Buzz
Networking offers numerous advantages, such as connecting with mentors to guide your career, peers who provide valuable insights, and uncovering opportunities for your next role. Despite its benefits, the process can often feel intimidating.
“Feeling anxious about networking is more common than you might think,” noted Christie Hunter Arscott, a career coach, speaker, and author of Begin Boldly: How Women Can Reimagine Risk, Embrace Uncertainty, and Launch a Brilliant Career. “Many individuals admit to experiencing nerves or anxiety before diving into networking activities.”
This nervousness can vary from mild unease to overwhelming dread at the prospect of attending networking events. Yet, instead of avoiding networking altogether, there are practical approaches to ease your anxiety and help you build a robust professional network.
“Research confirms that networking and the strength of our professional relationships are linked to career success and personal satisfaction,” Hunter Arscott explained. “The real challenge isn’t avoiding anxiety—it’s inevitable. Instead, it’s about learning to navigate those feelings and network effectively despite them.”
Curiosity can significantly reduce anxiety
Adopting a curious mindset is a proven strategy to ease networking-related anxiety. “Curiosity is an invaluable tool for overcoming fear and hesitation when interacting with others,” Hunter Arscott emphasized.
She highlights that curiosity redirects focus from nervousness to the individuals you’re engaging with. “This approach not only helps you understand others better but also increases the chances of discovering shared interests.”
A 2017 study revealed that individuals with a curious outlook were less impacted by social rejection and were more favorably perceived by their peers. “It’s a straightforward yet highly effective solution with numerous advantages,” Hunter Arscott added.
Moreover, the way we phrase things can have a significant impact. According to research, the mere idea of networking often leaves people feeling uneasy. “The way we frame an activity influences our psychological and behavioral responses,” Hunter Arscott noted.
For this reason, Hunter Arscott avoids the term “networking” and prefers to describe it as building connections. “Select a term that resonates with you, as the right wording can alleviate feelings of discomfort and anxiety,” she explained.
Starting your networking journey early yields greater benefits
Networking often provides long-term advantages, making it crucial to begin as early as possible. “To maximize the compounding benefits, it’s vital to start early,” Hunter Arscott emphasized.
For sustained career growth, cultivating a diverse network of professionals across various roles, industries, and organizations is invaluable. While these connections may not yield immediate results, they often become instrumental in the future as situations evolve.
“A common error is delaying the development of professional relationships until they’re urgently needed, which often proves ineffective. Building a network shouldn’t wait until you’re preparing for a career shift or organizational change—it’s essential to establish connections well before they’re required,” Hunter Arscott advised.
