Networking…Ugh

Networking used to make me cringe. 

The cued smile for the forced introductions and ‘fake it until you make it’ conversations. 

Traditional networking is still a pain, but I have shifted my perspective to look at it as relationship building and connecting – a chance to be curious, and learn about people. 

When I first moved to a new SF neighborhood with a toddler in tow, I saw another mom on the street with a stroller and said hi. Ten years later, we’re still close friends.

I use that same approach for professional connections. And although I’m not walking up to people on the street (not usually), I am showing up open to what happens when there’s a connection.

Because real networking? It’s just making friends—for work.