How I Learned to Love Networking

Let’s be honest: networking is hard for anyone. But, as someone who thrives in the digital world of content calendars, copywriting, and client strategy, the idea of walking into a room full of strangers used to make me want to run in the opposite direction.

In January of this year, I made a promise to myself. A big, bold, slightly terrifying goal: to start attending at least one networking event a month in Pittsburgh. I wanted to grow my connections, build relationships, and expand POWER’s presence in the community.

Now that I’ve been working through this goal for almost a year, I can finally say that I actually look forward to networking! And if you’re someone who’s still figuring out how to show up, what to say, or how to make it feel less awkward, you’re not alone. I’ve been there. Now, I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned along the way.

Why I Decided to Start Networking More

Let’s reflect on the beginning of 2025. As Head of Digital Marketing at POWER Marketing Company, I spend a lot of my time behind the scenes. This involves developing strategies, creating content, managing clients, and running our digital marketing team. I love what I do, but working remotely means I wasn’t always meeting other marketers, agency owners, or business professionals face-to-face.

I started to feel like something was missing. I craved those “in-the-room” conversations that sparked ideas, partnerships, and yes, sometimes even new clients. I was realizing that networking wasn’t just about selling services; it was about building real relationships.

So I made the leap. One event. Then another. Then another. And slowly but surely, things started to click. 

What I Learned (and How You Can Learn to Love Networking Too)

Whether you’re new to networking or trying to make it a consistent part of your professional life, I’ve got some tips that helped me go from anxious to excited. Let’s break it down:

1. Start Small and Go Consistently

You don’t need to attend every event on the calendar. In fact, I started with just one happy hour in January. From there, I chose one or two events per month to commit to. Keeping it manageable helped reduce the overwhelm and allowed me to build confidence over time.

Search for niche groups that align with your industry. I found amazing opportunities through local marketing organizations, young professional groups, and women-in-business networks!

2. Bring a Buddy

One of the biggest things that helped ease my nerves was inviting a friend. Having someone to walk in with, debrief afterward, or simply share a look of “what do we say next?” made it so much easier.

Over time, I even started inviting new people I’d met. And that’s what networking is all about: building new connections.

3. Keep Your Hands Occupied

Having something to do with your hands can make those awkward moments feel way less intimidating. Hold a drink (even just water), carry a small notebook, or have your phone in hand for taking notes or connecting on LinkedIn right away.

4. Ask Great Questions (and Really Listen!)

Here’s a little secret: people love to talk about themselves. And asking thoughtful questions is a great way to start meaningful conversations, without feeling pressure to “pitch” anything.

Some of my go-to questions:

• What brought you to this event?

• What’s something exciting happening in your business right now?

• How did you get into your industry?

• What’s your favorite part of what you do?

The best part is that asking good questions makes you memorable, too. It shows you’re genuinely interested and not just there to hand out business cards.

Networking Helped Me Grow

Through all of this, something unexpected happened. Networking didn’t just grow my professional circle; it grew me. 

I became more confident in how I talk about what I do. I learned how to read the room, start conversations, and genuinely enjoy meeting new people. And I started seeing opportunities everywhere.

Whether you’re a business owner, a creative, a marketer, or someone who just wants to build community, networking can open so many doors. And you never know where the next “hello” might lead.

You Can Learn to Love Networking

If you’ve ever felt awkward walking into a room of strangers, unsure of what to say or where to stand, know this: you are not alone. But the more you practice, the easier it gets. And eventually, it even becomes fun. 

Networking doesn’t have to be about suits, pitches, or perfectly polished conversations. It’s about connection: Real people, real conversations, real growth.

Here’s to bold goals, big conversations, and building something POWER-ful together.