Networking – feel the fear and do it anyway!

Progressive Women share their experiences of networking – and how they conquered their apprehension of it – in the lead up to the Speed Networking event on November 7th. For further details of the event and to book a place see here.

Caroline Watson, Co-founder of Progressive Women:

‘When I first moved to London and started out in my career I really hated the idea of networking because it scared me! The idea of walking into a crowd of people I didn’t know made me really nervous. I thought I had to come up with something interesting or insightful to say. It was only after having to attend numerous events I started to realise that it was actually quite like attending a party and involved chatting to people to find out what they do and what we might have in common. Now I know I can walk into a room and start up a conversation. It can begin with something just as simple as ‘what do you do?’  or ‘how did you find out about the event?’ Most people are grateful that you’ve started the conversation and nearly always I find out something interesting about what the other person is doing. I’ve met so many women from all sorts of backgrounds at Progressive Women events, I can’t wait for a chance to meet lots more people at our Speed Networking event.’

Emma Ward, Progressive Women volunteer:

‘The term networking either fills me with fear or makes me cringe. I imagine men and women in power suits, swilling champagne, fake laughing at each others’ jokes and throwing their business cards around. I always find it hard to see myself fitting into that picture so I’m either left feeling intimidated, inadequate or safely smug that I don’t want anything to do with it. However, if I don’t call it ‘networking’ in my head, if I use it as code word then I find it less scary. I like to use it as a code to describe initiating and nurturing inspiring relationships, seeking out like-minded and differently-minded people, finding and being interested in interesting people and being open about who I am and what I am interested in with others. If I use that code then I can see that when I have done those things, they have brought me both personal and professional gifts that continue to amaze me, without a shoulder pad in sight. I think for women, finding a support team of inspiring peers is essential, so that’s why I am excited to be involved in the Progressive Women Speed Networking Event.’

Emma McKay, Progressive Women volunteer:

‘I’ve never thought of myself as a good networker – and actually, for a long time I didn’t want to be. Networking sounds callous, as if you’re using someone to help your own ends. But increasingly, as I’ve attended and organised professional events, I’ve realised that you can be a nice person and a networker. I’ve also realised that most people don’t find networking easy. Many people turn up to work events and conferences alone and will want you to go over and speak to them. You will never be the only person in the room feeling a bit awkward! Meeting new people gives me fresh and exciting ideas for my job, and keeps me motivated, interested and hopefully interesting to others. For that reason I’m really looking forward to picking up some tips from Lucy and chatting to some more Progressive Women on 7 November.’