I hate networking events. What should I do?
43%
Bring friends to make things more comfortable.
- Monique Lewis, 31, from New York, NY
"I like the example answer - Confidence is key." - Becca Schepps, 29, from Brooklyn, NY
"I don't like babysitting guys." - Paula L, 28, from Miami, Florida
"I don't like networking either." - Nancy Spruiell, 43, from New York, NY
"Find a good joke to tell to break the ice :)" - Vida James, 28, from New York, NY
"I hate work disguised as a party, too." - Sara Jagodzinski, 24, from Carol Stream, IL
"The more comfortable you are the more confidence you will have." - Carly Twisselman, 25, from Los Angeles, CA
"Be confident in yourself and it will show to those around you." - Mercedes Tahir, 23, from New York, NY
"Avoid at all costs unless you bring someone... or are a car salesman." - Amy S., 25, from Chicago, IL
"That's what friends are for!" - Priya Massand, 30, from Flushing, NY
"Networking is just another word for party." - Elise Stiller, 36, from Seaford, NY
"I say power in numbers!" - Regina Melzer, 32, from Los Angeles, CA
"Try not to look at it as networking. Maybe as a learning experience instead." - Julienne Irons, 27, from Los Angeles, CA
"I love a man who knows how to talk to people he doesn't know. It makes me more comfortable." - Vicky Chivy, 26, from San Diego, CA
"I'm shy." - Heather Callan, 25, from Chicago, IL
"It is unavoidable, but also understandable that you would want to use your support network." - Vicky K, 25, from Chino Hills, CA
"Confidence is sexy." - Nora Lahl, 31, from Milwaukee, WI
"I hate them too, let's sit in the corner and make fun of people." - Yisell Muxo, 35, from Miami, FL
"Makes it more bearable." - Emily Pelton, 29, from Brooklyn, NY
"But don't just talk to them the whole time." - JoAnna Di Tullio, 24, from Boston, MA
"I hate them too, but fake it 'til you make it." - Marisa Zupan, 27, from Brooklyn, NY
"Spread the network and make it friendly so it's bearable." - Deborah Lau, 23, from La Jolla, CA
"Networking is the only way to get to know people." - Jackie Rivera, 25, from Miami, FL
"Mingle, and then come back to your friends as a base..." - Alison Dichter, 31, from New York, NY
"Spending all your time talking with your friends is not good, but they always ease the tension." - Grace Hsieh, 22, from San Diego, CA
"Comfort can turn into confidence." - Aja Bernard, 27, from Brooklyn, NY
"Friends are fun." - Shelby Kovant, 25, from New York, NY
"Confidence is sexy but I understand the need for wingmen." - Lisa Miao, 27, from New York, NY
"Allow them to help draw out your best qualities so that others can see and come to you." - Frankie Robinson, 36, from Chicago, IL
"They always are convenient to break the ice and leave room for a quick get away." - Alicia Cohen, 37, from New York, NY
"The more the merrier, who knows who you may meet" - Nicole Laws, 30, from Fort Lauderdale, FL
"Ah, the gift of gab and smooze. It's a plus to get noticed." - Christina Johnson, 31, from New York, NY
"It can be fun!" - Miki Taka, 27, from Columbus, OH
"Networking events are a great way to meet new people. And yes, confidence is very sexy." - Lauren McHenry, 26, from Dallas, TX
"Just be yourself, have a little fun, and work it!" - Sandy Tragos, 32, from Chicago, IL
"The good thing is, sometimes you won't have to see the same people ever again." - Theresa G, 24, from San Francisco, CA
"Definitely bring a friend to ease the tension." - Molly Millett, 23, from San Francisco, CA
"Life is better with your support there." - Shelby Kovant, 25, from New York, NY
"Confidence is sexy but I understand the need for wingmen." - Anne C, 24, from Miami, FL
"Friends of friends are always welcome in social situations when looking for a mate." - Sarah Conrad, 27, from New York, NY
"Take advantage of the open bar!" - Marianna Branda, 23, from Miami, FL
"I hate it too..." - Ann Dang, 24, from San Diego, CA
"It is a must so do whatever makes you more comfortable to get through it." - Renee Lucas, 30, from New York, NY
"Always have a wing man." - Johanna Beyenbach, 29, from New York, NY
"Or just network on the Internet like I do." - Claire Griffin, 28, from Charleston, SC
"It's hard for me too, so I sympathize. But try and get away from your friends a few times." - Gina Kim, 24, from San Diego, CA
"It's normal to be uncomfortable sometimes. What's NOT normal is a guy that can't get over it." - Amy Liu, 23, from San Diego, CA
"It good to be confident and know how to present yourself and at times, be a crowd pleaser." - Grace Kang, 29, from Los Angeles, CA
"But don't get stuck talking to your friends all night!" - Kate Cohen, 27, from Syosset, NY
"I'll go with you, I'm a great networker." - Jolene R, 24, from San Francisco, CA
"It's cool if you're not a superficial chitchatter, but it's also cool if you can go with the flow." - Tiffany Clarke, 25, from richmond, ca
"I understand some people are shy, bring support if necessary." - Pienby Laurence, 25, from Jersey City, NJ
"I am a little socially awkward. It's easier to meet new people if I have some cushion." - Dominique Jackson, 29, from Los Angeles, CA
"Friends can be great wingmen to help out the cause." - Anna Bykova, 23, from San Francisco, CA
"You have to show your best." - Britt Ancell, 26, from New York, NY
"Option 4: Stay home." - Tiffany Davis, 32, from San Diego, CA
"Who goes to networking events anyway?"
