Some of us get sick at the thought of networking. Others, like myself, embrace it.

I wasn’t always like that. In fact, I used to be that person who grabbed my name badge, ran to the bathroom in a panic, looked in the mirror and in an effort to boost my confidence, chanted to myself, “You are an angel and wherever you go, you bring light.” I’d then walk out of the bathroom with a staged smile on my face but with dread in my heart.

I hated networking. I felt like the new girl in school every time I stepped into a room full of strangers. Until one day, I recalled a lonely third grade moment on the playground of my new school: I was sitting by myself picking at the grass, dreading a future of sitting alone during recess, when this one girl walked up to me and said, “Hey, do you want to play handball with us?”

To this day I remember how wonderful her inclusivity made me feel.

The point is, embody inclusivity every time you enter into a networking event. If you are an introvert or tremble at the thought of networking, know that inclusivity is your ticket to networking ease. If you are an extrovert and love to network, understand that inclusivity is the tool that elevates you from networker to connector.

Networking is not about you, your next great job opportunity nor adding another notch on your LinkedIn belt. Networking is about everyone else in the room. Whether you know someone or not, your goal at a networking event is to make everyone in the room comfortable, to help maximize their experience. Whether the event is sponsored by your organization or not, whether you even know anyone or not, enter the room as if you are hosting the event. Everyone always appreciates the kind, inclusive person.

Whether we enjoy it or not networking is critical to our success. Networking promotes our own personal and professional development in a myriad of ways. Through networking, we grow our circle of influence, broaden our ties to the industry, strengthen our personal brand footprint, receive inspiration and in turn inspire while always connecting people to new relationships and the possibilities within them. In connecting people, we become part of the historical backdrop of industry relationships, and we become situated in the success narrative of the industry.

I can attest to this. Nothing feels more inspirational than connecting good people across status levels, competitive priorities, creative passions, gender, culture and even industry. In those moments, kindness, insight, creativity and knowledge all interconnect to form a warm light of inspiration. So, maybe that ridiculous angel of light mantra from my shy past wasn’t so silly after all.

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