The Awkward First 10 Minutes of Every Networking Event — And How to Survive Them

Get the FULL Confidently Connect Workshop at https://www.cassthompson.com/connectw... Cass Thompson reframes networking as building authentic professional relationships that create mutual opportunities, not collecting business cards or forcing transactional conversations at mixers. She argues most networking is follow-up with people you’ve already met, and the awkwardness mainly comes from first interactions, so she recommends embracing that discomfort and even reframing nerves as excitement. For one-on-one coffees or lunches, she suggests preparing a few simple small-talk questions to ease the transitional moments and build trust. For events, she advises remembering others are also new, using a brief burst of bravery to join a group, and entering with a straightforward, slightly vulnerable line asking to join the conversation. She warns against “rushing the ask,” encourages patient follow-up, and highlights “dormant ties” as a powerful networking resource. 00:00 Why Networking Feels Awkward 00:15 What Networking Really Is 02:33 Embrace the Awkward Mindset 04:22 One-on-One Small Talk Prep 07:46 Mixers and Event Openers 10:29 Stop Rushing the Ask 12:47 Use Dormant Ties Instead 13:49 Recap and Next Steps SHOP AMAZON to See our Favorite Things! It's no extra cost to you but it does give us a small percentage for giving you the recommendation SHOP → → → https://amzn.to/2QfWCV8 If you want to see EXACTLY what I buy, check out all my Favorites, in my store HERE: www.amazon.com/shop/cassthompsoncareeradvice SPEAKING INQUIRIES 🙋🏼‍♀️ Contact: [email protected] https://www.cassthompson.com/speaker INFO 🌟 Check out our Founder's other channel for job search advice:    / cassthompsonconsulting   ABOUT This isn’t your grandpa’s networking. What if you stopped networking and instead started building intentional, authentic relationships? What if you made building authentic relationships a part of your weekly and monthly goals? What if you met cool people just for the sake of meeting cool people, and you allowed yourself to see where it takes you? At One Hello, we discourage “networking” for the sake of leverage and, instead, help you focus on building real relationships. When networking feels less transactional and more like it should (like it’s enriching our lives), that’s the sweet spot! DISCLOSURE 🌟 Thank you for trusting me with my honest and reliable opinion on any future purchase you may make. I always disclose affiliate or sponsored information when it is the case. As a part of our community, you allow me to earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my affiliate/referral links. This doesn't affect you in any way in the checkout process unless I've been able to arrange a discount for you that is special from other customers. Thank you for supporting this channel!