As an American, networking came naturally to me.
Small talk was simply part of the culture.
Then I started working with engineers and PMs from Germany, Czechia, Poland, Sweden, Kuwait, the Ivory Coast, and other parts of the world.
I noticed something.
Many brilliant professionals hated networking.
Not because they lacked expertise.
Because no one had taught them the social rules.
How do you approach a stranger?
How long do you talk?
What do you ask?
When do you leave the conversation?
What Americans call "networking" often looks obvious to Americans and completely mysterious to
everyone else.
The good news?
It's a skill.
And skills can be learned.
That's why I put together this Networking Conversation Starter Guide.
If networking events drain your energy, this is for you.
If it helps, post your experience in WINS. I'd love to hear what happened.