How I Built a Network Without Going to 100 Networking Events
I used to think networking meant going to every event I could find. Shaking hands. Collecting business cards. Hoping something would come of it.
The problem? I’m not naturally that person. And, honestly, most of those events led nowhere.
What actually built my network was something much simpler: learning to speak up when it mattered.
The problem? I’m not naturally that person. And, honestly, most of those events led nowhere.
What actually built my network was something much simpler: learning to speak up when it mattered.
My first pitch in Sheffield
I was at a journalist event in Sheffield just after starting my first business. They asked, “Who wants to pitch?”
I nearly stayed quiet. I was too shy, too unsure, too nervous. But in that moment I realised—if I didn’t put myself forward, no one else was going to do it for me.
So I stood up and pitched.
Was it perfect? No. But it opened doors, got me introductions, and most importantly—it built my confidence.
That moment taught me a huge lesson: you don’t need to go to 100 networking events. You just need to put yourself forward when the opportunity presents itself.
I nearly stayed quiet. I was too shy, too unsure, too nervous. But in that moment I realised—if I didn’t put myself forward, no one else was going to do it for me.
So I stood up and pitched.
Was it perfect? No. But it opened doors, got me introductions, and most importantly—it built my confidence.
That moment taught me a huge lesson: you don’t need to go to 100 networking events. You just need to put yourself forward when the opportunity presents itself.
The rule I live by
There’s a saying in Scotland: “Shy bairns get nought.”
(Translation: shy children get nothing.)
And it’s true in business. If you don’t ask, you don’t get. Whether it’s asking someone to mentor you, introducing yourself on LinkedIn, or pitching at an event—people want to say yes, but only if you give them the chance.
(Translation: shy children get nothing.)
And it’s true in business. If you don’t ask, you don’t get. Whether it’s asking someone to mentor you, introducing yourself on LinkedIn, or pitching at an event—people want to say yes, but only if you give them the chance.
What really matters
- Speak up when it counts
- Ask for what you need
- Follow up and build from there