Stop 'Networking' and Start Showing Up Usefully

Networking is the worst. Consider this permission to stop.

Full disclosure: I’ve always hated networking.

Even early in my career—new to New York and trying desperately to find my footing—I would go to events with the explicit goal of “making contacts.”

I was terrible at it.

I’d watch other PR people work a room effortlessly. They’d move from conversation to conversation, building instant rapport with reporters, …