guaranteed non-awkward ways to expand your network

guaranteed non-awkward ways to expand your network networking tips pt. 2 forbes 30 under 30 venture-backed nasdaq milestone maker 1. For 1:1s, always ask to initially meet over drinks. It's cheap enough to offer to pay for the person you're meeting with, and no one's awkwardly eating in between talking. Save the meals until you're both more comfortable with each other! 2. At networking events, offer to take pictures for others!! Especially if you're in line to meet someone - chances are, you both have a similar interest or career. Afterwards, ask for their number to send the pics and connect from there. Happens that this guy is a former prosecutor and current Columbia journalism master's student. Wants to report for the New York Times... and we've got networking drinks scheduled! 3. Be memorable - show off your personality!! Whoever you're meeting with, they're likely meeting dozens of new people every week. Stick out by truly making yourself memorable. Start conversations over interests, sports, alma maters, etc. - do that first! Then get into business. 4. If the conversation starts to get awkward, simply ask "Can we connect on LinkedIn?" !! Breaks any tension, and you get (at least) one form of contact. You'll also see their profile, and crucially, anything to talk about - previous work experience, college clubs, interests. It truly carries the conversation forward. "Oh, you worked for a startup! What'd you do?" - just like that! This has been my go-to more often than not Highlight your skills from Intertwined 5. Go to networking events alone (not with friends). It'll force you to go up to people, or they'll come to you. Uncomfortable sometimes? Perhaps... but not awkward to network! If you bring your friends, you'll fall back to just chatting with them. Push yourself outside your comfort zone!! 6. Don't be afraid to be the youngest in the room. If anything, people will respect you more for it. Drive your ambition, and pursue your academic and career goals. In networking, respect dwarfs everything else. People will want to help you if they see your ambition at your age. pt 3 won't be taking a year lol