The Mindset That Makes Networking Actually Work by Ryan Wert

Networking gets a bad reputation because people often think it has to be awkward, forced, or overly strategic. In reality, good networking is pretty simple when you have the right mindset. It’s less about impressing people and more about showing up as a real human who’s interested in other humans, as advised by Ryan Wert.

The most effective networkers don’t treat connections like collectibles. They focus on relationships, not numbers. Instead of wondering how useful someone might be, they stay open to conversation and see where it goes. That relaxed approach instantly takes the pressure off and makes interactions feel natural rather than transactional.

A big part of this mindset is being willing to give before you get. That could mean sharing advice, passing along a helpful resource, or making a quick introduction. These small actions add up. People remember who was helpful, and those moments of generosity often come back around in unexpected ways. Networking works best when it’s not rushed or forced.

Listening is another underrated skill here. Casual but powerful networking comes from paying attention, not waiting for your turn to talk. When you actually listen to what people are working on or struggling with, conversations flow better. It also makes it easier to spot ways you can genuinely help, which strengthens the connection without feeling salesy.

Consistency matters too, but it doesn’t have to be intense. A quick message, a comment on a post, or a check-in every now and then keeps relationships alive. You don’t need a reason every time. Staying lightly connected over time builds familiarity, and that’s often what leads to opportunities later

Confidence plays a role, but it’s more about comfort than ego. You don’t need to oversell yourself or dominate the room. Just be clear about what you do and be open

to learning what others do. When you’re comfortable with yourself, people feel comfortable around you.

At the end of the day, networking works best when you stop overthinking it. With a casual, people-first mindset, connections grow naturally You’re not just building a network—you’re building relationships that actually last and feel good to maintain.