I weaved in and out of the pockets of people. In the tight space, groups of three and four huddled together in conversations. Amidst the loud music and trays of appetizers, they were all connecting. I was not. I snuck away, overwhelmed by my growing headache and fear of conversational rejection. I had to get out of there. It wasn’t my scene. I alone had failed to network.
And then…
In small group conversations, connecting with peers, one by one they said it. “It was uncomfortable.” “I’m not great at networking.” “Those spaces are hard.” From the outside looking at everyone else’s situation, I would not have known it. We were all craving connection, but the environment made it feel like a daunting task instead of an open invitation.
I am not opposed to meeting new people. I am not opposed to being a smidge uncomfortable. However, I am opposed to this idea that the way we’ve always done things is the best way. Maybe an open bar cocktail hour isn’t the best way to make new connections. Maybe there is another way to grow from strangers to colleagues to friends.
I think it’s time we rethink networking. With planning and intentionality, we can make it better and more fruitful for all who show up. Not just the fearless few.
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A Wren Says 
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