Taking networking from cringe to connection in 2025 

As we wind down the year, I want to dedicate this December to a series of open letters I call “Dear Professional.” Over the past few years, I’ve gotten to know some of you virtually via email, and I’ve even had the pleasure of working with a few of you as my writing clients. Now it’s time for me to write back on this platform where it all began.

This series is intended for the end of the year, a time when many of us reflect deeply on our achievements, finalise our projects, set budgets for 2025, and prepare for a well-deserved vacation. “Dear Professional” will share insights I’ve learnt throughout the year, and to kick off this series, let’s talk about networking.

Dear Professional,

I get it—networking can feel cringey. Looking back, I can’t help but feel a bit embarrassed by my early approach to networking—awkward small talk with strangers, a “what’s in it for me” mindset, and the overly rehearsed, stiff lines I’d deliver to explain what I did. As uncomfortable as networking can feel, it’s a cornerstone of career success. Being a lone trailblazer simply doesn’t cut it. In this open letter, I hope to remind you of the power of genuine connections: surrounding yourself with people who support, encourage, and advocate for you.

If you find yourself without a supportive tribe, it’s clear that pursuing new networks should be a priority in 2025. But as you seek out those connections next year, take a moment now to reflect on your own contributions to your network. Are you the kind of professional others would want in their corner? Are you offering support and vouching for those around you? 

New connections bring fresh perspectives, and it’s this exchange that has the potential to fuel growth (and profit)—not just for you, but for everyone involved. Think collective growth rather than just personal growth.

For example, when you meet someone new who might not fit your career trajectory, consider the potential value of connecting them with a friend in a similar industry who could benefit from their skills. This mindset transforms networking from a transactional activity into a collaborative effort that enriches everyone involved.

Networking has played a pivotal role in my own career journey, often in ways I never expected. During my early years as a freelance writer, I reconnected with an old university classmate on LinkedIn. This reconnection led to a project, and this experience proved that: A- Meaningful connections circle back into your life when you least expect them, and B- connections don’t always require face-to-face interaction.

We live in the digital age, so consistent thoughtful comments on posts, shared insights, or even a quick (professional) DM can set the stage for deeper relationships down the road just as effectively as in-person interactions.

No matter how skilled or ambitious you are, connections matter. New friends, acquaintances, and even casual contacts serve as extensions of your personal “brand,” helping you get noticed, create opportunities, and advocate for you when you’re not in the room.

Like I said earlier, networking can feel super awkward. But if you want it to feel natural, you’ve got to approach it with genuine intention. This means dropping the rehearsed elevator pitches, focusing on real conversations, and aiming for quality over quantity. I was recently decluttering an old purse and noticed I had several business cards in them, remnants of encounters that never blossomed into meaningful relationships.

Rather than exchanging business cards with everyone at an event, take the time to connect with people you genuinely want to know. Approach new conversations with curiosity. Ask questions, be interested—networking is a two-way street. 

As we approach 2025, commit to networking differently. Instead of making it feel like a task to check off, think of each connection as a chance to learn, share, and grow. Even a well-established network can benefit from fresh perspectives and connections. Networking is an investment in growth—the rewards being well worth it.

Here’s to you and your ever-expanding network in 2025! 

Sincerely,

Charlotte Makala.

For professional writing services and enquiries, contact: [email protected].