Confessions of an Awkward Networker

I have a love-hate relationship with networking. This is a warmer sentiment than what I was going to start with, which was "I hate networking". I don't think that's the thing you're supposed to say when you work for a teamwork and connection firm like Game On. There's intense irony in me presenting at a networking event about how to be a good networker - which is exactly what I'm doing tonight with the Women in Business Networking Group - BRD/LWR/SRQ. 

The truth is, I get very anxious walking into a room of people I don't know. I fear making small talk, not remembering someone I've met before, and coming across socially awkward. To quote Ricky Bobby, "I don't know what to do with my hands." 

As I sit in my car for a prolonged period of time before walking into a mixer or networking moment, soaking in the last moments of my true crime podcast, I look to a few strategies to calm my nerves, remember who I am, and enter spaces with confidence:

1. Remember my Coins. Coins are things that have value to you that have nothing to do with what you do for a living. I'm a mom to three wonderful boys (one might be part feral raccoon - verdict is out), the wife of a military service member, and we have two dogs - Ranger and Burt Reynolds - who add so much joy to my world. I enter spaces with them in my heart, and often find quick moments of connection with others where we can joyfully share about the people and pets in our lives. 

2. Be a Detective. I am a big fan of true crime - it's the perfect combination of storytelling and puzzle-solving. I find the investigation itself to be the best part. I apply the same concepts of curiosity to networking - ask questions, listen intentionally, and make the connections. It becomes a fun puzzle game for me to connect with people, and who doesn't love a good story? 

3. You are not alone. I love finding my other wallflowers and bonding over our collective networking awkwardness. There is someone in the room just as uncomfortable as you, and you will be able to find them. My goal is to always make them feel seen, comfortable, and included - even if it's just in our little circle of two.  

So if we're ever together at a networking event, please come tell me about your favorite people, a movie you love, and how your plants are doing. We can share business cards, schedule some time to connect, and see how we can collaborate later. In the moment, let's lean into authentic connection, creating spaces where people feel welcome and celebrated. And if we're a little awkward, that's something to find joy in, too. 

Network On! Game On!