Opinion

For many people, the word “networking” conjures up images of crowded hotel ballrooms filled with nametags, business cards and lukewarm coffee. The thought of walking into a room full of strangers and attempting small talk about the weather or industry buzzwords is enough to send even seasoned professionals running for the exit.

Yet despite its reputation, networking remains one of the most powerful tools for career development. The good news is it does not have to feel awkward, transactional or forced. With the right mindset and approach, networking can feel less like a chore and more like the natural process of building relationships.

The first step in rethinking networking is to challenge the idea it is about collecting as many contacts as possible. Too often, people think of

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