How to make networking less awkward

如何让社交不那么尴尬

Life Kit

自我完善

2024-09-02

18 分钟
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Shaking hands, sending cold emails and asking for coffee can feel unnatural. Networking expert Robbie Samuels explains how to create meaningful job connections in more authentic ways. This episode originally published on October 2, 2022. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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  • You're listening to life kit from NPR.

  • Hey, everybody, it's Marielle.

  • I recently went to a conference, and there were lots of booths set up and presentations throughout the day.

  • The main event, the reason everyone was actually there, was the networking.

  • I'll be honest, the whole here's my card and let's get coffee.

  • It feels awkward to me, and sometimes at these events, I just want to hide in my hotel room.

  • One study from the Harvard Business School found that just the thought of professional networking can make people feel dirtier.

  • Participants developed a sudden and disproportionate interest in soap and toothpaste.

  • But in that same study, there was one group that didn't feel grossed out.

  • Senior executives, because they weren't looking for anything.

  • They didn't need anything.

  • In fact, they were full of resources like budgets and information and introductions and guidance and mentorship.

  • That's Robbie Samuels, a virtual design event consultant and recognized networking expert by the likes of Forbes and the Harvard Business Review.

  • He says the key to networking is to approach it not with a mindset of what you need, but rather what you can offer.

  • Think about it like giving rides to the airport.