Networking.
For some people, that word sounds exciting. For others, it sounds like a giant HELL NO.
Meeting new people? Walking into a room where you don’t know anyone? Having to introduce yourself and somehow make conversation?
Cue the anxiety.
But here’s the thing I’ve learned over the years: networking can completely change your career and your life.
And I’m not just saying that. Almost every job I’ve had has come through my network in some way.
You Never Know Where a Connection Will Lead
My apprenticeship started because I went to a careers event.
I spoke to someone, organised some work experience, took my resume along afterwards and eventually got my apprenticeship.
My next mechanic job came through someone I worked with. His dad owned a smaller workshop, and I wanted to work somewhere like that, so I simply asked if they had a position available.
After burning myself out and taking some time off, my next job came through a woman I met at a women-in-trades event in Queensland.
We connected on social media, became friends and later she moved to New South Wales. When I was looking for work, she told me her workplace was hiring.
My first training and assessment job? That came through someone whose workplace I had previously trained at.
Contracting? LinkedIn connection. Instagram message. Industry connection.
Even my current part-time mechanic work came through someone who lives down the road and whose family has been bringing their cars to my family for years.
See the pattern?
I’ve hardly ever had to formally apply for a job.
My network has opened those doors for me.
And it isn’t just jobs.
Some of my closest friendships have come from networking too.
You genuinely never know who you’re going to meet.
But What If Networking Makes You Anxious?
This is where it gets tricky.
Because knowing networking is good for you doesn’t automatically make it comfortable.
You might walk into an event thinking:
I don’t know anyone.
I’m awkward.
What am I supposed to say?
I don’t have anything interesting to talk about.
No one is going to want to talk to me.
And those thoughts can bring up fear, anxiety, embarrassment and overwhelm.
So instead of trying to force yourself to suddenly become the most confident person in the room, try changing the way you think about the situation.
Instead of:
“I’m not going to know anyone.”
Try:
“I wonder who I’ll meet.”
Instead of:
“This is going to be awkward.”
Try:
“I wonder what stories I’ll hear.”
Instead of:
“I don’t belong here.”
Try:
“This is something new, and I’m curious to see what happens.”
You don’t have to be wildly positive.
Sometimes curiosity is enough.
Your Body Can Help Too
When we’re anxious, we tend to make ourselves smaller.
Shoulders hunched. Chest closed. Looking down. Curling in on ourselves.
So, try the opposite.
Sit or stand up straight.
Drop your shoulders away from your ears.
Open your chest.
Take a breath.
You can even put your hands on your hips for a minute if you’re somewhere private.
You don’t need to walk into a networking event doing a full Superman pose!
But changing your body can help change how you feel.
Pair that with a curious thought:
“I wonder who I’m going to meet today.”
It sounds simple, but sometimes simple things make a bloody big difference.
Networking Doesn’t Have to Mean Cocktails and Name Tags
Networking isn’t just fancy business events.
You can network online or in person.
Online, you’ve got Facebook groups, Instagram, LinkedIn and industry communities.
Facebook groups are brilliant because you can find people who already share your interests.
Instagram is another favourite of mine. I love using hashtags to find other tradeswomen, female mechanics and people doing similar things to me.
And the great thing about social media is that you don’t have to jump straight into a conversation.
You can follow someone.
Like their post.
Comment on a story.
Start slowly.
Then there’s LinkedIn, which can be especially useful for building professional connections within your industry.
And when you meet someone in person, connect with them online afterwards.
Met someone interesting at a conference?
Add them on LinkedIn.
Met another tradeswoman at an event?
Follow her on Instagram.
You don’t need to collect a million phone numbers. Just create those little connections that allow you to stay in touch.
Where Can You Find People?
There are so many places to start.
Try:
- Industry conferences
- Trade events
- Women-in-industry events
- Careers expos
- Tool-store trade nights
- Workplace events
- Professional Facebook groups
- Instagram communities
- Local community groups
And don’t overlook your own workplace.
If you’re in a big company, maybe there’s someone you’ve seen around but never actually spoken to.
If you’re in a small workplace, maybe there’s someone in the office you don’t normally interact with.
Say hello.
Grab a coffee.
Ask someone about their role.
You don’t have to make every interaction some strategic career move.
Sometimes you’re just meeting another human.
And that person might eventually become a colleague, mentor, friend, employer or someone who introduces you to your next opportunity.
You Don’t Need to Know What Comes Next
One of my favourite things about networking is that you don’t always know where a connection is going to lead.
That person you say hello to at an event might become your best mate.
Someone you connect with online might tell you about a job six months later.
Someone you meet at a conference might introduce you to someone else.
You don’t have to walk into every room thinking:
“Who can help my career?”
That’s not what networking is about.
It’s about building relationships and being part of a community.
And especially if you’re working in a male-dominated industry, finding other women who understand what you’re experiencing can be incredibly valuable.
You don’t have to do it alone.
Start Small
If the thought of walking into a huge conference and talking to fifty strangers makes you want to hide in the bathroom, don’t start there.
Start small.
Say hello to one person.
Join one Facebook group.
Follow someone on Instagram.
Send one LinkedIn connection.
Attend one event.
Have one conversation.
That’s networking too.
And the more you do it, the less scary it can become.
You don’t need to be the loudest person in the room.
You don’t need to be naturally confident.
You don’t even need to be particularly good at small talk.
You just need to be willing to say:
“Hi, I’m Louise. What do you do?”
And see what happens.
Final Thoughts
Networking has played a massive role in my career, but it’s also brought some of the most incredible people into my life.
So, if you’ve been avoiding networking because you’re anxious, nervous or worried you’re going to feel awkward, I get it.
But don’t let those feelings make the decision for you.
You don’t have to feel confident before you go.
You can feel nervous and go anyway.
Open your chest. Drop your shoulders. Take a breath.
Tell yourself:
“I wonder who I’ll meet.”
Because you honestly never know.
Your next job could come from it.
Your next opportunity could come from it.
Your next mentor could come from it.
Or you might simply meet someone who becomes one of your closest friends.
Get out there.
Go meet some people.
And remember you belong in the room too.
Just remember to look after the person doing them.
Thank you for reading along, if you are a tradeswoman and would like some help or support with this please book in a time to chat here – https://calendly.com/louise-azzopardi/coaching_consult“
