The Do’s and Don’ts of Networking
When I became programming director of GVPRSSA last April, I was honestly intimidated by the idea of reaching out to professionals. I kept thinking they’d judge me or question why someone my age with such limited experience was contacting them. Looking back, that mindset came from focusing on the don’ts of networking, which sent me into a spiral of overthinking, assuming the worst, and talking myself out of trying. As the months went on, I started focusing on the do’s instead, being genuine, asking questions, showing interest, and following up. The more conversations I had, the more I realized that people weren’t judging me; they were actually willing to connect, share advice, and even cheer me on. What used to feel intimidating now feels like an opportunity.
The Do’s
Before diving into common mistakes, it helps to know what to actively practice. These are habits that have made my networking experiences more rewarding.
DO Be Confident: Confidence can feel intimidating when you’re young and still learning, but it matters. What helped me most was accepting that it’s okay not to know everything, no one expects you to. Owning where you are and being confident in what you do know makes a strong impression. Courage and curiosity go a lot further than pretending to have it all figured out.
DO Be Authentic: People want to connect with a real person, not a perfectly scripted version of you. Stay professional, but don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in conversation. When you’re overly polished or rehearsed, it can feel forced and make it harder for others to relate to you. At its core, networking is about building genuine connections, and authenticity is the most effective way to do that.
DO Follow Up Quickly: After meeting someone at a networking event or conference, always follow up, whether it’s through email or a quick LinkedIn message. Thank them for the conversation and let them know you’d like to stay connected. Following up not only shows appreciation, but it also helps them remember you and builds the foundation for future conversations.
The Don’ts
Just as important as knowing what to do is knowing what to avoid. These common mistakes can undermine even the best networking efforts:
DON’T Only Talk About Yourself: Networking is a two-way street. Share who you are, what you’re working on, and your background, but also take the time to listen and learn about the other person’s story. Showing genuine interest and following up on what they share demonstrates that you value the connection and helps build a stronger, lasting relationship. Keep in mind, people are more likely to remember how you made them feel than what you said. By being curious and attentive, you create a meaningful interaction that goes beyond surface-level small talk.
DON’T Force a Connection: Sometimes a conversation doesn’t flow naturally, and the vibe just isn’t there, and that’s okay. Networking is about forming genuine connections, not simply growing the number of contacts in your network. Focus on building relationships where meaningful exchange and curiosity can happen. Forcing a connection can feel awkward for both parties, whereas letting relationships develop naturally leads to more rewarding and lasting professional bonds.
DON’T Undervalue Yourself: Imposter syndrome can make it easy to downplay your abilities or feel like you don’t belong. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard is: “Why shouldn’t I belong in a room I worked hard to be in?” Never apologize for reaching out or seeking connection, your perspective and voice matter. Owning your achievements and showing confidence in what you bring to the table not only helps you stand out, it also makes others more likely to take you seriously and want to engage with you.
What I’ve Learned
I’m not going to sit here and tell you that I know everything there is to know about networking, because that is just simply not true. Networking, like anything else, is a skill, it takes practice to improve. I am constantly learning and growing, and the position I hold with PRSSA gives me an opportunity to strengthen this skill. Using resources I can find online, like blogs or podcasts about networking, is helpful in finding the confidence to reach out. Ultimately, networking is about more than collecting contacts, it’s about building genuine, lasting relationships. The more I practice, the more I see that every connection, no matter how small, is a step toward growth.
Sophie is a junior majoring in Advertising & Public Relations with a minor in Psychology and an emphasis in Public Relations. She currently sits as the President and Programming Director for GVPRSSA along with working as an Account Associate at GrandPR. She is also a member of the Frederik Meijer Honors College. Her specialty is event planning and networking with other professionals, which helps her tremendously in her role as Programming Director. After graduation, Sophie hopes to pursue a career in sports media.