Net­work­ing Chal­lenges? Not With These Tips

A strong network opens doors. That much is obvious. And yet, for many people, networking still feels hard.

We asked our LinkedIn community what they find most challenging about networking. Almost half gave the same answer:

47% – Small talk that lacks real substance
21% – Following up after an event
18% – Taking the first step
15% – I actually enjoy networking

The biggest hurdle is not shyness. It is conversations that feel superficial. Small talk that leads nowhere. That says a lot and it is exactly where we want to start. Because small talk is not the problem in itself. It is the bridge to a real conversation. The problem is when you never leave the bridge.

1. Ask differently. Not "What do you do?" but "What is keeping you busy at work right now?" One condition: you already have a rough idea of what the other person does. If not, start simple: "What field are you in?" and build from there. Two sentences. Natural entry point.

2. Come prepared. You know the event topic, the industry, maybe even the speakers. Write down two or three questions in advance. Not to sound clever, but so you feel grounded when you walk in the room.

3. Show genuine curiosity. "I have to be honest, I am not very familiar with that, but I would love to understand it better." That us disarming and inviting. And most people are happy to talk about what they know.

4. It is not about you. Maya Angelou said it best: people will forget what you said, and they will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel. Networking is not about performing, it is about connecting.

5. Introverted? Great! Knowing how to listen and ask the right questions are underrated superpowers in networking. Someone who is not talking the whole time stands out – in a good way.

The event is over. Now what?
21% said this is where they struggle most: the moment after the event. The conversation was great, the connection felt real, and then? Worst case: nothing.

It often takes very little to change that. A short LinkedIn message that shows you were paying attention. No template, no pitch, just a sentence that picks up the thread. Like or comment on their posts regularly to stay in touch. And if the chemistry is there, find out what events you both have coming up that might bring you together again.

The 15% who said they enjoy networking are not just lucky. They have usually made one key shift: networking is not about getting something – it is about contributing something.

Walk into a conversation with that mindset, and you will not need any techniques. The connection will come naturally.

For more practical networking tips, check out our article Networking 101.

And if you are looking to grow not just your network but your career: we are in Basel, Bern and Zurich. Come and say hello. We listen, and we would love to accompany you.

Your Coopers Family
#ingoodcompany