reframe networking.
Networking has given me the ick since the very start of my career.
Being an introvert, I thought I was incompatible with networking events—so much so that I convinced myself that I wouldn't enjoy connecting with people.
Turns out I very much enjoy it. I just needed to reframe what networking means to me and schedule some downtime to recharge afterward.
If you’re still not a fan of networking, let me introduce you to some of its perks:
Networking isn’t just about knowing people in the right places to get promoted eventually. What about learning about people's needs to make our services more accessible or getting inspired by a different industry and feeding that back into our work? We can find our own reasons to connect with others.
We don’t have to network with a gazillion people to build a solid network. Often, one connection leads to another, creating a pretty reliable snowball effect that expands your network with minimal effort.
Sure, networking with people who have way more experience can be intimidating. But connecting with people earlier in their careers can be just as rewarding. Who isn't curious about the new generations' take on things? Reverse mentoring is here to stay.
Are you considering a different career path or industry? Networking is a relatively low-risk way to explore new opportunities through other people's experiences, without having to fully commit to a change.
Whether you’re launching a side business or educating yourself on a new topic, networking lets you share experiences and worries with like-minded people. There’s something very comforting about figuring things out together.
Networking is about people supporting people—it doesn’t need to be more than that.
about the author:
Hi there! I'm Silja, the founder of the wholesome growth club, an inclusive hub for career coaching with a soft spot for introverts and perfectionists. I’m an Amsterdam-based expat, but I love connecting with people worldwide. With a background in recruiting, I know the struggle of crafting a career path that feels truly yours. At the wholesome growth club, we're all about fostering sustainable growth, meaningful engagement, and authentic connections. Our blog is dedicated to making coaching accessible and sharing insights to approach work and life with an extra dose of confidence, slow productivity, and self-compassion. If you are curious to make things happen for yourself, get in touch—we offer personalized coaching journeys that will get you closer to your (dreamy) goals in no time.
