Comments on: Want to advance your career? Ditch the networking

By: Samantha

Samantha — Wed, 09 Jul 2014 19:06:41 +0000

Great points Sara – I HATE networking and actively avoid it, but I also actively avoid any situation with the merest waft of ‘corporate’ in the air. Me and ‘corporate’ just do not get on. I know I can’t expect to get ahead in life without making contacts or
industry pals along the way but you’re right there’s much better ways to do this and that’s by injecting a little personality into the conversation and not just
handing over a business card with a name on and email address, but actually giving it to someone with a (genuine!) hug and a glass or two of something delicious and a smile that you’ll remember and want to connect with! X

By: Louise Beukes

Louise Beukes — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 21:21:56 +0000

Absolutely, just, YES!! xo

By: Sara - Darling Lovely Life editor

Sara - Darling Lovely Life editor — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 15:27:37 +0000

I totally agree – why would you want to talk to somebody who doesn’t seem receptive or on your wavelength anyway? :) xxx

By: Sara - Darling Lovely Life editor

Sara - Darling Lovely Life editor — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 15:27:06 +0000

Ahh Helen you’re the least “networky” person I know – way too real for all that! xxx

By: Beth

Beth — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 14:43:06 +0000

I’m so glad I’m not the only one who finds networking really uncomfortable! If I go to a business-related talk or a wedding fair, I just try to strike up a conversation with people who seem friendly. I would replace ‘networking’ with just ‘chatting to people’! No one really enjoys those stilted sales pitch conversations, and if someone tries to put the hard sell on me like that it doesn’t make me want to work with them later on.

By: Helen

Helen — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 14:09:35 +0000

Interesting read Sara, I host tweetups sometimes and often hear these referred to as networking events, but to be honest I just see them as a chat to meet new people and drink wine ;-)

When it comes to “wedding industry” parties I tend to start talking to people over random items of clothing like necklaces I am admiring or their hand bag (where’s it from, can I get me one) which I find is so much nicer as I generally end up learning I have more in common with these people.

I think geographically speaking it can be difficult too as there are often lot’s of people who sound amazing on twitter and I would love to meet them / get to know them better but they are at the other end of the country.

Helen xx