Just started the job at D and I’ve heard the word “networking” many times. Am feeling overwhelmed a bit, any advice from other introverts?

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Replace it with “Getting to know people” in your head. Go get to know people without an aim or agenda in mind. Even if it’s a random guy in the elevator, don’t be afraid to say hello

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To be honest, the “network” thing at Deloitte is no joke, and it’s constantly shifting according to who is in what role, what kinds of projects you want, and who the leaders are. Having a plan is a great idea, and a great way to get to know people well is working on PRDs and white papers. Lets them get to know you and your work while making a deposit in the social account. You’ll be tired, since there’s also project work to do, but it will pay dividends.

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^this is helpful.
Agree that the labels make it a “thing” that can be exhausting.
Rather than planning on “networking” which suggests an agenda and desired outcome, I think about it as just shooting the shit with people, which I do with everyone in the same way.
Be outcome independent and simply follow up relevant BS sessions with an email / LinkedIn invite.
What you are doing is allowing people to see that you are there and a pleasure to be around - the details will speak for themselves.

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I’ll be honest - I kept a spreadsheet when I first started out. A list of people I met and still wanted to meet (asked the people I already met for recommendations on who to speak to next). I used the spreadsheet to find people I definitely wanted to work with and also remind me to follow up where I needed to. I started doing firm initiatives with the people I wanted to work with and eventually got to know them better that it didn’t feel like networking anymore.

I used the spreadsheet for about the first 6 months. Since then, it’s become easier and less overwhelming to get to know people because I already have a base. Having a systematic way to get that base definitely helped me

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Yeah, say hello. Ask where the best coffee shop is or something. Introduce yourself, compliment them if there is something you like about their outfit, ask what they do. Just be mindful and don't keep talking nervously if a person doesn't look engaged. Say see you around and try to remember their name. Next time say hello and call them by their name... etc

Wear your track suit. It’s a real conversation starter

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