Don’t be jealous about people getting special treatment because they know the right people. Every one of us has the opportunity to get to know the right people.

At work, you have plenty of opportunities to expand your network. Go to the office Christmas party. Join the softball team. Participate in the company blood drive. Network at training programs, announcements and leadership events within your company. Take on committee assignments. And figure out where you need to go to meet the people you need to meet.

Outside of work, you have so many opportunities to meet the people who can grow your career. Yes, that may involve networking at events, but LinkedIn has become the most powerful networking tool on the planet.

Remember:

1. This is not going to kill you. Networking is easier than it has ever been. With Zoom and other video applications, it is easy for you to connect with others. It’s easy, but you have to be prepared so you use your time wisely. It becomes very obvious very quickly if you are wasting the person’s time, so have some questions ready and a plan for your call. Schedule the call and immediately send the invite. Make sure you have the day and date right. Appear organized. And send an informal agenda for the call so the person knows what you want to talk about.
2. Whether you are going to a virtual or live networking event, do your homework. Hit LinkedIn or find the bios of senior people who will be there. Find some common ground on which you can connect. (Same hometown? Like the same sport? Attended the same college?) If you need to check LinkedIn on your phone while at an event, do it!
3. Remember, it’s all about them, not you. If you want to make your connections interested in you, show them what is in it for them. What (or who) do you know that will help?
4. Don’t drink at a virtual event. Even though we often say we’re going to meet up and have a glass of wine, your loopiness is even more apparent on video. The call is short. You can live without the drink.
5. At live events, remember your business cards. You are networking. Bring cards!
6. Be bold. You have permission to go up and talk to anybody – ANYBODY! – especially at a networking reception. Don’t be intimidated.
7. Don’t be too wimpy or too strong. Just come off as approachable, kind and authentic. 
8. You don’t have to meet everybody. If networking is tough for you, just try to meet three people at every event.
9. Have your branding line (or elevator pitch) memorized, but say it naturally. Be able to tell people who you are, what you do and why they need to know you – in 30 seconds.
10. Meet the wallflowers. You never know who the person is or who they know. They’ll be so relieved someone came up to them. Just say, “Wow! There are so many people here!” Or, “Do you mind if I join you over here where it’s not so chaotic?”
11. Follow the “One Glass Rule.” People watch how much you drink. Keep it to a minimum.
12. Make a plan to reconnect. Ask the other person if you can send an e-mail or call to set up coffee or lunch. Then, FOLLOW UP!