Networking Can Be Fun. Yes, Really!
If you’re like most people, the word “networking” probably makes your blood pressure sky rocket and the only way to survive an event is to become very, very interested in the snack table. It can feel awkward, transactional, and draining. Well, what if it didn’t have to be?
What if networking became something you actually enjoyed? (yes, that's correct, that is a possibility after all)
How?? That's the question posed to us last month by a large consulting firm here in NYC. A group of consultants asked to get some training on how they could become more comfortable, relatable and confident at important networking functions -- formal or informal.
So, as you may be guessing, we dove into the world of IMPROV to get some useful, easy tools. Over the years, I’ve watched improv unlock something powerful in all types of people: confidence, ease, playfulness, and a sense of connection. It's because improv brings out these dimensions of everyone's personality in the most authentic and organic way. Improv is BUILT UPON connecting with others, listening, keeping the ball in the air, and taking care of your scene partners.
Here are a few of my favorite improv-inspired tips that make networking easier and more effective.
1. Be Interested, Not “Interesting”
One of the golden rules of corporate improv, improv in general, and life: it’s not being concerned about having to be the most interesting person in the room—it’s about being the most interested. That’s when real connection starts. Ask curious questions, listen with your whole self, and watch how the energy changes. You don’t need to perform, you just need to care.
Also, curiosity is one of the highest brain functions we can access. Which means, it will give you more energy, enthusiasm and have you firing on more cylinders than if you're panicked, stressed, and bored.
2. Look for What You Like or Relate To
In improv, we train ourselves to listen for what we like or can connect to about what someone else just said. As opposed to all the things they said that we don't understand, don't agree with, or find dull. We build off of the sparkle, not the dud.
Our brains prefer following a YES, AND thread and will get fuel from what is also called a Growth Mindset. Extra credit is that people LIKE people to YES, AND them...it makes them feel included, heard, and valued.
3. Listen for the Last Big Idea
A game we often teach for networking is simple but powerful: listen for the very last idea someone shares in their sentence. It keeps you present and prevents you from planning your next move while they’re still talking or spacing out and feeling like you always have to bring a new idea every time. That last idea is often the richest and most honest—it’s a great bridge into your next thought or question.
It also keeps you plugged in and no one can accuse you of not listening. It's a great way to not get overwhelmed by all the things you could or should say, and keeps you focused simply on how to bridge the last big idea to something you want to add -- their vacation plans, a show they're watching, their favorite restaurant, or something funny their dog did.
4. The Host with The Most
Feeling nervous walking into a crowded room? Here’s a trick: pretend you’re the host. Think about how hosts operate in a crowd -- they are taking care of everyone else, asking lots of questions, and making everyone at ease and important. Not in a fake-it-til-you-make-it way, but in a how-can-I-make-others-feel-welcome way.
Improv has a tenet, WE > ME, meaning the WE takes precedence over the ME, the individual. We learn to stop focusing on ourselves -- how am I doing?? Was that interesting?? Who should I talk to?? -- and onto the group, onto others. Suddenly, it’s easier (and more fun) to engage AND people will find YOU interesting, funny enough, because you have shown an interest in them.
Networking doesn’t have to be about collecting business cards or delivering your perfect pitch. It can be about showing up with awareness, curiosity, and generosity. And that’s where improv shines. Make it fun for yourself and see what happens.
If your team could use a fresh (and fun) way to connect—both internally and with clients—give improv, career coaching with improv or even a corporate improv training a try. You might just enjoy yourself AND networking!