If the basic tier helped you breathe easier at the word “networking,” the Pro tier is your shortcut to eliminating awkwardness, owning any room (or virtual space), and turning every connection into serious leverage for your business or career, whether you’re new, solo, or already deep in the game.
Let’s smash the myth right up front: networking isn’t about being slick or the loudest voice in the room. The pros know it’s about being memorable, valuable, and, most importantly, fucking real. Awkwardness doesn’t come from lack of experience; it comes from pretending, from faking confidence, and from treating people like stepping stones. The second you drop the act, the easier and more natural this all gets.
First, flip your mindset. Walk into every networking situation—live or online—not with “What can I get?” but, “What can I give?” You instantly set yourself apart because most people are desperate to talk about themselves or pitch their offer. Your secret weapon? Go in with the intent to genuinely help or learn. If you’re new, your value is your energy, curiosity, and the willingness to share what you know (or who you know). Ask about their story. Share a resource. Make that introduction. The minute you start giving, people drop their guard and remember you.
Next, get your conversation starters lined up, but never use tired, generic crap. Instead of “So, what do you do?” try “What’s keeping you busy these days?” or “What’s the most exciting project you’re tackling right now?” These open people up, invite real stories, and give you more to work with than the standard bullshit. If you’re on social or Zoom, a quick comment on their post, podcast, or profile can be a perfect icebreaker, make it specific so they know you actually care.
Now, here’s a pro move: listen like a savage. Most people listen just enough to talk about themselves. Don’t. Listen for details and ask follow-up questions. If someone mentions launching a project, fire back with “What made you start it?” or “Where do you see it going next?” This makes people feel important and seen. You’d be shocked how rare this is.
If the nerves hit, use the “anchor” technique: find one familiar face or person who seems open, start there, and let the conversation build naturally. You don’t need to work the whole room; you need two or three meaningful chats. The rest is noise.
Switch up your intro if you feel like you’re repeating yourself or freezing. Instead of giving a boring job title, talk about what you’re excited to learn, build, or solve. For example: “I help small hustlers get their first sales online,” or, “I’m obsessed with helping people turn their skills into side income.” It’s inviting, specific, and way more memorable.
Let’s kill the “elevator pitch” myth right now. Forget rehearsed monologues. Instead, have a few stories or real-world examples ready. If someone asks what you do, share a quick, specific win: “Last week, I helped someone double their leads by fixing one line in their DM script.” Stories stick; pitches get ignored.
Stay aware of body language, even on Zoom. Nod, make eye contact, and use open gestures. If you look like you want to be anywhere else, people will sense it. On social, use emojis, voice notes, or video replies to stand out and convey energy.
Follow up is where 90 percent of networking fails. Send a quick DM, email, or comment within 24 hours. Reference something specific from your conversation, this is how you stick in their mind. Don’t pitch or sell, just reconnect. If you promised to share a link, intro, or resource, actually do it.
Use "networking stacking," leverage one connection into another. If someone’s cool, ask, “Who else should I know in this space?” When you get introduced by a mutual, your next conversation starts with ten times more trust.
Awkward moments? They’re inevitable. The pro move is to own it and laugh it off. Say, “To be honest, I always feel weird at these things. What about you?” Most people will open right up, and you’ll instantly relax the room. Awkwardness is universal, pretending you’re immune only makes it worse.
If you’re networking online, don’t just lurk, actually engage. Comment with value, answer questions, and DM people with genuine feedback, not canned fluff. The more you show up, the more relationships you build. If you’re starting from scratch, that’s even better, no baggage, no reputation to protect, just pure upside.
For solo hustlers, remember: networking isn’t just for closing deals. It’s about learning, sharing, and building a tribe that has your back. Every new connection is a potential collaborator, client, mentor, or referral source. If you treat every chat like it’s only about money, you’ll miss out on the power of having the right people vouch for you or open doors you never knew existed.
Advanced tip: Document your growing network. Keep a simple note or spreadsheet with names, details, and follow-up reminders. Reach out every few months with a quick “Hey, saw this and thought of you” or an update on your progress. Networking is about staying top of mind, not one-off interactions.
If you manage a team or group, teach these skills. Celebrate vulnerability and honesty, not just flashy intros. Build a space where people feel welcome to share wins and struggles, this is where real loyalty comes from.
Pro tier hooks you up with killer icebreakers, DM and email templates, actionable follow-up routines, and breakdowns from top connectors who started with zero and now have networks worth millions. Whether you’re at a noisy bar, a Zoom mixer, or sliding into someone’s DMs, these moves make networking feel natural, fun, and fast. Forget faking confidence, start making real connections that open doors for years.
Stop dreading networking. Step up, get real, and unlock every room you enter. This is how you win, awkward-free, opportunity-rich, and ready for anything.
