Depending on your personality, networking is either your idea of a good time or your waking nightmare.

(Count me in the second group.)

Meeting + interacting with new people with the intention of developing professional and social contacts can be helpful. It can help you grow your business, land a new job or expand your social circle.

But networking can also be exhausting and dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. (OK. Maybe dangerous is a strong word, or maybe we’re all one spectacular public flop away from disaster. You decide.)

At any rate, you don’t want to be that person who tries a little too hard and comes off as desperate or who manages to get up the courage to go to a networking event and then stands by the wall with your head in your cell phone all night.

So, we culled advice from local business leaders + residents and came up with three easy tips for you to make the most of networking.

🤝 Go to something you’re interested in

Sometimes networking for the sake of networking isn’t the way to go.

Local resident Amy Donohue, River City’s director of marketing and communication, suggested attending an event that’s industry-specific or is related to something you’re truly interested in.

“That way, you’ll have something in common with people in the room to start a conversation,” she said.

Another CHA resident Tripp Stanford, who has worked with nonprofit organization the Young Professionals of Chattanooga, said he’s benefited from networking without actually trying to network.

Must be nice. I’m having anxiety just writing about networking.

“My kind of networking is engaging with the community, being social, and building intentional relationships,” Stanford said. “It just has happened that a by-product of that has been a few jobs along the way.”

He echoed what Donahue said, though, and said it might be especially helpful for introverts like myself.

Join a club; play a local sport; try out a new church, he said.

All those are ways to meet new people and make new connections, and if you’re interested in those activities, it will be easier to make conversation and not sound like a robot shoving business cards at someone.

🤝 Ask a question + listen

If you don’t know what to say, come prepared with questions. Ask the questions and then listen. (Actually listen. Don’t do that head-nodding thing where you’re really zoned out or thinking about dinner.)

“Effective networking can start by asking a thoughtful question; it’s one of the best ways to put others at ease and demonstrate that you are genuinely interested in their story,” Sarah Henson, head of Unum’s early career talent programs, said.

Asking questions opens the door to shared interests and may help you decide what to share about yourself, she said.

🤝 Follow up afterward

So, you made it to the event. You chatted people up + exchanged contact information.

But what good is all that if you don’t follow up somehow?

Donahue also said it’s important not to underestimate the importance of the follow-up.

“At networking events, if you hit it off with someone, take the initiative to follow up via email or a phone call,” she said. “Whether you’re simply saying, ‘It was nice to meet you,’ or to ask the person if he or she would like to meet up again in the future, it’s a great way to start building connections.”

I don’t remember everyone who I meet at an event, but I do remember anyone who follows up later, FWIW.

Quoteworthy advice from experts

“Even in this ‘electronic Age’ don’t forget the value of a good business card. At a big Chamber of Commerce networking event you can make dozens of good contacts, but they don’t do you any good if you can’t find each other when you need to. A business card helps make that happen.” — Ron Harr, retired former CEO of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce

“With the current political climate, I developed a list of individuals whom I knew were of a different political persuasion or someone with whom I knew but didn’t interact with on a regular basis. I reached out to them for a one-to-one visit over coffee (or wine). The idea was to set aside our cell phones and really listen as the other person shared his or her unique perspective.” — Robin Derryberry, President of Derryberry Public Relations

“Say yes! Say yes when an acquaintance encourages you to sign up for a new organization. Say yes when someone says, ‘I’d like to introduce you to a few folks in my office.’ And, of course, say yes when invited to lunches, receptions and happy hours. You never know who you’ll meet or what you’ll learn through each opportunity that will be beneficial down the road. And hopefully, in turn, you can provide value to others as well.” — Micah Johnson, COO/SVP of Bridge Public Affairs, former spokeswoman for U.S. Sen. Bob Corker

Help from readers

In our Instagram story poll, 56 percent of respondents said they enjoy networking. Forty-four percent responded, “Ack. Do we have to?”

Readers also chimed in on our Instagram story with networking tips.

“Listen attentively.”

“Quality over quantity. Think great conversations!”

“Big smile and a networking wing man/woman.”

“Be confident.”

Others posted comments on our Instagram feed.

“We see a lot of networking in our space — good for businesses, friendships, creativity. WiFi, coffee and food all help!” @thecamphouse

“Advice? 1) bring an experienced friend when you're first getting into networking 2) make it a goal to make 3 solid connections.” @magnoliaheartc

“One of our main goals for our company was to get more involved within our community and @chachamber has allowed us to do just that. We’ve been able to network with our local businesses and learn more about our city/community.” @trident_trans