By Lila Heller, Riley’s Way Intern

Throughout my life, I’ve always been an outgoing kid, eager to make new friends and foster connections. However, whether it was ordering food at a restaurant or getting introduced to new people, sometimes I still felt apprehensive. Now that I am a junior, it feels like I’m growing up (maybe too fast) and must figure out what I want to study in college and the career I want to pursue. There’s nothing more valuable than talking to those who have found their passion, and the Riley’s Way Networking Event seemed to be a perfect way to both talk to various people while improving my networking skills.

On March 13, Riley’s Way hosted a virtual networking event where we were split into breakout rooms based on what we wanted to work on: such as networking skills or building a LinkedIn profile. I chose the breakout room “What Should I Even Say,” hosted by Riley’s Way Co-founder Ian Sandler. Upon joining, he immediately started networking with us. He asked us all where we were from and what we were looking for in this talk, not only giving us an opportunity to connect with him but also to relate to others in the call. He prompted one of us to unmute first and share about ourselves, proving in a sense that networking can be daunting, but it is both important and necessary to “make the first move.” He claimed that, “Every good thing that has happened to me has come from my network.” This made me realize that although intimidating, talking to new people is immensely important for my own benefit. Here are my four main takeaways from my breakout room with Ian.

1. There’s always something to learn

Talking to new people is scary and puts everyone in a vulnerable position. However, it is up to you to be brave, take the next step, and talk to someone. Whether it is a person you have been wanting to talk to or a complete stranger, there is always something you can learn from them. And it doesn’t matter where you are. Whether it’s an Uber, a work event, or a chairlift, each person has a story and it’s up to you to ask questions and follow along.

2. Be engaged

Put your phone down! To both set a good impression and make a connection, it is important to nurture the conversation. Ask follow up questions and pay attention; text messages can wait. In being an active listener, you are given the opportunity to learn about others, and from there can decide if you would like to keep up with the person. Regardless of which you choose, you are putting networking skills to play and working towards new connections.

3. Follow up and use LinkedIn

If you decide that you would like to stay connected with someone, ask them what platform is best to use and reach back out! While technology can be distracting, it is also powerful. Download LinkedIn, message those you’ve met, and follow up. Be personal: mention what you enjoyed about your conversation with them. Share more about yourself and what you hope to learn from the other person. Think “how can I be helpful,” NOT “how can I get something.”

4. Onto the next!

Go back out there and meet someone new!

Towards the end of the event, we were put into breakout rooms once again based on the profession we requested be there. I had the pleasure to talk to Sarah Ellison, a reporter at The Washington Post. Honestly, she was the perfect person to talk to during a networking event. Her profession requires stepping out of her comfort zone and approaching people on a daily basis. However, in doing so, there is always a very real possibility that they decline or ignore her. As she says, “It is always easier to not put yourself out there,” but she tells herself that no matter what happens, “I’m still me and it will be fine.” At the end of the day, everything good that has happened to her came from putting herself in an uncomfortable position. Despite my nerves, I absolutely loved this event. I am grateful that Riley’s Way provided this workshop for a necessary and applicable skill. I will definitely be at the next one!

This blog is also available to read on the Riley’s Way Foundation LinkedIn page.