Professional Development Forum

As some of us are slowly, cautiously and awkwardly beginning to return to social events, meetings, and offices (which we've talked about here), I'm feeling a bit out of practice when it comes to networking with new people and even re-connecting with colleagues and others I've simply lost touch with.  

But then I came across this great article by Dr. Amantha Imber, titled "Easy Networking Tips for the Networking Haters".  Dr. Imber is the founder of behavioral science consultancy Inventium and the host of the "How I Work", podcast, which focuses on the habits and rituals of the world's most successful people.

The article offers some great ideas for the networking averse, like reframing its very definition to include existing networks in addition to meeting new people; to seek out other like-minded, 'hesitant' networkers; and to even gamify the entire process.  I'd love to hear from other Connectors what your tips are for overcoming an aversion to networking and small talk.  Whether you are attending events in the real world or confined to the virtual realm, how do you make networking easier, or even, dare I say, enjoyable?  Please share! 

As some of us are slowly, cautiously and awkwardly beginning to return to social events, meetings, and offices (which we've talked about here), I'm feeling a bit out of practice when it comes to networking with new people and even re-connecting with colleagues and others I've simply lost touch with.  

But then I came across this great article by Dr. Amantha Imber, titled "Easy Networking Tips for the Networking Haters".  Dr. Imber is the founder of behavioral science consultancy Inventium and the host of the "How I Work", podcast, which focuses on the habits and rituals of the world's most successful people.

The article offers some great ideas for the networking averse, like reframing its very definition to include existing networks in addition to meeting new people; to seek out other like-minded, 'hesitant' networkers; and to even gamify the entire process.  I'd love to hear from other Connectors what your tips are for overcoming an aversion to networking and small talk.  Whether you are attending events in the real world or confined to the virtual realm, how do you make networking easier, or even, dare I say, enjoyable?  Please share! 

As some of us are slowly, cautiously and awkwardly beginning to return to social events, meetings, and offices (which we've talked about here), I'm feeling a bit out of practice when it comes to networking with new people and even re-connecting with colleagues and others I've simply lost touch with.  

But then I came across this great article by Dr. Amantha Imber, titled "Easy Networking Tips for the Networking Haters".  Dr. Imber is the founder of behavioral science consultancy Inventium and the host of the "How I Work", podcast, which focuses on the habits and rituals of the world's most successful people.

The article offers some great ideas for the networking averse, like reframing its very definition to include existing networks in addition to meeting new people; to seek out other like-minded, 'hesitant' networkers; and to even gamify the entire process.  I'd love to hear from other Connectors what your tips are for overcoming an aversion to networking and small talk.  Whether you are attending events in the real world or confined to the virtual realm, how do you make networking easier, or even, dare I say, enjoyable?  Please share!