Networking: Why It Matters, Even When You’re Busy (Or Find It All A Bit Awkward)
Networking can be one of those words that makes people cringe. For some, it conjures up images of awkward rooms, forced small talk, name badges, and people confidently ‘working the room’ while outlining how brilliant they are. Especially when the results of attending a networking event will rarely be drastic and immediate.
However, if I had a pound for every time I spoke to somebody who’d found a new role or gained a solution to a challenging task through ‘…..just somebody in my network’, I wouldn’t be writing this article!
One of the biggest things we see that puts people off networking is the feeling that they need to promote themselves. Lots of potential networkers hate the idea of shouting about themselves, appearing pushy, boastful or self-important. I feel that’s especially true for many HR professionals I know, who are often more comfortable supporting others than pushing themselves forward.
The good news is that networking doesn’t necessarily have to be about self-promotion. It’s about relationship-building. Asking questions. Being curious. Sharing something useful. Offering encouragement. Connecting people with each other. All things we do in our everyday lives. You can build a strong professional network without ever feeling like you’re selling yourself.
HR can be a lonely place at times. Often, you’re supporting everyone else, dealing with sensitive situations, navigating change, and trying to balance people needs with business priorities. Having a trusted network around you can make life a little easier.
The important thing is to see networking as an ongoing activity, not something you only do when you’re job hunting or when you suddenly need a favour. Strong networks are built slowly. They come from small, regular interactions; be that commenting on a LinkedIn post, attending a relevant event, joining a webinar, checking in with an old colleague, speaking with a specialist recruiter to see what’s happening in the market or having a coffee with someone in a similar role.
Of course, most HR professionals are busy. Really busy. There are always urgent issues, meetings, deadlines, employee concerns and unexpected problems to deal with. Networking can easily become one of those nice to do things that gets pushed to the bottom of the list until you need that network.
It doesn’t need to take much time. Even 10 or 15 minutes a week can help. Make it manageable. Think of it less as a big task and more as a habit. A quick message, a thoughtful comment, an introduction, or a short follow-up after an event all help keep your network alive.
A few tips on making networking feel natural
Start small: You don’t need to attend huge events. Start with one-to-one coffees, webinars, small HR groups, specialist recruiters or LinkedIn conversations.
Be curious: Ask people what they’re working on, what challenges they’re facing, or where they seek guidance.
It’s never about being the loudest person in the room: You’re not there to impress everyone. You’re there to connect, learn and contribute. The good news is you’ve all got something in common.
Be yourself on LinkedIn: You don’t have to post big personal updates or share your life online. Commenting thoughtfully or sharing a useful article is networking.
Follow up: This is the important one! If you meet someone, send a short message afterwards and encourage keeping in touch. You need to use that network.
What can you offer: Networking feels less awkward when it’s not all about you. Share a resource, make an introduction, or offer a listening ear.
Build it into your routine: Put a small networking slot/reminder in your diary once a week or once a month.
Reconnection: Getting back in touch with former colleagues, managers, CIPD contacts or recruiters can all be part of your network.
Little and often is enough: A bit like going to the gym or watering a plant. The results may not be drastic and immediate, but effective over time.
For HR professionals, networking isn’t just useful. It’s part of staying connected, informed and resilient in a profession that’s changing at a pace rarely seen. It can lead to new ideas, better decisions, career opportunities and much-needed support.
If you’re still a bit apprehensive, take it from an introvert who organises a lot of face-to-face networking events, 80% of the attendees will feel exactly like you will on entering a room. It’s pretty natural to feel a bit awkward. It’s how you feel leaving the room that’s important!
If you’d like to find out more about the events RedGreen Partners are planning then drop me a line at nick.allwood@redgreenpartners.co.uk