7%
Practice your elevator speech until it’s natural.
- Veronica Cheung, 24, from San Diego, CA
"Practice makes perfect. Really though, it does." - Miana DeGardeyn, 33, from Chicago, IL
"Remember that most people feel the same way and find a way to connect... from there, it's easy." - Kate Sample, 31, from Chicago, IL
"Try to overcome it. Try, 'I'm a great listener. Tell me about yourself.'" - Danielle L, 26, from Chicago, IL
"Knowing the difference between cocky and confident is a must." - Amber Sellers, 33, from Brooklyn, NY
"Confidence is sexy. In my industry, networking is key. Just gotta do it, or you're nobody." - Doris Parker, 27, from Springfield, MA
"Practice small conversation starters so it will be easier to transition into a conversation." - Rachel U, 26, from New York, NY
"Fake it 'til you make it." - Rachel U, 26, from New York, NY
"There might be booze, which is helpful." - Rebecca Nashleanas, 25, from Los Angeles, CA
"It's all about how you convey yourself to people, so get out there and be confident."
50%
Get over it! It’s a necessary evil. Talk to people.
- Jennifer Manghisi, 27, from New York, NY
"Make yourself somebody that everyone wants to approach." - Jessica G, 25, from Boca Raton, FL
"Suck it up, you never know who you could meet!" - Erika Thomas, 25, from Miami, FL
"Everyone hates networking! But you gotta socialize...!" - Jen Gsell, 29, from Reston, VA
"A guy who can work a room full of strangers is sexy. Period." - Deeana Lowe-Chin, 24, from Miami, FL
"Network until you love it; besides, once you get into it it's not so bad." - Laura Lefkowitz, 35, from New York, NY
"Have a shot, it always helps." - Genevieve Melzer, 27, from San Francisco, CA
"But skip them when possible." - Jenna E, 32, from Davenport, IA
"At some point in life you've got to put on your 'big boy' pants." - Kristin Castro, 24, from San Francisco, CA
"If you truly want to be successful...networking is a must." - Christine Behrens, 24, from Oakland, CA
"If you're nervous find a real interest in the person you're talking to and forget about yourself." - Kylan Conroy, 24, from Chicago, IL
"There is nothing sexier than a guy who is outgoing and confident!" - Jessica Barrutia, 24, from Chicago, IL
"Women love guys who know a lot of people." - Schuyler Pham, 24, from Brooklyn, NY
"You can invite friends. But it's extremely attractive to be accompanied by a savvy networker." - Kate DAlleva, 25, from Morristown, NJ
"Why hate an opportunity to be human? People are great!" - Francesca Lacuesta, 29, from Sacramento, CA
"Confidence is all the rage. It will bag you a babe." - Dominique Vance, 23, from New York, NY
"Way too late in the history of the world to have this problem." - Mekalia Reid, 27, from New York, NY
"Networking is key to success and success is sexy." - Shelly Kaplan, 28, from Chicago, IL
"It's usually only for a short period of time, you are human... relate!" - Katrina Robinson, 28, from Charleston, SC
"I hate them, too." - Allison Baxley, 29, from New York, NY
"The great thing about networking events is that you already have a lot in common with the people." - Allison Baxley, 29, from New York, NY
"The great thing about networking events is that you already have a lot in common with the people." - Elizabeth Fenwick, 23, from Berkeley, CA
"Confidence is sexy." - Emily Woolf, 26, from Brooklyn, NY
"Seeing a guy charm other people is one of the hottest things ever." - Jessica Angst, 23, from Palm Beach, FL
"A well spoken man is a must." - Ashley Becker, 26, from New York, NY and Miami, FL
"I hate it too, but smile, nod and grab a drink from the bar!" - Ashley Potter, 26, from Milwaukee, WI
"Strangers make good conversation sometimes." - Lucy Malcolm, 26, from New York, NY
"Strong interpersonal skills, especially with strangers (art of woo) are SUCH a turn on." - Stephanie Singer, 30, from New York, NY
