Ways to Make Networking Feel Less Awkward đź«Ł

Author

Zoë Ott
April 15, 2025

Welcome back to TriadNavigator!

No matter how much small business rules, regulations, and resources seem to be in constant flux, one key aspect of entrepreneurship never changes: networking.

Regardless of the industry or type of business you’re in (yes, we’re looking at you E-Commerce 👀), networking has been known to open up new doors for businesses and professionals alike.

But before we hop up onto our soapbox, let’s cover the basics:

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Here's what you'll find in this issue:

📢 Organization Shoutout: Triad Local First

If you haven’t met Triad Local First yet, let us introduce you to one of the member organizations at the forefront of supporting local businesses in the Triad.

This nonprofit and member association is made up of over 350 businesses who believe in buying local, building community, and growing together. And they don’t just talk the talk — they offer resources, events, and real advocacy for local entrepreneurs.

Here’s what they’re up to:

Want in? Their membership options are affordable and flexible (seriously—$50/year affordable), and they’re built to support you at different stages of your entrepreneurial journey.

Long story short: if you’ve been looking to join a group that connects you to other local entrepreneurs — as well as opportunities to network and showcase your business — this one’s worth checking out.

🔦 Event Spotlight: Unleash Triad

If everything above sounded like your kind of vibe, then you definitely don’t want to miss their upcoming event:

🗓️ April 23 | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
đź“Ť UNCG Bryan School of Business & Economics, Greensboro

Unleash Triad is a half-day conference hosted by Triad Local First — and with over 75 businesses and even more community members on the attendee list, it’s shaping up to be the place to connect with the entrepreneurial community at large.

Here’s what’s on the agenda:

  • Keynotes and panels that focus on real economic and local policy insight

  • Breakout sessions on marketing, finances, operations (aka the stuff we all Google at 2 AM)

  • Networking, locally sourced lunch, and plenty of moments to collaborate and learn

🎟️ Tickets are just $35 for Triad Local First members and $45 for non-members
Includes full event access, complimentary parking at UNCG’s Oakland Deck, and complimentary lunch

Kill two birds with one stone by investing in real connections and reliable advice on marketing, finance, and operations — all in the span of a few hours. That’s less time and money than one would likely spend researching and running Meta ads!

🗣️ Advice: How I Made Networking Less Awkward 🫣

I’ll be honest — when I started going to networking events, I spent a lot of time watching the clock. I was hyperaware of the opportunity cost of being away from my desk, falling further behind on the tasks I still needed to finish.

In hindsight, I don’t think it was really about the to-do list—I just felt uncomfortable in a completely new environment. When I excused myself from events or stepped away from conversations to “get back to work,” I was mostly just retreating to my comfort zone.

I’ve always enjoyed meeting new people, but I never felt fully comfortable while trying to be the “perfect professional.” I had this idea that networking was transactional, and that to do it right, I needed to have the perfect pitch.

But somewhere along the way, I stopped treating it like a checklist and started treating it like… well, talking to people I might genuinely enjoy knowing. I cracked a few jokes, asked more questions, and let myself show up as a person—not just a professional. That’s when things started to click.

The more fun I had with it, the more comfortable I felt—and the more doors started to open. Leads, collaborators, new friends, unexpected advice—you name it.

If you relate to this in any way, I’d love to hear your story. Come out to our next Entrepreneur Meetup and share your networking experiences with other entrepreneurs — whether they’ve been successful, awkward, funny, or downright embarrassing. All are welcome. Who knows? Your story might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.

đź“… Mark Your Calendar

Enjoyed this Week’s Newsletter? 💬

If you found this newsletter helpful, chances are a fellow entrepreneur in your circle will too. Forward it to a friend, colleague, or favorite coworking buddy—let’s grow this community together. 💬✨

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