By Tiffin Jernstedt
Over the course of my recent international travels with my son and daughter, Ace and V—and while hosting Talk Shop networking events in different cities—I’ve been asked the same question over and over again, “How do you network so naturally?” The truth is, I don’t overthink it. But I do practice it.
There’s this idea that networking has to be a formal, in-person situation, but it’s much more fluid than that. Whether it’s a packed room, a quiet coffee chat, or a few intentional DMs, networking is simply the art of staying connected to people, on purpose.
If you’re someone who finds networking intimidating or unnatural, here are 5 simple tips that might shift your perspective and hopefully be helpful for you:
1. Put Yourself in Position
You can’t build a network from your couch. Go outside. Say yes to the panel, the mixer, the workshop. Make yourself available for connection, even when it feels slightly awkward at first.
2. Don’t Lead with an Agenda
Let curiosity guide you. Ask questions. Learn about the person in front of you. People can sense when you’re more interested in them than in what they can offer you. Connection, not transaction, is the goal.
3. Engage on Social Media
Social media is a low-effort, high-impact tool for connection. Whether it’s LinkedIn, Instagram, or even a group chat on WhatsApp, don’t underestimate the power of a thoughtful comment, a post share, or a DM. It all adds up.
Not all networking needs to be in-person. Virtual networking is not only valid––it’s vital in today’s world. Some of my strongest relationships were built entirely online before we ever met in real life (if ever). For example, Daryl Layson and I met years ago through LinkedIn, and he eventually started helping me host virtual events every Friday during the height of the pandemic.
4. Think Beyond Events
Networking doesn’t have to happen in conference rooms or happy hours. Networking can be during a one-on-one coffee; a walk around the block with a neighbor; or even a Zoom call. Some of the most meaningful connections I’ve made didn’t come from “events,” rather intentional touchpoints.
5. Follow Up
A quick check-in, a shared article, or a “thinking of you” message goes a long way. Following up shows care, and care is what builds trust.
A Little Backstory on My Networking Journey
Back when I first started working in NYC more than 20 years ago, I had a desire to rally the PR/comms people I knew together. That’s how my “Talk Shop” networking events were born. What started as a casual idea to gather PR/comms peers eventually grew into events that brought together communications professionals and comms allies across different industries, generations, and cultures. Not only did the audience become more diverse but so did the topics. My comms topics eventually expanded to HR, DEI, philanthropy, and even some were tailored to specific groups like millennials, creative content creators, college students, and more!
During COVID, for the first time, I took Talk Shop virtual with the help of Daryl (yes, the same person mentioned above!) and encouragement of John Erickson and LaMonte Guillory. They helped me push past the mental block of hosting virtual events because I wasn’t sure how my in-person events would translate online––my in-person events were full of exciting energy, spontaneous conversations, and organic banter. I eventually pushed past the mental block and we hosted Talk Shops every single Friday for several years! I’m so glad I started hosting virtual events because it allowed me to expand opportunities for connection by including people from across all time zones and coasts.
In 2024, I decided to bring Talk Shop back in-person (while still hosting virtual events, too), but with a twist––I wanted to bring it to new markets. The first one kicked off in Chicago alongside my dad, Rich Jernstedt, and Daryl (now, years later and this was only the second time we met in person!). From there, I hosted Talk Shops in Dallas, Austin, Charleston, multiple in NYC, my first international event in Amsterdam, and several more virtual editions spanning everyone from seniors in college to seasoned professionals. When I revived my in-person Talk Shops in 2024, I also altered the format of them. What used to be events that started off with cocktails and ended in a sit-down dinner evolved to be events that were more casual and fluid––fully cocktail-style where people could mix and mingle for the duration of the event and come and go as they please (we no longer set a strict end time for our events). As I continue to plan future Talk Shops, my aim is to bring back the original format of Talk Shop (cocktail + sit-down dinner style) and include a diverse mix of attendees tailored to location and topical requests. I have still been hosting virtual events (hosted several this year already) and plan to also continue hosting virtual events in the future for the expansive opportunities they offer for connecting people from across all time zones.
One of the things I love most about my Talk Shop events is that I always have a diverse and eclectic mix of attendees. My events aren’t based on where you work, your title, or level of seniority; I have representation from Gen Alpha/Gen Z to Boomers and everyone in between. I’ve had people tell me they landed jobs, found creative collaborators, launched projects, or simply left inspired. That’s what fills my cup. The size of the events doesn’t matter; we’ve had intimate gatherings of 10 and larger turnouts of 100+. What matters is who shows up and how they show up…because that’s the real secret to networking––showing up with heart, curiosity, and intention.
As for what’s coming up, I’m thrilled to be hosting my next Talk Shop event in July, taking it back to Chicago!
If you’re looking for career advice or want to join my network for future networking events, be sure to fill out my 1×1 Spot Career Coaching form or Tiffin’s Talk Shop event form. Let’s stay connected—follow me on LinkedIn and Instagram!