Networking Is Weird, But So Is Staying Broke

The Harsh Truth Nobody Likes to Admit

You could be the most talented person in the room, but if nobody knows who you are, it's like being a Michelin-star chef cooking in an empty kitchen. Sure, the food is incredible, but who's going to taste it? Networking is how you get people to walk through the door. It's how you make sure your work, your name, and your vibe travel beyond your own bubble.

Networking Is Not Just Awkward Mingling

Networking can be really vulnerable and range from sending a LinkedIn message to someone's friend's cousins, brother-in-law's uncle you have never met, cold emailing a stranger and hoping they write back, or sliding into someone's DMs. You might sit there overthinking every word and wondering if you sound desperate or if you should just delete the message (I may have spent more time overthinking than just ripping it...)

The truth is that everyone feels this way and if you don't congrats cause you are just built different. But if you are like me, those small, awkward steps are how opportunities begin. You really do miss 100 percent of the shots you do not take. The people who are now doing the most exciting things once sat where you are, staring at a draft and hitting send anyway.

Why It Actually Works

Here is the secret: opportunities rarely appear on job boards first. The number of times I have reached out to someone asking me to introduce me to someone at a company, and that ultimately turned into a completely different opportunity, is far from uncommon. Many of these introductory conversations have led me to interviews, new connections, and the start of an extensive network. Even a short introduction creates a whole new pool for you to enter. People think of who they know, and if you're on that list, you just got your shot. THERE IS A CLEAR DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CLOUT CHASING AND CREATING YOUR NETWORK. It's about being visible and consistent, so when someone needs help, your name is the one that comes up.

Getting Your Name Out There Without Being "That Person"

Nobody likes the person who only shows up when they want something in all aspects of life. If you are not authentic, people will see straight through you. Share your projects online (cough cough). Celebrate other people's wins, offer help when you can, stay curious, and for the love of god, just be normal. You will be surprised by how many people just seek normalcy. I have probably met over 100 people going through the job hunt, and if talking to these amazing people, whom I now call mentors, has left me with no good advice, it's to be true to you and remember this system as a constant "human ladder."  By this, I mean that you will ultimately be in their position one day, and they were once in yours. People really do want to help you succeed in this industry. You'd be surprised how far a kind word or a funny comment can go in making someone remember you. Most people are just as nervous as you. Break the ice with a compliment, or make a joke about the terrible playlist at the bar. Instant connection. Listen, this is just my advice, but I think being genuine and authentic to who you are will speak louder than you can imagine.  

Keep the Connections Alive

Networking doesn't stop after the first handshake. Follow up. Check in. ALWAYS SEND A THANK YOU. Just because you spoke once and they weren't able to help you doesn't mean they don't care (or if they actually don't, make them care); this, building a network consistently, is key. Send a quick text when you see someone's big news. Think of it like watering plants. If you ignore the garden, it withers. If you nurture it, suddenly you're surrounded by thriving connections, and you never know which one will bear fruit.

The Funny Part About All This

Half the time, networking doesn't even feel like networking. You'll realize that the "big connection" you were stressed about came from the random person you talked to at afters or a little dive bar. Or that the person who gave you the most significant break started as a third-person LinkedIn connection or your neighbor's cousin's dog walker. Life is funny like that.

Closing

At the end of the day, networking is not about being fake or pushing yourself into rooms that do not fit. It is about putting your energy out there, sharing your passions, and connecting with people who truly understand you. So yes, keep honing your craft, but also keep getting your name out there. Because you never know who is listening, watching, or ready to say, "I know just the person for this."

Also a huge thank you to everyone who has replied back, took my phone call, answered a text from me, took a favor from a friend of friend, you are the reason I have gotten the confidence to write these blogs. You have become mentors and have truly inspired me to continue to follow this path!

Be social & don't be anyone else but you!