The Networking Nightmare: Necessary Evil or Genuine Connections?

What's your most awkward attempt at professional

I have identified my limiting factors here 1. Introvert, very bad at small talk (any talk for that matter) 2. My first reaction to networking is to get a job, and when that doesn't happen; there's no common table I know networking does not restrict itself to referrals for next job, it can also develop into partnerships that may not even need you to work at a job But how? Also, how do you guys keep in touch with accomplished friends? Everytime I message them, I feel so little.

Hello Everyone There is a common saying find a mentor, ask people who are experienced, and take advice from people who have what you want I try interacting with these kinds of better, experienced people than me Either they have DM open only for people they follow on Twitter, not accept connection requests on LinkedIn How to approach these people? I am not playing the victim but how to network when you have nothing of use to them Plz share your experiences overcoming that or how you got the attention of people who align with your vision

A question to folks with more than 4/5 YOE. Please do mention your job/industry, and what success means to you. Heck, it can be professional or personal. Did you see your job as just a job? What was THE factor for your success? Excited to hear your stories!

Hey guys, So I'm a senior BTech CSE engineering student from a Tier 2 college in Karnataka and I will be interning at a Top MNC in Bangalore over the summer for 2 months. Any advice for me? As I will be entering the infamous corporate world as a new chapter in my life, I wanna know how the dynamics in corporate works and what I should prepare for. Thank you lads.

Recently I have joined a seemingly good company. Since a while, I have witnessed a surge of linkedin request and I have accepted all of them, I even referred everyone who asked, gave them tips on their resume also and responded properly to everyone's query. However, lately I have witnessed that many linkedin connections are sort of from less known companies or freshers. The thing is even I want to move ahead further and thus want to connect with people at a better position than me, but as recently many of my connections have been fresher or from lesser known companies thus my mutual connections and suggestion have been also like same. I have been thinking of removing some of my recent connections, basically those who just sent request and since then have not pinged related to anything referral etc. I am unable to decide if I am a ad person for doing so. Basically I would be myself doing what they have done, so I am feeling a bit guilty if I do so, but on the other hand I also think that I have not rejected anyone's request till now and even I future won't do so, I just don't want to fill my connection with people who are just randomly sending request to everyone. Please help me..

Morning everyone. Kick starting the Watercooler for today - the place for all casual conversations and thoughts that might feel too small to make a post out of Look forward to hearing from you folks! 🙃

Having a strong network adds to your value as an employee. In other words, the more people I can reach out to for help, the more valuable I am.—Hannah Morgan, Founder of Career Sherpa

Nothing much. Want to network as a fellow Entrepreneur. :)

Good people of grapevine, I am a start up bug and have been in the industry for 6+ years. I sometimes find myself adding great value to people one on one (based on feedback), and even think that I have good ideas and intentions, but I am morbidly afraid of networking and find it intimidating to talk to people outside of my close circles. I don't intend to be a sad puppy and waste your time for sympathy, but only want to know and grasp the mindsets of being more effective communicators leaving aside all my negative biases. Thanks and cheers!