4 answers
Marie
Student
Fine, New York
1
Question
Updated
526 views
How to Network?
Any tips on networking/ getting your name out there for someone with really bad social skills?
Login to comment
4 answers
Shaina S
Consultant
7
Answers
Moga, Punjab, India
Updated
Shaina’s Answer
hey so i also hate traditional networking - the whole small talk at events thing makes me want to die
here's what actually worked for me:
1. online first - way less pressure. comment on people's linkedin posts, join slack communities or discord servers in your field, engage on twitter/reddit. you build rapport before ever meeting face-to-face
2. 1-on-1 > group events - skip the big networking mixers. instead, message someone and ask for a 15min coffee chat or zoom call. "hey i saw you work in [thing], could i ask you a few questions about your path?" most people say yes and it's way less overwhelming
3. have a script - literally write down 3-4 things you can say. "what are you working on?" "how'd you get into this field?" "any advice for someone starting out?" takes the pressure off thinking on the spot
4. leverage email - i'm way better at writing than talking. send thoughtful emails/messages. people actually appreciate a well-written note over awkward small talk
5. volunteering/projects - work on stuff together instead of just "networking." you bond over the work and it's less forced
6. quality over quantity - you don't need 500 connections. like 10-20 genuine relationships matter way more
7. follow up is everything - send a quick "thanks for chatting" message after. reference something specific you talked about. this is where the actual relationship builds
also real talk - a lot of "good networkers" are just faking it. they're uncomfortable too, they just hide it better
what field are you trying to network in? that might help with more specific advice
here's what actually worked for me:
1. online first - way less pressure. comment on people's linkedin posts, join slack communities or discord servers in your field, engage on twitter/reddit. you build rapport before ever meeting face-to-face
2. 1-on-1 > group events - skip the big networking mixers. instead, message someone and ask for a 15min coffee chat or zoom call. "hey i saw you work in [thing], could i ask you a few questions about your path?" most people say yes and it's way less overwhelming
3. have a script - literally write down 3-4 things you can say. "what are you working on?" "how'd you get into this field?" "any advice for someone starting out?" takes the pressure off thinking on the spot
4. leverage email - i'm way better at writing than talking. send thoughtful emails/messages. people actually appreciate a well-written note over awkward small talk
5. volunteering/projects - work on stuff together instead of just "networking." you bond over the work and it's less forced
6. quality over quantity - you don't need 500 connections. like 10-20 genuine relationships matter way more
7. follow up is everything - send a quick "thanks for chatting" message after. reference something specific you talked about. this is where the actual relationship builds
also real talk - a lot of "good networkers" are just faking it. they're uncomfortable too, they just hide it better
what field are you trying to network in? that might help with more specific advice
Greivin Hernandez
Fleet Engineer or Remote Management Engineer
1
Answer
Heredia, Heredia Province, Costa Rica
Updated
Greivin’s Answer
Hello,
You can begin by engaging with others online on platforms like LinkedIn. Try commenting on their posts or asking how they learned a new skill. Also, when someone talks to you, listen carefully. This shows them that what they share matters to you, just as it does to them.
You can begin by engaging with others online on platforms like LinkedIn. Try commenting on their posts or asking how they learned a new skill. Also, when someone talks to you, listen carefully. This shows them that what they share matters to you, just as it does to them.
Karen Kitchel
Community Volunteer
466
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Because you asked this question, I would say you have made a great start in building good social skills!
One of the best and easiest ways, I believe, is to be a good listener. People like when they know you are really listening to them, whether in person or online. One indication of that, is by asking questions after hearing what someone said. Folks often like talking about their feelings and experiences. Just ask them to tell you more about whatever they are interested in. Soon you may feel comfortable in talking about your own plans or hopes.
Begin by talking to your friends, relatives, or neighbors about what you might like to do in the future. See if they know of someone in a field that interests you and try to set up a time to meet with them for coffee. Then you can ask questions about what's on your mind and again ask if they recommend someone else you might talk to about your chosen field.
With every good wish and many blessings,
Karen
One of the best and easiest ways, I believe, is to be a good listener. People like when they know you are really listening to them, whether in person or online. One indication of that, is by asking questions after hearing what someone said. Folks often like talking about their feelings and experiences. Just ask them to tell you more about whatever they are interested in. Soon you may feel comfortable in talking about your own plans or hopes.
Begin by talking to your friends, relatives, or neighbors about what you might like to do in the future. See if they know of someone in a field that interests you and try to set up a time to meet with them for coffee. Then you can ask questions about what's on your mind and again ask if they recommend someone else you might talk to about your chosen field.
With every good wish and many blessings,
Karen
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Software Engineer and Career Mentor
677
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Networking becomes much simpler when you see it as a chance to regularly connect with others. Attending conferences, workshops, student clubs, and community events opens up great opportunities to meet people through shared activities.
You can keep these connections alive online using platforms like LinkedIn, where you can link up with students, teachers, and professionals. Sites like GitHub and Stack Overflow let you shine by showcasing your projects and problem-solving skills. Competitions and hackathons are fantastic places to bond over shared technical challenges. Communities on Reddit and tools like Discord also offer friendly spaces for discussions and shared interests.
You can keep these connections alive online using platforms like LinkedIn, where you can link up with students, teachers, and professionals. Sites like GitHub and Stack Overflow let you shine by showcasing your projects and problem-solving skills. Competitions and hackathons are fantastic places to bond over shared technical challenges. Communities on Reddit and tools like Discord also offer friendly spaces for discussions and shared interests.