Resources for People Who Hate Networking

Maybe this is why I quit real estate: I hate networking.

Don’t get me wrong. I do it. My business card is attractive; I hand it out proudly. I send out lots of holiday cards. I go out of my way to get together with people. I forward interesting articles. I lend out my books (note: a few of them I do want back, okay? You know who you are.) But networking itself, getting on the phone and asking for favors, is so darned uncomfortable.

So I typed “hate networking” in my search engine. Here are some interesting results in case you hate it, too.

Networking for People Who Hate Networking by Penelope Trunk. You may especially enjoy point #5, “You don’t have to get off the sofa.”

How to not hate networking on Gravity Blog. I liked this one because it reminded me of the advice I often give out-of-shape people: people are not really going to look down on you at the gym. 80% is just showing up. And going back.

Crazy Networking at MeetUp.com. This looks like fun. I want to try it next time I’m in Toronto.

7 Networking Tips for Generation Y. Rebecca Thorman gives a good justification for that expensive haircut you wanted anyway.

Networking for the Networking-Phobic by Susan P. Joyce. Joyce offers several practicable and novel networking ideas. This is my favorite, “Take your lucky charm(s) with you. Scientific research shows that they do help you feel more confident!”

Ladies, only read this one when you’re exhausted. Why Men Have Stronger Professional Networks than Women by Kevin Fogarty. I like an excuse to say, “So that’s why it’s not working out.”

And here’s a tip: I met a woman at a cocktail party. Her first question to me was, “What can I do for you?” It was a little contrived, sure, but I liked it better than if she had set me on guard by immediately delivering her elevator pitch. I’ll try it someday soon.