Let’s start here: the most common question about networking isn’t “what do I say?” or “how do I follow up?” It’s this one – how often should I be doing it?
Some people love it. They light up in a room full of strangers. Others – just as skilled, just as serious about their business – approach networking like flossing. They know it matters. But they’re not always in the mood. And sometimes, they don’t want to be in the room at all.
If that’s you, this article isn’t going to push the social butterfly ideal. It’s going to be honest about rhythm, resistance, and how to stay connected without burning out.
Networking is not a numbers game
There’s an old narrative in business culture that says visibility is king. Be seen. Be present. Be everywhere. But the truth is, showing up constantly is not the same as showing up well.
The best connections – the ones that lead to real opportunity – rarely come from ticking attendance boxes. They come from being somewhere with presence. From actually engaging, not just turning up.
So if the question is “how many events should I go to each month?”… the real answer is: as many as you can show up to with genuine presence.
You don’t have to love it
Let’s name another truth. Not everyone enjoys networking. And not enjoying it doesn’t mean you’re bad at it. It doesn’t mean you’re unprofessional. It means you’re wired differently – maybe more reflective, maybe more focused on depth than breadth.
What matters isn’t whether you enjoy it. It’s whether you see its purpose – and whether you approach it in a way that respects your own energy.
If you’re someone who dreads the icebreaker, you’re not alone. But you might be surprised how often that first awkward moment gives way to something real – especially if the environment respects your time and your rhythm.
Don’t default to disconnection
We all have periods where work is too full-on. Where attending an event feels like one thing too many. And that’s fine – as long as disconnection doesn’t become the default.
If it’s been months since you last interacted with your network, it might be time to plug back in. Not because you “should,” but because every business relationship is a living thread. Leave them untended too long, and they fade.
You don’t need to swing back into weekly events. Start with one. Online or in-person. Low pressure. Look for rooms that feel human. And remember – it’s the follow-up that builds momentum, not the event itself.
Make your own rhythm
The idea that “real networkers” are always networking is a myth. Most successful professionals have seasons. They have times of active outreach, and times of head-down work. The key isn’t frequency – it’s intentionality.
Build your own rhythm. Weekly, monthly, quarterly – whatever works. But be deliberate. Let it be part of your professional practice, not an afterthought.
And when you do show up – show up as yourself. No need to perform. No need to pitch. Simply be a person worth knowing.
At UKNetworker, we’ve designed our platform around this kind of rhythm – not endless noise, but real contact. The kind that fits into your world, and actually makes it stronger.
