Networking Without Making It Awkward
Okay so real talk - I didn't really dread the word "networking." I just had a completely wrong understanding of what it meant.
Seriously, when I joined this industry, I quite literally set up a reminder to text all the employees about job opportunities. Look.
That was me. Clueless, eager, and absolutely unhinged about it. I pictured myself walking up to some senior professional at a conference, rehearsed elevator pitch in hand, trying to sell myself like I'm a product on a shelf. That idea? Absolute nonsense.
Quick context: I'm not a GIS grad. I didn't know what GIS was before joining as a support analyst for Esri at Cybertech. I walked into this field with zero background in GIS, couldn't name a single tool, couldn't hold a technical conversation to save my life. And yet - I figured out how to connect with people in this field.
Here's what nobody tells you: what you know technically doesn't matter half as much as whether you're genuinely interested in learning and listening. That's what leaves an impression. Yes, your resume and technical skillset is important but it’s having a curious mindset and paying attention that will take you far.
First, throw out everything you think networking means.
Stop picturing yourself having to sell who you are to a stranger. What actually works is just... talking to people. Genuinely. Not "how can this person help my career" talking, but "wow, what you're doing with spatial data pipelines sounds genuinely interesting, tell me more" talking.
There's a huge difference between being interesting and being interested - the second one is what people remember you for. I wasn't the smartest person in the room. I was just the most genuinely curious. That counts for a lot more than people realize.
The thing nobody told me about seasoned professionals? They want to talk to us.
Before writing this blog, I asked people already established in the GIS world - people giving talks, leading teams - "If some new grad came up to you at an event, would you mind?"
Every. Single. One. said they love it. They genuinely enjoy sharing what they've built and how they got there. Because think about it - legacy matters to people. The idea that the next generation is carrying forward what they started... that means something to them.
So, all that time we spend convincing ourselves that we'd be bothering someone, or that we aren’t "ready" to approach them - it is just in our own head. These folks aren't waiting to judge us. They're waiting for someone to ask.
And if you need a little mental nudge before you go up to someone - just remind yourself: they would be happy and genuinely enthused to share whatever knowledge and insight they can to help you. That's just who these people are. I also remember making my resume like this, just so I could feel some sort of control over the situation.
Open with a question, not an introduction
I used to try to open conversations by talking about myself - my degree, what skills I know, what I'm looking for. And it always felt weird and one-sided. Then I flipped it: open with a genuine question about them, and then just listen.
Not a scripted question. A real one. Something like:
- "I've been dealing with this [specific GIS problem] lately, have you ever come across that?"
- "I'm trying to decide between two career paths. Can I get your perspective on something?"
- "How did you end up working on [whatever their thing is]? I've been curious about that space."
These questions do two things: they get the other person talking (which people love), and they instantly make the conversation feel like a real exchange rather than a pitch meeting. And once someone's sharing, you're not networking anymore - you're just having a conversation.
One thing from Esri YPN webinar I attended recently titled “Mentorship Matters: Growing Your GIS Career Through Connection” stuck with me: in GIS communities especially, conversations often start with shared challenges. "Hey, I'm running into this issue - has anyone else dealt with this?" That's a door. Use it.
Breathe. SERIOUSLY. And speak slower than you think you need to (just hear me out).
Sounds silly... I know. But trust me when I tell you how many times I've done this without even realizing - I did, but only after it was too late. It's simple, really. Nervous energy makes you talk fast. Talking fast makes you look frantic. So, slow down, take your time in conversation. Keep in mind that you're only asking questions - they're the ones who have to explain a whole lot.
If something doesn't land - just move on. Don’t over-apologize or over analyze it. A bad conversation is not a verdict on your worth as a professional. It's just a Tuesday. So, shake it off and try again.
Also - a good handshake goes a long way. Keep it firm, make eye contact. Seriously, practice with a colleague if you haven't. Because here's the thing: a confident handshake signals confidence even when you're freaking out because you only saw a YouTube video on “how to shake hands at a professional event” at 2x speed while on your way to the event. It's basically a cheat code.
Not ready to walk up to someone in person? Online is completely fair game.
Skip the vague "let's connect!" message. The key is to be specific, something like:
"Hey, I noticed we're both working with [specific tool or method]. I've been running into [specific challenge] and would love to hear how you're approaching it."
That gets a response. Because it's specific, it's genuine, and it makes the other person feel like an expert (which they are). You're not asking them for a favor - you're inviting them into a conversation they actually know something about.
Go wide, not just up.
Your network isn't just about finding people more senior than you. Professors point you toward next opportunities. Industry professionals show you how things actually work outside academia. People from different backgrounds spark ideas you wouldn't have had otherwise.
As said in this Esri YPN webinar - In GIS, leadership isn't about technical skills or tenure. It's about visibility, trust, and advocacy. Relationships help people recognize your potential before a job opportunity even exists. So, the connections you're building now, even the awkward ones, are doing more work than you realize.
Diversity of thought fires new synapses. Mix it up.
The real talk?
Look, I know this all sounds easier said than done. And the first time? It probably will be awkward. The second time, a little less. The fifth time, you'll barely notice. But you will learn only by doing, by putting yourself out there.
And here's something underrated - if you come across a conference and feel that you really need to be there, don't sit on it. Tell your peers. Pitch it. The worst they say is not right now. But you become the person who finds opportunities, who shows up eager. That's a reputation worth having.
Don't wait for opportunities to come to you. Sometimes you have to create one yourself - even if your insides go completely jumbled up just thinking about it. Trust me, once you make this a habit, you won't believe the doors that start opening. And the best part? You opened them yourself.
But more than any tactic or opener or strategy - just remember this: you are the next generation of what these people built. If you genuinely care about what they're working on, they will feel that. And they will want to talk to you.
So next time you're at an event, badge in hand - just go say hi. Ask something real. Listen like you mean it.
You've already done the hard part by showing up.
Got questions, or want to share your own awkward-first-conversation story? I'd genuinely love to hear it. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn.
