Sweaty palms, butterflies in your stomach and awkward comments tumbling from your mouth…Are you networking? These are the hallmarks of networking nerves, not to mention the thought of ‘doing it right’ and executing with perfection. Cold reachouts, building relationships, industry events or Zoom…It’s all anxiety-inducing.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. That’s why I asked 10 career experts who partner with women in the trenches to dish on what networking tools work in 2023 to not only negate the ick and social hangover, but skyrocket your career growth.

Networking is conversing.

We chat every day without thinking about it. It’s like breathing. But when you mention this method to job seekers, most panic, their stomachs knot and the sudden urge to run and hide overtakes them.

Don’t sprint to your hiding spot just yet. Networking is just engaging in a meaningful conversation and exchanging information. That’s it. With that said, Preparedness can go a long way.