Calling introverts and shy people — we’re here to help support you against your ick: conversations with strangers. Regardless of how you feel about networking, the fact remains that it's a core part of navigating your career and climbing to new heights in the accounting world. But this truth doesn’t negate the fact that networking can be challenging. Anyone will admit that — even the most chatty Cathys. And how you feel about networking, is probably because you might have the perception that there’s only one way to network, and well… that’s just not true.
So we got some tips to make the process of forming professional connections, a little less 🚩and something you might even… gulp 😲… start to look forward to.
Tip #1: Go with a friend!
See if anyone in your accounting classes wants to partner up and be your networking buddy. You can reach out to a fellow introvert who might need some encouragement as well, or you can ask someone who is a little more extroverted, who might find starting conversations a breeze and is down to do small talk for days. Networking in pairs is a good reminder that you’re not alone on this journey to grow your accounting professional circle.
Tip #2: Make little goals for yourself
It doesn’t have to be 0 to 100. Start with little goals! Decide you’re going to start going to one networking event a month. Even if you’re not ready to interact with anyone at the first event, completing your goal will allow you to feel accomplished and in control, which will benefit your confidence. As you approach your second event, you can kick it up a notch and make a goal to talk to three people.
Tip #3: Decide on a level of prep
As we’ve said before, networking is just a fancy word for getting to know people. The way people prepare to go to networking events can differ based on what makes them feel the most comfortable. Some prefer to rely on improv as it reinforces the idea that these conversations are not a big deal and aren’t interviews (which is true!). Others, prefer to prepare by researching the guest speakers and attendees, so they can have some questions on deck to ask them. There’s definitely a spectrum of planning and it’s up to you to decide what is going to make you feel at ease.
We recommend starting somewhere in the middle. Look into some of the companies and firms that’ll be represented. This will allow you to walk in with some context to provide insightful follow up questions once you learn where they work. Research some topics that interest you about the field of accounting and that you’d love to talk about with other professionals. You don’t have to sell yourself, nor do you have to recite their LinkedIn profiles. Get to know people organically and save the rest for the informational interview you’re going to schedule after you follow up after the event. 😉
Tip #4: Keep it low stakes
While the connections you make at these events will inevitably help you on your career journey, you don’t have to place that much pressure on these initial networking opportunities. If you walk into the event with the mindset that “I need to meet the person who’s going to help me get my next internship,” you will inevitably change the dynamic of your conversations and potentially make yourself nervous. Don’t have preconceived notions about what you’re looking to get out of these events, just vibe!
Tip #5: Seek out the right events
There’s a difference between networking events and networking at an event. You can go to any event and network — a friend’s birthday party, a family cookout, or even walking around the mall. But if you’re someone who has a harder time going up to strangers and initiating conversation, we suggest starting with networking events. A good example of this is NABA (National Association of Black Accountants), which specifically hosts workshops, lounges, and socials so that professionals in the industry can connect. At these types of events, you won’t have to spend time wondering if you’ll be bothering someone by trying to make conversation or getting to know them. Both of you are committed to the purpose of the event. Another option is to find smaller events, where there’s not as many people, and it might not feel as overwhelming to approach someone.
Tip #6: It’s OK to listen
Active listening is one of the most important skills in accounting. Networking is good practice for this. As an introvert, your preference may already be to listen more than you talk, so use that to your advantage — focus on learning more about the other person, making connections and finding common interests when appropriate. The closer you listen, the more you’re able to find ways that you may be able to support each other. And that’s how networking is about creating a reciprocal relationship, where both of you can pour into each other. As someone younger in the industry, you may not think you’re in any position to be able to do this, but there’s always something of value you can share. For example, if you meet an accountant who’s using their free time to venture into entrepreneurship and is looking to hire a marketing intern, you might be able to connect them with a friend who’s in that industry. Investing in others makes them just as likely to invest in you!
Like most things that lead to growth, networking can feel a little uncomfortable in the beginning. It’s our professional opinion that the best things in life happen when we push ourselves outside of our comfort zone. That being said, there’s a way to try something new while doing it your way.
