Networking in English: Build Confidence and Career Connections
Why Networking (in English) Is the Hidden Skill Behind Every International Career
Your skills get you into the room. Your network decides how far you go.
When I first started working internationally, I thought career success was all about expertise. If I worked hard, delivered great results, and kept improving my skills, people would notice.
But here is the truth I discovered, often painfully: results do not speak for themselves. People speak for you. Your colleagues, your managers, your contacts. And if they do not know you, they cannot recommend you, promote you, or introduce you to the opportunities that change your career.
That is why networking matters. Especially for international professionals working in English.
The Problem
Most professionals focus only on technical expertise. They earn advanced degrees, master their craft, and deliver excellent work. But when it comes to building relationships, they hesitate.
Here is the data: 70 to 80 percent of jobs and promotions come through networks, not résumés.
So why do so many talented international professionals avoid networking in English?
They feel awkward.
They do not know what to say.
They worry about making mistakes.
I hear this from my clients all the time: “I know I should network, but I do not feel confident in English small talk.”
I absolutely understand! I hesitated to network too.... even in English! Then I realized that networking is a fundamental soft skill, so important that effective networking skills are taught in top MBA courses worldwide.
The Cost of Not Networking
Avoiding networking has real consequences:
You become invisible inside your company.
You miss out on promotions because others are more visible.
Your career growth becomes stagnant, even though your skills are excellent.
This is the hidden danger: your English might be good enough, but if you do not build relationships, your career will not move forward.
The Truth About Networking
Networking is not fake. It is not about handing out business cards or forcing conversations. It is definitely not a waste of your time. Done well, it is about three things:
Generosity: being willing to help others.
Curiosity: asking questions and really listening.
Visibility: showing up so people know who you are.
Think of it less as “networking” and more as “relationship building.”
When you shift your mindset from “I have to impress people” to “I want to connect and learn”, everything gets easier.
A Mini-Framework for International Networking
From working with ambitious professionals across Europe, I have seen that successful networkers focus on three essentials:
Visibility - Showing up
Attend industry events, even if it feels uncomfortable.
Speak up in meetings, even briefly.
Make yourself known, not just your work.
Curiosity - Asking questions
Networking is about listening, not talking.
People remember those who make them feel heard.
Consistency - Following up
One coffee chat is nice.
A second email, a LinkedIn message, or a quick check-in builds trust.
A Practical First Step
If the idea of networking feels overwhelming, start small.
Here is one universal question that works everywhere, in every culture:
🎯 “What are you working on that is exciting you right now?”
Why does it work?
It shifts the focus to the other person.
It opens the door to positive conversation.
It requires no perfect grammar, just curiosity.
You can use this at your next conference, in a hallway chat, or even in a Zoom breakout room.
From the Client Files
One of my clients, an experienced project manager, once told me: “Networking feels fake. I don't know what to say in English except to talk about the weather...”
We practiced one simple question: “What has been keeping you busy at work lately?”
At his next company meeting, he used it. The conversation flowed easily. A senior manager shared details about a new project. That led to an invitation to join the project team. Six months later, that project became the stepping stone to his promotion.
All from one question!
Networking Is a Learnable Skill
The good news: networking is not a personality trait. It is a skill. And like any skill, it can be learned, practiced, and improved, even in English.
You do not need perfect grammar. You do not need to be an extrovert. You just need tools, practice, and the confidence to use them.
Start small. Start simple. Start with one question, one conversation, one connection.
Next Steps
The ability to network, in English and in any language, is not an inate talent. It is simply another skill, that can be learned, and improved. It comes from practice, strategy, and mindset!
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