connections at various firms I look for people I think I can relate to and actually develop offline friendships with or I seek warm intros from friends I already have in my network. Networking conversations get old quickly and often these conversations just lead to superficial, shallow professional relationships. I would treat networking like actually meeting a new friend and you'll get much more out of the process and the relationship.
    Mar 5, 2020 0
  • Indeed
    qW4LR

    Go to company page Indeed

    qW4LR
    Do it more, it gets to be less stressful.
    Mar 4, 2020 2
    • New
      jumbo261

      New

      jumbo261
      OP
      For me it seems to be less about the stress - what to say at different times, watching my own behavior, etc. - and more about staying engaged in a big group conversation that you have no obvious stake in.

      I guess as an introvert it is pretty difficult to find the energy to pretend like you actually enjoy what someone next to you said.
      Mar 4, 2020
    • Indeed
      qW4LR

      Go to company page Indeed

      qW4LR
      That does sound like a really lame and ineffective way to network. Having convos you don’t care about and pretending to enjoy it is not how you expand your network.
      Mar 5, 2020
  • Goldman Sachs / Finance
    user38

    Go to company page Goldman Sachs Finance

    user38
    I also often find networking draining. I realized when I treat networking as work with obligation, I find it draining. I have to admit I sometimes do networking without thinking. Also, if I have a purpose in my mind (i.e. getting a job, asking for a referral, etc), I can't be natural and be myself because all my mind is unconsciously focused on specific goals.

    It is easier said than done, but I try to stop and think about why I network before start networking. If I know why I want a certain relationship, I tend to feel more confident and comfortable reaching out to people. Also, how I frame networking has helped me. Instead of seeing networking as a means to get some short-term benefits, treating it as a part of long-term personal/professional development helps me not to rush in conversations.
    Mar 5, 2020 0
  • New / Finance
    KDANA

    New Finance

    KDANA
    I think network builds up prettty naturally while reaching out for potential deals. As an M&A banker, when I reach out to those potential financial sponsors (PE/VC), I see the contacts again in different deals then it becomes connection that I can share deals we are sourcing and vice versa.
    Mar 5, 2020 0