Let’s be honest—networking is about as enjoyable as a lukewarm beer. It’s awkward, often filled with small talk that nobody actually cares about, and involves a lot of nodding at people who love the sound of their own voice. Yet, despite my personal distaste for it, I’ll be the first to admit that networking is one of the most crucial parts of business success.
The Necessary Evil
I’ve tried avoiding it. I’ve strategically positioned myself near the snack table at events, hoping to look engaged while actually just stuffing my face. Or I do the usual “ find a friend” I’ve even attempted the ‘early Irish goodbye’—a sneaky escape before anyone notices I was even there. But somehow, networking always finds me. And the truth is, when done right, it works.
Some of my best business deals, partnerships, and opportunities have come from those accidental conversations over bad coffee. Like the time I met a chap who was struggling with his leadership skills’ I believe he had , he just didn’t know it yet! I didn’t use an elevator pitch , just a chat to get to know each and walked away with a meeting that changed the course of a project and his business.
Then there was the time I really wanted to meet the then-Minister Ken Wyatt. I had no idea how or where to start—after all, he was a Federal Minister, a bit out of my league. I mentioned it to a colleague, hoping for some guidance, and she said, “Come on, let’s meet him!” What I didn’t know at the time was that she had never met him either. Over we went, and before I could process what was happening, she confidently said, “Hi Ken, this is Colin Jorgensen,” and then just… left. There I was, standing face-to-face with a federal minister, scrambling for words. Somehow, I managed to fumble my way through the conversation, and it turned out to be a great interaction. Lesson learned—sometimes, you just have to take the leap.
LinkedIn: The Digital Lifeline for Networking Haters
Now, let’s talk about LinkedIn. If in-person networking is the equivalent of a chaotic business speed-dating event, LinkedIn is like networking from the comfort of your couch, preferably in trackies now winter is around the corner.
It’s a platform where you can build connections, showcase your expertise, and—best of all—avoid the dreaded ‘so, what do you do?’ conversations. Instead of engaging in the exhausting game of working the room, you can strategically engage with people who actually matter to your business.
Want to connect with someone? Like their post, drop a clever comment, and—boom—you’re on their radar. Need to expand your network? Join discussions in your industry and suddenly, you’re in front of the right people. It’s networking without the name tags and forced smiles.
The Takeaway
Remember, #LinkedIn is a great tool, but don’t rely on it for sales! It’s a place to build relationships, establish credibility, and stay on people’s radar—not a marketplace to relentlessly pitch your products or services. No one enjoys being sold to in a networking event, and the same applies online.
Networking, whether we like it or not, is an unavoidable part of business. Whether it’s a stuffy breakfast event, a ‘casual’ industry mixer that’s anything but casual, or a LinkedIn message from someone who clearly just wants to sell you something—connections matter.
So here’s my challenge: If you’re someone who, like me, would rather be anywhere else than at a networking event, try shifting your approach. Engage more on LinkedIn. Make your interactions count. And next time you do have to endure an in-person event, make it worth your while—get in, make meaningful connections, and get out before they start handing out participation certificates.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go comment on a few posts before people realise I haven’t networked today. I’m even talking on the subject on Thursday at an event in the city.
Cheers to networking, in whatever form keeps you sane.