Let’s be honest: networking is something a lot of us dread.
The idea of walking up to strangers, striking up a conversation, and somehow leaving a lasting impression can feel awkward, intimidating, or downright exhausting.
For many, it’s easier to stay in their comfort zone than face the pressure of making new connections.
But here’s the thing—networking doesn’t have to be scary or awkward.
In fact, the best networkers aren’t necessarily the most outgoing or charismatic people in the room.
They’re the ones who’ve developed a handful of key traits that make connecting with others feel natural and authentic.
If you’ve ever wondered what sets those people apart—the ones who seem to effortlessly build new relationships—this list is for you.
Let’s dive into the seven traits that make networking experts so effective and see how you can start applying them in your own life.
1) They are genuine
The first trait of an expert networker is authenticity. They aren’t putting on a show or trying to be someone they’re not. They’re just being themselves.
Authenticity creates trust and people naturally gravitate towards those they can trust.
It’s this genuine interest in others and openness about themselves that helps to form strong, lasting connections.
Expert networkers know the value of being real and relatable, allowing others to connect with them on a human level.
They’d rather be themselves than create a facade or pretend to be someone they’re not.
Remember, people can usually tell when you’re being insincere.
So, keep it real, be yourself, and watch as your networking skills start to flourish.
It’s all about forming real connections with real people – and there’s nothing more real than simply being yourself.
2) They’re active listeners
One of the things I’ve noticed about expert networkers is that they’re not just good talkers, they’re even better listeners.
They genuinely take an interest in what others have to say, which makes people feel valued and understood.
I remember meeting a renowned business leader at a conference once.
Despite his status, he spent our entire conversation asking me questions and listening intently to my responses.
He made me feel like the most important person in the room.
This experience stayed with me and taught me a valuable lesson about networking.
It’s not about trying to impress others with your knowledge or achievements.
It’s about showing genuine interest in them, their experiences, and their ideas.
So next time you’re at a networking event, resist the urge to dominate the conversation.
Instead, ask thoughtful questions and really listen to the answers. It’s a simple yet powerful way to build meaningful connections.
3) They’re not afraid to step out of their comfort zone
Networking isn’t always easy. It often involves putting yourself out there, meeting new people, and stepping into unfamiliar territory.
For many, this can feel overwhelming, but expert networkers view it differently.
They recognize that growth and opportunity often lie just outside their comfort zones, and they’re willing to take that leap.
These individuals understand the value of risk-taking when it comes to building relationships.
They don’t shy away from attending events where they don’t know anyone, striking up conversations with strangers, or reaching out to someone they admire.
They embrace the uncertainty, knowing that the most meaningful connections often happen in the least expected places.
Stepping out of your comfort zone doesn’t mean you have to be fearless—it just means being willing to act despite the fear.
And don’t worry, you can start small like expert networkers do, like introducing themselves to one new person at an event or joining a community group.
Over time, these small steps build confidence and create opportunities to meet people who can inspire, challenge, and support them.
If you’re looking to improve your networking skills, take a page from their book: push past the initial discomfort, and you might be surprised at how rewarding it can be.
4) They follow up
Expert networkers understand that building connections doesn’t end with a handshake and a business card exchange.
What happens after that is actually the more important part.
They make it a point to follow up after meetings, even if it’s just a quick email or a message saying how much they enjoyed the conversation.
This keeps the connection alive and opens the door for potential future interactions.
Remember, networking is not just about quantity, but also quality.
It’s about forming and maintaining meaningful relationships, and following up is a crucial step in this process.
So, don’t let those business cards gather dust on your desk.
Reach out, follow up, and nurture those connections you worked so hard to create.
5) They see the bigger picture
I’ve often found myself in networking situations where things didn’t go as planned.
Maybe the person I was hoping to connect with didn’t show up, or the event was a bust. It’s easy to get disheartened in these moments.
But over time, I’ve learned that successful networking is about more than individual encounters.
It’s about seeing the bigger picture and understanding that every interaction is a piece of a larger puzzle.
I’ve had conversations that seemed insignificant at the time, only to realize later that they led to meaningful opportunities.
I’ve met people who didn’t connect with me directly but introduced me to someone else who did.
Look, in networking, sometimes you win, sometimes you learn.
But every interaction gets you one step closer to your goal, even if it doesn’t seem like it at the time.
So keep your eyes on the bigger picture, and remember that success rarely happens overnight.
6) They’re always prepared
Being equipped with the right tools and mindset is a common trait amongst expert networkers.
They understand the value of being prepared for any networking opportunity that may come their way.
That’s exactly how they became experts!
What does being prepared look like in practice? Like this:
- Having a clear understanding of their goals
- Being able to articulate their value proposition
- Knowing how to present themselves professionally
- Having business cards on hand at all times
- Doing research about potential connections
- Being aware of current industry trends
- Having a few conversation starters up their sleeve
Whew. That’s quite a long list, huh?
But it really pays off in the long run, especially in terms of confidence.
After all, as motivational speaker Les Brown says, “It’s better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one, than to have an opportunity and not be prepared.”
7) They value relationships over transactions
The most significant trait of expert networkers is that they value relationships over transactions.
They understand that networking isn’t about what they can get from others, but about creating mutually beneficial relationships.
This means they focus on building trust, providing value, and showing genuine care for the people they meet.
They see every interaction as an opportunity to help and support others, not just as a means to an end.
Public speaker and expert networker Porter Gale explains it very well, “The new form of networking is not about climbing a ladder to success; it’s about collaboration, cocreation, partnerships, and long-term values-based relationships.”
In essence, the heart of networking isn’t about collecting contacts; it’s about planting relations.
The best networkers understand this and act accordingly.
And this, above all else, is what makes them truly successful.
Final thoughts
Author and leadership speaker Tim Sanders once said, “Your network is your net worth.”
And I couldn’t agree more.
The relationships we build can open doors to opportunities we might never have imagined, from career growth to personal enrichment.
By developing these seven traits, you can take the dread out of networking and make it a natural part of your life.
Building genuine connections isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being authentic, curious, and willing to put yourself out there.
No one is born an expert networker. It’s a learned skill, honed through practice, patience, and persistence.
So start small, practice often, and watch how your network grows in ways that enrich your life.
