Networking can feel daunting no matter your level of experience. Whether you are just starting out or have been attending events for years, every event is different. Different people, different agendas, different atmospheres. That is why finding the right type of networking event for you is so important.
But how do you know what works for you? The truth is, you have to start somewhere.
When I first entered the industry as a young woman with no construction background, I felt completely out of place. I knew I was likely going to be one of the youngest people in the room, one of very few women, and probably one of the least experienced too. It is easy to feel like an imposter in those situations.
For a long time, that feeling genuinely put me off attending events altogether. Eventually though, I realised that almost everyone feels like that at some point, even the people who look the most confident in the room.
One of the biggest things that helped me was attending events with someone else. Walking into a room alone can feel intimidating, so going with a colleague or friend immediately takes some of the pressure away. Even just having someone familiar there gives you confidence.
I also started asking senior colleagues how they approached networking and what advice they would give to someone starting out. One tip that stuck with me was arriving slightly earlier than the stated start time. It sounds simple, but it really helps. Walking into a room where everyone is already deep in conversation can feel overwhelming, whereas arriving early gives you time to settle in naturally as people arrive.
Panel events are also a great option if you struggle with networking. Rather than focusing entirely on conversations, you already have a shared topic to discuss. Stay for 15 minutes after the panel finishes and use the discussion as an icebreaker.
Questions like:
- “What did you think of that session?”
- “I thought that speaker made a really good point.”
- “Have you heard them speak before?”
can make starting conversations feel far more natural.
One thing I have learned is that networking does not always have to mean standing in a crowded room making small talk for hours. If that environment is not for you, activity-based events can work really well. Things like charity runs, golf days, workshops or team activities naturally create conversation without the pressure of constant talking. You always have something happening around you, which makes interactions feel much more relaxed.
On the other hand, if you enjoy meeting lots of people and socialising, then larger networking evenings, summer parties and informal socials may suit you better. The important thing is understanding that there is no “correct” type of networking event. Different people thrive in different settings.
Another thing that helped me was attending talks and industry discussions regularly. When you are new to an industry, it is easy to convince yourself that everyone else knows more than you. But the reality is that most people attend these events to learn something too. No matter how experienced someone is, everyone is still developing, learning and trying to keep up with changes in the industry. Remembering that really helped reduce the feeling that I did not belong there.
Another thing that can really help when starting out is having access to the right events in one place. That is why we have created a networking / events calendar, bringing together a range of industry events, talks, socials and activities throughout the year. Sometimes the hardest part is simply knowing where to start, so having everything in one place makes that first step a little easier.
Finding the right events for you does take trial and error, and honestly, that is probably the hardest part. Some events you will love, others you may never attend again, and that is completely normal.
The most important thing is not to put too much pressure on yourself. Networking gets easier the more you do it. Bring someone with you if it helps, ask questions, be honest if you are new to the industry, and do not be afraid to ask others for advice. Most people remember what it felt like starting out and are far more willing to help than you might expect.