"Most people don't like this but it's something you've got to do." - Susie Jones, 29, from Naples, Fl
"Can't find women sitting alone in your apartment...go out already." - Sara Koch, 30, from Youngstown, OH
"Confidence is sexy." - Maya Calaway, 24, from Boston, MA
"I'm not into the guy who needs to charm the crowd, but I like a guy who knows what to say." - Kate Bailey, 26, from Chicago, IL
"Just do the best you can. No one is asking you to be different than who you are." - Luana Suciu, 25, from Boston, MA
"Stepping out of your shell shows confidence." - Claire Watkins, 25, from Santa Cruz, CA
"Confidence is key in more than just business!" - Jessi Odenbach, 28, from Chicago, IL
"Thats how you meet the 'need-to-knows'." - Whitney R, 25, from Princeton, NJ
"There's nothing more attractive than a guy who puts himself out there." - Jennifer Beio, 26, from Chicago, IL
"Confidence IS sexy. In my industry, networking is key. Just gotta do it, or you're nobody." - Rosie Dehoyos, 29, from Dallas, TX
"Courage is a Man's must." - Greta Eagan, 30, from New York, NY
"It's not what you know but who you know." - Vanessa Jeong, 28, from San Leandro, CA
"Once you get going, it'll be over before you know it." - Ashley Woolley, 25, from Chicago, IL
"I like someone who's able to break out of his comfort zone." - Samantha Conniff, 24, from Brooklyn, NY
"Nobody enjoys them, but you can maybe eventually enjoy them more." - Shannon Harknett, 24, from New Orleans, LA
"Be confident and people will come to you with ease." - Brittany Caudle, 25, from New York, NY
"Be yourself." - Ashley Hayes, 24, from Los Angeles, CA
"Confidence is definitely key." - Justine Bour, 26, from Chicago, IL
"A guy should be confident and secure enough to not stress about networking events." - Elinor N, 23, from New York, NY
"Networking events as in dating events? No... Networking as a way to connect with others? Necessary." - Karoline D'Angola, 24, from Bernardsville, NJ
"Networking is everything, gotta get those connections." - Krissy P, 25, from NJ
"Well it's a must if you want to get anywhere in life. It's hard, but you gotta do what you gotta do!" - Senait Mengstab, 30, from San Francisco, CA
"I once built a relationship with my CEO at a networking event. Alcohol helps if you're in control." - Jill Hanner, 34, from Astoria, NY
"Just do it! It's so important to meet people." - Jennifer Manghisi, 27, from New York, NY
"Make yourself somebody that everyone wants to approach." - Sara Bour, 23, from Urbana, IL
"It shows you have a lot of confidence in yourself." - Sherika Mair, 29, from West Palm Beach, FL
"It's one of the best way to met a guy without obligation. You can always change your mind." - Kelly Kaems, 30, from Kew Gardens, NY
"The more you do it the easier it gets." - Nadia Reiman, 28, from Brooklyn, NY
"Get over it! We all need to talk to strangers sometimes. Cojones are sexy." - Kelly Magsayo, 23, from La Jolla, CA
"An important skill acquired only through practice." - Rosalind Sun, 23, from San Diego, CA
"Just be open to meeting new people. It's going to be awkward, but push through without being pushy." - Kira Wilkinson, 27, from Washington, DC
"We all have to do things we don't like." - Wendy Liu, 23, from Alhambra, CA
"It's extremely necessary, and guys that don't understand that are not MEN!!" - Angela H, 0, from North, CA
"Networking is SEXY! A man who knows how to talk, we all love charmers!" - Cat Davis, 25, from New York, NY
"They're a must." - Karoline D'Angola, 24, from Bernardsville, NJ
"Networking is everything, gotta get those connections." - Vicky Kuo, 24, from San Diego, CA
"Gotta be sociable." - Kimone Campbell, 27, from Palm Beach, FL
"You have to mingle to meet." - Erika San Miguel, 32, from Larkspur, CA
"I love guys that exude confidence."