The Art of Showing Up

Let’s be honest: the word "networking" often conjures images of overly firm handshakes, awkward elevator pitches, and a sea of name tags that somehow always peel off halfway through the event. It can feel like the fast food of human connection—processed, transactional, and maybe a little soul-sucking.

But here's the twist: networking doesn't have to be that way. In fact, when done with authenticity and self-awareness, it can become one of the most profound and rewarding parts of both professional and personal growth. So how do you work the room without working against yourself?

Why Networking Matters (Even to the Most Introverted of Us)

Research from LinkedIn shows that 85% of all jobs are filled via networking. Yes, 85%. That means those jobs you thought were handed out in some mysterious corporate lottery are usually the result of conversations, connections, and shared trust. In another study by HubSpot, 95% of professionals say face-to-face meetings are essential for long-term business relationships. Even in the Zoom era, the human element still reigns supreme.

So yes, networking matters. But what matters more is how you show up to do it.

The Authenticity Advantage

Here’s the thing about authenticity: it’s magnetic. When you're rooted in your values and lead with honesty and self-respect, you emit a quiet confidence that speaks louder than any rehearsed pitch ever could. You may not wow everyone in the room, but you will resonate with the right ones—your tribe.

I once attended a conference where everyone seemed to be fluent in jargon: "synergy," "scale," and my personal favorite, "disruptive innovation." Feeling like a fish out of a buzzword-infested pond, I opted to simply be myself. When someone asked me what I did, I replied, "I help people and organizations communicate effectively, and ideally with less jargon than this room is using." The man laughed, thanked me for the honesty, and a year later, we co-led a workshop together on conscious communication.

The lesson? Your people will recognize your frequency. You just have to be willing to broadcast your personal station.

Embrace Your Inner Human

Authenticity in networking doesn't mean sharing your entire life story or launching into your latest existential crisis. It means being real. Share what excites you. Admit what confuses you. Be curious instead of strategic. Remember names. Ask questions because you care, not because you're hoarding business cards like Halloween candy.

Think about the last time you met someone who was truly present. Didn’t it feel like a breath of fresh air? Now, imagine being that person for someone else.

Self-Love: The Secret Sauce

Authenticity stems from self-love. When you accept who you are—quirks, gaps, glory and all—you stop needing to perform. And when you're not performing, you're connecting.

One woman I coached was terrified of networking events. She felt she had to adopt a persona: slick, sharp, and smiley. She said, "I feel like I’m wearing someone else’s blazer—and it's too tight." We worked on reframing that experience. What if, instead of networking, she treated each interaction like a micro-conversation with a potential friend or collaborator? What if she trusted that her authenticity was enough?

Six months later, she sent me a photo of herself on stage at a local leadership panel—still wearing a blazer, but this time her own.

Discovering Your Tribe

By honoring your authenticity, you don’t just connect; you attract. You start finding others who value what you value: mindful communication, mutual respect, and purposeful living. These are the relationships that don’t just lead to jobs or opportunities—they lead to collaborations, support systems, and even lifelong friendships.

And isn’t that what we all crave beneath the LinkedIn headlines and lanyards? Real connection.

A Few Tips for Authentic Networking:

1. Set an intention before entering the room. Instead of "collecting 10 cards," try "I want to have three meaningful conversations."

2. Ditch the script. Practice a few ways to describe what you do, but stay loose and conversational.

3. Follow your curiosity. Ask about their passions, challenges, or what lights them up. It’s more memorable than "So, what do you do?"

4. Mind your energy. Step out for a breather if needed. Authenticity includes honoring your own bandwidth.

5. Reflect and follow up. A short, kind follow-up message can turn a fleeting chat into a lasting connection.

   
   
   
   

Networking doesn’t require a mask. In fact, it flourishes without one. When you lead with truth, listen with care, and love yourself enough to show up fully, you create space for others to do the same. That’s where the magic happens. That’s where your tribe begins to form.

And who knows? Maybe the next time you enter a room full of strangers, you’ll find more than just a contact—you’ll find kin.

So go ahead. Shake that hand. Speak your truth. And maybe keep a backup name tag handy—just in case.