6 Practical Ways To Change Your “I Hate Networking” Mindset

Networking often gets a bad reputation. 

If you hate networking, chances are you’re thinking about it all wrong.

It’s not about being fake, sucking up, or social climbing.  

It’s about creating meaningful  relationships and adding value to others.  

Mastering networking starts with your mindset. 

The type of mindset you need to succeed at networking views it as a win-win. If you’re not there yet, don’t worry.

Here are 6 practical ways to change your mindset about networking. 

 

1. Create Positive Networking Affirmations

Affirmations are positive statements that can help you challenge and overcome negative thoughts.

There are proven benefits of positive affirmations. Repeating an affirmation can help boost your motivation and confidence.

Think of affirmations as a step in the right direction.

But you still have to put in the work.

 

Here’s what you can do:

–  Start networking events with positive affirmations about networking. 

– Stand in front of the mirror and say these loud and proud. 

 

Positive Affirmations for Networking 

1. Networking comes naturally to me. The thought of networking is easy for me to love.

2. I am becoming a confident well-connected person. 

3. I am an important person. Connecting with important people excites me.

4. I have so much to offer others. My presence alone is a gift to my network. 

 

Repeat these to yourself before, during, and after networking events.

If you repeatedly tell your brain positive things about networking, soon your brain will look for signs to make it true. 

 

Networking comes naturally to me. The thought of networking is easy for me to love.

NetWerk®

 

2. Watch the Company you Keep

The people you hang around have the power to influence your attitudes, beliefs, and life choices.

If you’re looking to change your mindset about networking, surround yourself with people with the same goals. 

Skip going to networking events with that one friend who dislikes meeting new people and small talk.

Instead, go alone or with someone also looking to level up.

This journey you’re on will cost you some things.

Your comfort zone is one of them. 

 

3. Watch your Words

If you’re ready to shift your mindset about networking, you’ll have to change the way you speak about it. 

Your words hold power. So choose them wisely when speaking about networking. 

Ditch negative statements like “I hate networking.”

Don’t complain about attending events or putting yourself out there.

Replace all negative words with the positive affirmations we talked about earlier.

 

4. Make Networking part of your Lifestyle

One common reason people dislike networking is the amount of time it takes. If this is the case for you, make networking a part of your lifestyle.

Try taking on simple lifestyle changes that promote networking.

For example, if you take the train to work every day and usually listen to music. 

Skip the music and challenge yourself to strike up a conversation with one new person each week.

That’s 4 new connections each month without having to attend a single networking event.

Think of the places you spend the most time. It could be the grocery store, gym, or even online on social media.

Are there opportunities to meet new people you might be overlooking?

If you begin to look at every situation as a potential networking opportunity, you’ll be able to add networking to your busy schedule. 

And it takes the formality out of it, making networking less intimidating. 

What changes can you make to live a more networking-friendly lifestyle?

 

5. Hype yourself Up

Part of the reason you hate networking is you feel you have ‘nothing’ to offer. If that’s the case, it’s time to show yourself more love. 

Here’s what you can do.

Write down 3 things that are special about you.

If you can’t think of anything, consider what people always compliment you about.

You don’t need to have a job or wealthy connections to be an asset to others.

By showing up and being yourself, you empower others to do the same.

You can’t always wait for others to hype you up. So before your next networking event, read the list to yourself.

 

6. Pace Yourself

If you find yourself overwhelmed by networking overload, it’s okay to take a step back. 

Let yourself check out. And check back in once you’re ready. Building a solid network is a marathon, not a race. 

Going to every event won’t necessarily lead to more contacts. You may get better results if you pace yourself. And be selective about which events to attend.

This way you prioritize building meaningful relationships with the right people. Rather than forcing it and becoming jaded.

Protect your energy. Think quality over quantity when it comes to networking. 

 

Changing your Networking Mindset

Succeeding at networking starts with your mindset. By practicing these tips consistently, you’re one step closer to doing just that.

If you’re ready to build a professional network that will change your life, enroll in our Master Networking course. 

In this course, you’ll learn how to stop hiding behind your laptop and start building a high-value network.

Head over to NetWerk University to learn more!

 

Now It’s Your Turn

Which of these mindset tips are you applying today?

Head over to our comments section on social @netwerkmovement and let us know!

Share this with someone who needs it.