Networking 101: But I'm So AWKWARD.

Yes, I realize that this picture is, in and of itself, awkward.  It's the best I could find, though!  That feisty Google...

I don’t know what it is about our generation, but we are so very, painfully, laughably awkward.  We don’t always know what to say, when we do know what to say it often comes out wrong, and we have a terrible habit of body language that can often communicate: “Hey, you should probably avoid me.  Because I feel uncomfortable.  Or at least, I’d really rather be talking to people who I know instead of talking to you about things that mean nothing.”  Okay so maybe that’s not all of us, but the awkwardness of our generation is no secret!  It’s in movies (Superbad, Bridesmaids), television (The Office, Parks & Recreation) and even literature (I haven’t even read it, but Twilight seems like the ultimate awkward teen tale posturing as a sexy adventurous romance).

The fact that everybody knows we’re awkward is actually to our extreme advantage!  It’s true that self-deprecating humor and sarcasm aren’t always the best route when it comes to networking in professional settings, but I’ve found that embracing the awkward in me goes a long way when it comes to breaking the ice.

So, for this inaugural blog post I have decided to break down two very specific (and very relevant for you young professionals and potential-MBAs) kinds of events where awkwardness can be at your detriment or used to your benefit.

Situation: The Cocktail Party

Aka Umm Is It Really Ok to Drink Here?

Your boss is throwing a cocktail party to celebrate new investors in the company/say farewell to an amazing co-worker/introduce friends of the organization to employees/make you feel awkward.  There are tons of free food & drinks (delicious), a handful of people that you know (your co-workers) and a whole bunch of people you’ve never seen before (Them).  You’d be completely comfortable & in your element, if only your co-workers would stop networking with Them!