No-Nonsense Networking
Building Connections That Don’t Make You Cringe
The Awkward Truth About Networking
Networking is supposed to help us grow, right? But let’s be real - just hearing the word “networking” can make us cringe. It’s easy to picture yourself at some stuffy event, fumbling through small talk, wondering if there’s a graceful way to break free from a conversation about “market synergies.”
But maybe networking doesn’t have to be this forced, awkward exchange. Maybe it’s really about meeting interesting people who might inspire you, teach you, or even become lifelong collaborators. So, here’s a fresh look at how to build connections that don’t feel like transactions but instead feel…human.
Networking Isn’t About “Networking” - It’s About Curiosity
Here’s the truth: the best networking happens when you’re not actively trying to “network.” Picture yourself at a crowded event. You’re waiting in line for coffee, and the person next to you cracks a joke about the absurd wait time. It’s the perfect opening for a casual chat, and before you know it, you’re swapping stories about weird event experiences. Turns out, they’re a creative director at an agency you admire, but neither of you are in “pitch mode.” You’re just two people, connecting.
Orbit Insight: Networking doesn’t have to be a stiff, transactional exchange. Think of it as a chance to genuinely meet people who could one day be collaborators, mentors, or friends. When you lead with curiosity, connections happen naturally.
Actionable Tip: Instead of launching into your pitch, start with open, curiosity-driven questions. Here’s one: “What’s been the highlight of your week?” or “What’s the weirdest job you ever had?” Questions like these go beyond surface-level and make people feel seen.
Bond Over Something Real (Hint: It’s Not Your Job Title)
Sometimes the best connections come from bonding over something completely unrelated to work. I know a designer who went to an industry mixer and, instead of leading with his title, started talking to someone about their shared love for 80s rock music. It was the perfect icebreaker. They didn’t exchange business cards right away - instead, they shared their favorite concert stories and realized they had a similar sense of humor. A week later, that person reached out, and now they’ve worked on three projects together.
Orbit Insight: Sharing a personal interest or story creates a much stronger connection than rattling off your resume. Finding common ground - whether it’s a favorite show (The Office, anyone?), a mutual love for street food, or just the best spot to get coffee nearby - can transform a surface-level introduction into a genuine bond.
Quick Tip: Before an event, casually look at LinkedIn profiles for shared interests, but in a non-stalkery way! That way, you’ve got easy, non-work topics to kick off a conversation.
Think Marathon, Not Sprint
When it comes to networking, slow and steady wins the race. Real connections aren’t built in a single coffee chat or a LinkedIn exchange - they grow over time, with small, thoughtful touches here and there. Comment on their posts. Tag them in something relevant. Send a quick email if something reminds you of a conversation you had. No pressure, no expectations - just genuine interest.
Orbit Insight: Networking is about planting seeds, not expecting immediate results. People remember those who show up authentically over time. It’s less about getting a “yes” on the first try and more about building a relationship that evolves naturally.
Pro Move: A quick LinkedIn message here or there can go a long way. When you follow up thoughtfully, without any hidden agenda, you’re showing that you’re interested in the person - not just their title.
Embrace the Awkward Moments (We’ve All Been There)
Networking isn’t always smooth. There will be pauses, and sometimes they’ll feel endless. One time, a friend told me about an event where they blanked on someone’s name mid-conversation. Instead of panicking, they just laughed and said, “I’m terrible with names - remind me again?” They got a laugh in return, and it actually made the conversation less formal and more relaxed.
Orbit Tip: Awkward moments are human, and they don’t have to ruin the connection. If you feel a weird pause, acknowledge it or even laugh it off. People appreciate a bit of honesty, and often it makes you more relatable.
Pro Tip: If you’re mid-conversation and forget a name or detail, try humor. Something like, “Wow, it’s been a long day - remind me of your name?” works wonders. Nine times out of ten, they’ll appreciate your honesty.
Virtual Networking is Real Networking
With remote work and online communities, virtual networking is now just as valuable as meeting face-to-face. And for some of us, it’s a lot easier to drop a comment in a LinkedIn group or join a creative Discord channel than to work a crowded room. One copywriter I know built a strong network on Substack by leaving thoughtful comments on other writers’ posts. Over time, they gained followers, collaborators, and even clients.
Orbit Insight: Online communities are low-pressure spaces to connect, and they’re ideal for introverts or anyone who feels overwhelmed by in-person events. Thoughtful comments and shares can go a long way in building credibility and sparking connections.
Quick Tip: Set notifications for a few LinkedIn groups, Discord channels, or Substack threads that align with your interests. That way, you can easily stay involved without needing to actively track everything.
Don’t Be Afraid to Follow Up with a Twist
We’ve all sent the “just checking in” email, only to get…silence. The follow-up is essential, but it doesn’t have to feel forced. Instead, think about a more interesting way to reconnect. Maybe send over an article that ties back to a previous conversation or a quick message inviting them to an event you think they’d enjoy. It’s thoughtful without being transactional.
Orbit Tip: Make follow-ups feel casual and connected to something real. Instead of a “just checking in” email, send something personal. A relevant article, an invite, or even a quick “this reminded me of our chat” goes a long way in making follow-ups less awkward.
Make Networking Work for You
At the end of the day, networking isn’t about handing out a stack of business cards or collecting LinkedIn connections like trophies. It’s about connecting with people who inspire you, people you genuinely want to know, and people you’re excited to support and collaborate with. When you approach networking with authenticity and curiosity, it stops feeling like a chore and starts feeling like a natural part of growing as a creative professional.
So, go forth and connect - not with the goal of scoring “contacts,” but with the intention of building real relationships. That’s the kind of networking that sticks.
Catch you next time,
Paula
This is a very valuable article, thank you so much for bringing the subject! From the particular point of people with ADHD, this is especially interesting, because we struggle A LOT with traditional networking. With an approach focused on curiosity and shared interests, it feels much more natural and less transactional. Also great to mention networking in online spaces, which makes it even more accessible and nothing less authentic than the "in person" ones!