When beginning your professional networking journey, I think it’s vitally important that you remember that networking is about building lasting relationships. And just like any relationship, it takes time. So, like the farmer does, put the seed in the soil and patiently trust the process. Even when you don’t see what is happening beneath the surface. Keep cultivating, keep watering and it will grow.
Networking can be uncomfortable—even for accomplished people. Walking into a room of strangers and figuring out what to say can make anyone nervous.
My tip? Just be you—but know how to tell people who you are.
In the first few seconds, give them your name, what you do and who you help. Then stop. You don’t need to give them your whole résumé.
Be curious. Ask open-ended questions and give people room to fill in the gaps naturally. That’s often where you discover a real connection.
If someone tells me, “We’re growing, but everything still seems to come through me,” I don’t immediately pitch SustainableU. I might ask, “How are responsibilities and decisions being shared now?”
Now we’re talking—not selling.
People need to know what you do, but they also need to get to know you. Your knowledge and experience will show up naturally when you listen for the right opening.
Be you. Be curious. Listen. And leave room for the conversation to go somewhere.
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When beginning your professional networking journey, I think it’s vitally important that you remember that networking is about building lasting relationships. And just like any relationship, it takes time. So, like the farmer does, put the seed in the soil and patiently trust the process. Even when you don’t see what is happening beneath the surface. Keep cultivating, keep watering and it will grow.
My tip? Just be you—but know how to tell people who you are.
In the first few seconds, give them your name, what you do and who you help. Then stop. You don’t need to give them your whole résumé.
Be curious. Ask open-ended questions and give people room to fill in the gaps naturally. That’s often where you discover a real connection.
If someone tells me, “We’re growing, but everything still seems to come through me,” I don’t immediately pitch SustainableU. I might ask, “How are responsibilities and decisions being shared now?”
Now we’re talking—not selling.
People need to know what you do, but they also need to get to know you. Your knowledge and experience will show up naturally when you listen for the right opening.
Be you. Be curious. Listen. And leave room for the conversation to go somewhere.