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Embrace The Awkward: Networking After A Pandemic

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Two men and one woman talking closely at a networking event in the evening

As we all come out of hibernation a few pounds heavier and with questionable social skills, it seems like a great time to outline a few dos and don’ts of networking.

We’ve slowly been easing into in-person events, and boy, are those awkward. It’s like we’ve all forgotten how to hold conversations face-to-face. Do you shake hands? Wear a mask? Put on pants? So many questions.

Rule 1: Admit this is hard

We’re all in the same boat. You can no longer shut off your camera when you want to sneak away from a meeting or shove a cupcake in your mouth. Muting is no longer an option and pants are a requirement. Weird.

Just smile, let those you’re interacting with know you are out of practice and you’re absolutely going to be awkward.

I mean, who the hell remembers how to do “small talk”?

Rule 2: Just be quiet

If you have nothing constructive to add to the conversation, just keep your mouth shut. Someone on our team (Kim) has a tendency to ramble and begin confessing weird things whenever there are 5 seconds of silence to fill. This usually results in a few blank stares and people walking away. Don’t be Kim. Just listen to what others are saying and if you have something to add, feel free…but no one needs to know about that one time at band camp.

Rule 3: Keep showing up

Maybe your first in-person didn’t go great, maybe you are nervous you made a bad impression (you probably did), suck it up and register for the next one.

Start out with an afternoon or evening event, there are usually libations you can partake in…if you know what we mean. Keep in mind this could be good or bad. The drinky drink can relax you or simply add to the awkward. 

Rule 4: Carry business cards

Remember those rectangular things we used to carry around in wallets and purses? Yeah, get some of those and keep them on you. Oh, make sure they have your name on them and not someone else’s.

We’re all in this together, so extend a little grace to each other and remember some people will be taller or shorter in person. 
Need more no-nonsense human contact in your life? We’ve got you.

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New Happy Hour Hustle episode out now! Kim sits down with Meredith Klein, the woman behind the iconic hat and the Substack everyone in comms actually wants to read, @meredith.and.the.media. Kim and Meredith talk about personal branding, networking without the ick, why “believe it until you achieve it” beats “fake it till you make it,” and what it takes to really own your worth. Meredith is a communications executive with nearly two decades of experience at some of the biggest names in the game: Walmart, Pinterest, and Jet.com, to name a few. She's the author of Meredith & The Media, a wildly popular Substack on the latest news, moves, and trends in media, featuring exclusive interviews with leading journalists on what's driving their coverage. She’s a PRWeek 40 Under 40 honoree and regular contributor to Inc. She’s the person in the room who actually knows everyone and makes sure everyone else knows each other too. Basically, if comms had a connector-in-chief, it would be her. Grab a martini (with extra olives) and get ready for some F-bomb filled wisdom. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and watch the whole episode on Youtube! Link in bio.

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The way you show up at work shapes how people remember you. Last month, @alyshiahull joined @bodespeaks on Happy Hour Hustle to talk about what workplace authenticity really means. Alyshia is a New York-based freelance journalist who writes for Business Insider, Fast Company, USA Today, Inc., and Entrepreneur. If you are ready to bring your authentic self to work, episode #134 is for you. Listen to Happy Hour Hustle on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Youtube. Link in bio.

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The power of the Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship, in a graduate's own words: "Growth is never accidental, it comes from being willing to learn, adapt, and embrace change. After nine months of dedication, reflection, and business development, I proudly graduated from the Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship (WEF) during the Small Business Association of Michigan Annual Meeting. Throughout the program, I challenged myself to evaluate every aspect of my business, celebrating what was working while identifying opportunities for growth and improvement. The journey was made even more meaningful through the support of an incredible cohort of women entrepreneurs, the guidance of mentor Gina Jacquart Thorsen, and the leadership of @bodespeaks and her team. A sincere thank you to @smallbusinessassocofmichigan for investing in second-stage women business owners and creating opportunities that empower entrepreneurs to build stronger, more sustainable businesses." — Mary A. Barton, President and CEO of Equitable Accounting Solutions and proud WEF graduate. Applications for the next cohort are now open. Link in comments.

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