What I’d Tell My Younger Self About Networking

Read time: 1 minutes & 49 seconds

I was 22 when I started networking in my professional life.

Truth is, I was doing so before I even had my first ‘proper’ job.

I got that job as a result of someone I played football with.

I played football for that team because of a recommendation from a friend I worked with at a restaurant.

That in itself taught me the power of building a network, both personally and professionally.

But there was a lot I wish I knew then, that I know now.

And there’s a lot I wish I would’ve done differently.

So, if I started networking tomorrow, here’s 6 things I’d tell my younger self:

1️⃣ You bring as much value as anyone else – regardless of age.

Your life experiences are nobody else’s and you see the world differently to someone 10-20 years your senior.

2️⃣ Everyone is human – with hobbies, interests and life outside of work.

Connect on a human level first, you’ll be amazed where that may take your business relationship.

3️⃣ You won’t know everything – and don’t be afraid to say when you don’t.

People will be happy to help, and it shows your curiosity.

It’s obvious when you’re pretending to make out you know what they are talking about.

4️⃣ You may occasionally be overlooked by people older than you.

Don’t let this put you off – see this as a reflection of their character.

5️⃣ Be ruthlessly curious. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

See every event as an opportunity to learn from and meet new and interesting people.

Here are 6 of my go-to questions.

6️⃣ Don’t write off anyone by judging a book by its cover (see point 2).

You never know who they know or what they’ve done.

Let your curiosity lead you to discover it.

The Wrap Up

Whether you are just starting out networking this year.

Or this is your 30th (or more) year of networking.

I believe these lessons will hold strong.

What would you say to your 22 year old self starting out networking?

Let me know here.

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