“Networking” is a word we’ve all been hearing a lot in this climate. How it’s the most important thing to do, the most impactful way to open doors – whether you’re searching for advice, a job, or new clientele. There is much less advice on how you can go about it, though - and as such, it's easy to disregard it as the latest industry buzzword; something that is inaccessible, overwhelming or simply “not your thing” - particularly if you’re someone who is more introverted and/or neurodivergent (like me).
Last year, I was fortunate to be a part of CareersGround at GamesGround Berlin – meaning I spent several days in my booth providing back-to-back advice for jobseekers: from resumes, to portfolios, to general approach for their search. A very common theme I saw was just how daunted folks felt by the prospect of putting themselves out there; they’d express how even coming to that very conference had taken a lot of courage, how they don’t know what they should be talking about, when and how it’s even appropriate to reach out, or who they should be reaching out to. I heard a lot of “I’m an introvert” and “I don’t think networking is really me”. When I’d tell people that I consider myself as an introvert too, I was often met with “I don’t believe you!”
This is totally fair - given I don't always come across as someone who is naturally introverted, and am also in a job that many would say is extroverted in nature. But crucially, I’ve had years of practice in roles that have required me to regularly meet, interact with and engage new people.
I was lucky enough to go on several work trips in 2024 - the majority of which involved travelling across the Pacific, from the UK to the US. For several of these, I went totally solo. A year prior, I would have had a panic attack at the very thought. Even at the time, I came close to backing out. I logged many a step pacing back and forth in hotel rooms, preparing myself to go to conferences and networking events. Ultimately, though, I came out of all of these events energized, and happy I'd gone. Why? Because all instances granted me the enormous privilege of meeting countless wonderful people and having interesting, engaging conversations.
So if you're feeling daunted by the prospect of networking, I'd like to firstly reassure you that you’re absolutely not alone. Gaming is an industry full of introverts. It’s also an industry with creativity and passion at its core – meaning that no matter who you're speaking to in the space, you can take comfort in knowing there'll always be some form of common ground - some form of connection - to build from.
At its core, that's all networking is, really: making connections. An incredibly, innately human thing. All of us have the ability to do this in a way that feels natural, even if it always feels at least a little bit scary.
Half the battle is a willingness to step out of your comfort zone and practice, practice, practice (whilst also being mindful of your own limits). The other half is recognising that there are a million ways to approach this, and finding the approaches are the most you - which will come naturally with that all that practice.
Use the tools at your disposal – they're there to help you. Make sure your LinkedIn is up to date, showcase who you are and what you’re about. Foster an algorithm that is relevant to what you want to do, what you want to achieve.
You may want to take some time to set your own schedule and goals. This way, you can recognise the work you're doing, the progress you're making, what's working and what isn't - whilst also preventing burnout or overwhelm. For example, this might be: “I’ll reach out to x people this week”, “I’ll make x posts this week”, “I’ll spend x amount of time on LinkedIn each weekday to engage with relevant creators” - and so on.
Bear in mind, too, that your networking success isn't solely defined by a specific, pre-determined “reward” such as a signed contract. In fact, oftentimes, it isn't that new job or client - but rather the benefits of simple human connection. A bigger support network, a reminder of why you fell in love with this industry in the first place. These components alone are incredibly powerful – and in my opinion – vital; not only to your own success, but your wellbeing, too. These very real wins are in danger of being put by the wayside if you put too much focus on pursuing a limited set of pre-determined, ultimate desired outcomes. The drive behind your networking should be through the lens of building community and fostering continuous growth – whether that’s professional, personal, or both.
Another benefit of this outlook is that it’s freeing. It takes the pressure off. You can focus your energy on simply enjoying the company and conversations you're have with likeminded people – the new perspectives you will be exposed to. All of this, in turn, will naturally help you stay more grounded and genuine in your approach. The person you reach out to doesn’t have to be the CEO of your dream company - it might be someone in the exact same position as you.
This brings me to my final point – just as it would apply in your personal life, relationships are a two-way street. Don’t just focus on what you want from someone – this doesn’t foster community or genuine connection. Think about what you have to offer, and offer it. Give what you can. This could be as simple as the type of support you offer them – cheering them on, sharing tips and insights from your own experiences.
In summary:
- Remember you’re not alone in feeling daunted (and that it’ll get easier!)
- Approach new connections in a way that is genuine and true to you.
- Be prepared to regularly push yourself out of your comfort zone.
- Use the tools at your disposal – they're there to help you.
- Monitor your own progress and output to avoid burnout or overwhelm.
- Focus on building community and forming fulfilling relationships in the industry, avoid getting overly fixated on specific, pre-determined goals.
- Make effort to regularly push yourself out of your comfort zone – but recognise your own limits, too.
- Recognise there are many benefits of networking: learn to recognise wins in all their forms.
- Remember that relationships are a two-way street – share what you have to offer, too, instead of focusing on the ask.
- Practice, practice, practice!
Good luck!
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