How to Network… Without Feeling Gross About It

Networking Without the Pitch: How to Build Real Connections That Matter

We’ve all heard the phrase: “You’ve got to network to get ahead.” But for most people, that sounds like code for forced smiles, awkward handshakes, and unsolicited LinkedIn messages.

Let’s reset that idea entirely.

Networking isn’t selling. It’s not hustling. And it’s definitely not waiting until your career hits a wall and frantically reaching out to strangers.

The real reason to network? It’s the best protection you have against change. When you’re known, respected, and top-of-mind, you’ve got momentum — and momentum is everything in a world that keeps shifting.

Here’s how to make networking work (without needing to shower after):

• Do it when you're confident, not when you’re desperate. That’s when your energy is contagious, not transactional.

• Don’t try to convert the moment. Instead, try to enjoy the moment. Be curious, generous, and fully present.

• Find your people. Not the most impressive person in the room, but the ones who challenge and energize you.

Networking isn’t fake — it just needs a rebrand. It’s not a tactic. It’s a way of living generously, with an eye on growth and resilience.