Objects in Motion Stay in Motion.
Building genuine connection with people is invigorating. Everyone has a unique story—a set of life experiences that shape who they are.
Someone once told me we are made up of the books we’ve read and the conversations we’ve had.
I believe that completely. We’re all just trying to make sense of the world with incomplete information, based on our lived experiences.
That’s the mindset necessary to approach meaningful networking—whether you’re an extrovert or introvert.
I’m extroverted now—maybe to a fault—but networking wasn’t always easy. It still isn’t. I’ve been riddled with anxiety, overthinking, and the dreaded post-event “shoulda, woulda, couldas.” The only cure? Routinely stepping into uncomfortable rooms until the discomfort lost its power.
Don’t get me wrong: I still feel nervous walking into a room full of strangers. But I’ve built tools to push through discomfort, lean into the fear, and act with confidence—because action is the antidote to anxiety.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
1. Get Your Mindset Right
Mindset is everything. Networking isn’t a transaction, and it’s not about asking, “What can I get out of this?” It’s an opportunity to make genuine connections with other human beings.
Seen this way, networking stops feeling like an obligation. It becomes a privilege—an opening to step outside yourself, to see the world through someone else’s brilliant, one-of-a-kind experiences.
The beauty of a networking event is the sheer concentration of diverse minds and ideas coming together in one room. Forget the surface-level “What do you do?” conversations and go deeper. Have two or three meaningful discussions that bring new perspectives and build authentic relationships. That’s all it takes.
There’s no pressure to prove yourself or land a business deal. Real networking is about learning, growing, and being open to the kind of insight that can completely shift your outlook on life.
2. Remember Newton’s First Law
The Law of Inertia. An object in motion stays in motion.
That’s all networking is: momentum. Muster the courage to start one conversation. Once you’re moving, the rest flows.
Trick your brain if you have to: tell yourself you’ll only stay ten minutes, and when you walk in, acknowledge the awkwardness—everyone feels it—and then take action anyway.
Everyone feels a little uncomfortable—owning that makes it easier to act. The key is to move. Once you do, confidence follows; confidence that only comes from routinely placing yourself in uncomfortable situations.
3. Be Curious and Ask Real Questions
Connection happens when you find common interests. And odds are—especially in Lancaster County—you’re only one degree of separation away from someone’s world. The key is finding out what passion you share.
Get curious. What do they love? What drives them? Where do they eat in downtown Lanc? Ask questions that reveal who they are and what they care about, not just job titles.
Introverts, this is your edge. You’re natural listeners. You notice details. You make people feel seen. That’s magnetic.
Skip the surface-level conversations. Ask the questions you genuinely care about, the ones that get to the heart of someone’s identity or spark a surprising insight.
Networking doesn’t have to feel like a performance or the dreaded “post-work work.” Yes, it can be overstimulating and awkward, but you must embrace the idea of putting yourself in intentionally uncomfortable situations. Show up with authenticity, curiosity, and a fierce love for people, and you’ll build connections that are endlessly rewarding.
Written by: Jordyn Ney