Awkward intro’s & authentic connections
Over the past two weeks, I went on a bit of a networking sprint. Five events in just over ten days. (Yes, I needed a nap afterwards.)
It started because I needed to find new clients. I’ve been doing the same thing for a while, and honestly, it was time to shake things up a bit. Push myself out of my comfort zone. Try something different. But what I got out of this experience was so much more than just leads or business cards.
Networking is not my favourite thing to do. It can feel awkward. Really awkward. Especially if you carry any self-doubt or shyness. The idea of walking into a room of strangers and trying to explain what I do in a way that’s interesting and not overly rehearsed? It's a lot. But after this little sprint, I’ve noticed a few things that I think are worth sharing.
Left: “Building stronger client relationships in the NDIS” workshop. Right: Me getting into the moment at the Women in Business event
Every event has its own vibe ... and that matters.
The first event I went to was Women in Business. I was a speaker, which meant kicking off this whole experiment with a bang (and a burst of nerves). But sharing the story of Elda and her fire lit something up in me too. It reminded me that the best networking happens when we show up as ourselves, not some polished pitch machine.
The second event was hosted by BizLink. It was a vibe: music, games, laughter. The MC made it so easy to connect with people in a fun, relaxed way. What hit me was how deeply people are craving genuine connection. Not the transactional "what do you do, here's my card" kind of interaction, but real, human connection. It was networking, yes, but it felt like community.
Then I went to a Mums in Business brunch. Smaller group. Slower pace. Bigger feelings. We talked about exclusion and judgment. About how the energy we bring into a room affects everyone in it. It made me reflect on the mindset I bring to these events ... am I open? Am I curious? Do I let my nerves push others away?
Next was IIG (Investing in Greatness). This one had a more formal feel. It had a keynote speaker, professional development info and allocated networking time. This event seemed to have more early-career professionals eager to make something happen. It reminded me of the importance of professional sponsorship in building your career. Something very different to mentorship. It also made me consider what is it that we are actually looking for in networking events. Beyond the new follow or name in our phone.
And then, finally, I attended a sector-specific event for the NDIS space. It made me reflect on how audiences resist overt selling, even when it's expected. The need for trust and relational depth is strong. And while I understand it, it also made me wonder: what would it look like to lead with connection first, even in a sales space?
Left: Tosin Aro speaking at the Investing In Greatness evening Right: Anthea Balfour at the Mums in Business (Brisbane West) event.
So what’s the takeaway from all this?
Networking isn’t only about making contacts. It’s about making community.
It’s about deciding what you want to get out of an event, and then finding the ones that match that energy. Maybe you’re looking for collaborators. Maybe you’re looking for clients. Maybe you’re just looking to not feel so alone in this whole business/leadership/life thing.
Your pitch? It doesn’t have to be perfect. Mine never comes out the same way twice. That’s actually a good thing. It means I’m not performing. I’m being real. And when your brand and your message are rooted in who you actually are, you don’t have to try so hard. It lands.
I also think we’re on the cusp of a bigger shift. The old-school, shake-hands-and-pitch style of networking is losing its shine. People are craving connection, support, community. And not as a side effect — but as the whole point.
What if we approached networking like that? What if we looked for ways to lift each other up first, and trusted that the rest would follow?
This sprint reminded me that leadership — whether in business or in life — doesn’t mean doing it alone. It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to say, “I need something different.” And it’s more than okay to build your own version of what connection and visibility look like.
So, if you’ve been putting off going to that event… maybe this is your sign to give it a go. Not to be perfect. Not to pitch. Just to show up, be curious, and see what unfolds.
You might just find your people.
