9 Tips to Network Like a Pro

According to Cornell University, almost 80% of jobs openings aren’t advertised to the general public. That means those positions are filled by someone who likely heard about it from someone else. In other words, those jobs are filled by networking.

“I have never had a job where I formally applied and then ultimately got the job after an interview process. My jobs have come from meeting people at conferences, introductions set up through former colleagues or classmates, people that I reached out to during school to get to know and have kept in touch with, etc. That shows, me at least, the power of networking,” states Andres Lares, career expert and Managing Partner at Shapiro Negotiations Institute.

Networking is more than just sharing job openings via word of mouth or using it as a way to climb the corporate ladder. Ideally, networking helps you grow personally and professionally.

“Networking is the intentional process of building and nurturing professional relationships that provide mutual value,” explains Kimberly Brown, Career and Leadership Expert, and Founder of Brown Leadership. “Networking works because careers are fundamentally built on relationships — people hire, promote, and recommend people they know and trust.”

Learning how to network like a pro can take you to the next level in your life and career. Read on for practical ways to build and maintain connections, for strategies to tackle networking challenges, and for insight on how networking can have a positive impact on your mental health.

Why Does Networking Matter?

When most people think of networking, they think of a large meeting room filled with eager (and some not-so-eager) participants, trying to make connections to help further their career. While that scenario is a part of networking, it doesn’t paint the entire picture. There are different types of networking to help achieve your goals.

Professional networking is what comes to mind the majority of the time. It happens at conferences and business events, but also through one-on-one conversations with coworkers or while learning from a mentor. “These connections help us grow our careers, expand our influence, and access new opportunities,” says Brian Smith, Founder and managing partner of IA Business Advisors.

Personal networking is when you meet people through family, friends, yoga classes, mom groups, at the gym, or through other activities. The sense of camaraderie from these groups provides an enriching experience. “These relationships often support our emotional and mental health, giving us a sense of belonging, identity, and unconditional support,” Smith states.

And meeting others through networking lends to strong interconnected support. “Social support is the foundation of effective networking. Building genuine connections creates a community of people who can provide emotional encouragement, practical advice, and strategic introductions,” Brown explains.

Fostering that type of connection is what brings about mental health benefits. LinkedIn notes that networking helps to fight alienation, isolation, and feelings of loneliness, while fostering feelings of being understood, valued, and supported. The key to getting the greatest benefit from the practice is to cultivate your networking skills.

Strategies for Effective Networking

Networking is about more than just talking. Putting the right strategies to work can help you not only connect and foster meaningful relationships but also potentially even enjoy the process. Here are a few practical networking tips to consider:

• Be yourself. While this may seem obvious, for many people, it’s not. Whether you’re joining a new friend group or trying to find potential clients, let people meet the authentic you.
•  Make personal connections. “Remember people’s names and something personal about them and what they care about. People don’t want to feel like they are mere contacts in your files to be useful,” advises Richard E. Boyatzis, PhD, Professor in the Departments of Organizational Behavior, Psychology, and Cognitive Science at Case Western Reserve University.
• Show genuine interest in each person you meet. “Apply the ‘Probe’ principle by asking thoughtful questions that demonstrate genuine interest in others before talking about yourself,” says Lares.
• Be prepared. If you’re going to a conference, research the speakers and other people attending before you go. You’ll feel more confident and will be able to interact in a meaningful way.
• Make quality interactions your goal. “Rather than collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections, invest time in fewer, deeper relationships. One strong advocate is worth more than 50 casual acquaintances,” says Brown.

You can also leverage online platforms for networking. It seems easier, in some ways, than talking face-to-face, but it can require more effort to make authentic connections. And just like networking in person, using smart strategies can give you greater success.

• When people see your profile, let them learn more about you. Your online forum should give people insight into who you are, your mission, and your goals.
•  “Engage consistently, not constantly: Comment, share, and message when it adds value — but avoid scrolling or reacting mindlessly. Your time and energy are assets,” Smith notes.
•  Create boundaries. It’s easy to waste valuable time mindlessly scrolling. Take a break from the screens when needed. Give yourself a set amount of time to engage and then disconnect.

Overcoming Networking Challenges

For many people, networking with strangers or even people they may know is a dreaded task. In fact, more than 70% of Americans say they’d rather be silent than engage in small talk. Just like there are strategies for networking, there are strategies for dealing with its challenges.

Dealing with Networking Anxiety

Butterflies in your stomach are not uncommon when you’re going to your first book club meeting or stepping into your boss’ dinner party. It stems from being afraid you won’t say or do the right thing. You can help to overcome networking anxiety by having preplanned discussion topics that you can use as conversation starters, or setting a realistic goal for yourself, such as you’ll have three meaningful discussions.

Strategies for Introverts

“Networking affects introverts differently because their energy is depleted rather than enhanced by extensive social interaction. However, introverts often excel at the ‘Probe’ phase of networking, as they tend to be excellent listeners and ask thoughtful questions. Introverts can focus on quality over quantity in networking,” Lares says.

“Introverts can leverage their natural strengths in one-on-one conversations and deeper connections rather than trying to work a room. By adequately preparing and setting realistic goals for each networking opportunity, introverts can network effectively without overwhelm.”

Handling Rejection and Setbacks

No one likes rejection. And let’s face it, when you start talking to someone you don’t know well, it can open the door for them to not be interested in what you have to say. And then there’s the fear of your follow-up efforts being met with silence. But avoid taking the rejection personally. “Did you effectively communicate the value of connecting?” says Brown. Also, “redirect your energy to receptive connections rather than dwelling on those that didn’t materialize.”

Having coping mechanisms in place for networking challenges can make you feel more empowered and ready to face the task at hand.

Keep in Mind

Networking in some form or another is a part of life. But whether you thrive on being the life of the party, or prefer quiet one-on-one conversations, employing key strategies and overcoming challenges is what turns a good networking experience into a great one.

“Networking isn’t just about who you meet—it’s about how you show up. When you lead with intention, stay true to your values, and remain open to growth, challenges become stepping stones —and your network becomes a source of strength, not stress,” Smith concludes.