Network with Confidence – Introduction
When people think of networking, they often imagine large events or meeting strangers online. But some of the most valuable professional connections you’ll ever make are much closer – right inside your workplace. Whether you’re working in an office or remotely, learning how to network confidently with colleagues and leaders can open doors to new opportunities, mentorship and career growth.
If you’re a non-native English speaker, internal networking might feel intimidating at first – but it doesn’t have to be. In this article, you’ll discover practical strategies for building genuine relationships at work, with plenty of real-life examples to show how it works in practice.
(If you’re just getting started with networking in English, check out How to Network in English: Building Connections with Confidence for broader tips and support.)
Be Visible Without Being Pushy
The first step to workplace networking is being visible. This doesn’t mean showing off or speaking up in every meeting. It simply means making yourself known and approachable.
Example:
Linh, a software engineer from Vietnam, started attending her company’s optional “Tech Friday” sessions. She didn’t always present, but she asked thoughtful questions and shared useful articles in the team chat afterwards. A few weeks later, a senior developer invited her to collaborate on a high-profile internal tool.
How you can apply this:
- Say yes to lunch invites, optional events or after-work socials – even if only occasionally.
- Join cross-department projects or employee networks.
- Keep your camera on in virtual meetings when possible – it helps people connect faces with names.
Build Trust Through Small, Consistent Actions
Big moments in networking are rare. Most of it happens through small, day-to-day interactions. A quick comment at the coffee machine, a kind reply in a chat or even a smile in the hallway can go a long way in building familiarity.
Useful phrases for casual conversation:
- “How’s your morning going?”
- “I liked what you said in the meeting – great point.”
- “What’s your team working on this week?”
Example:
Carlos, an account manager from Spain, started chatting with a colleague from finance during their morning coffee run. Over time, they began sharing tips about their departments, and eventually collaborated on a successful internal pitch. It started with a simple “How was your weekend?”
Don’t underestimate small talk – it’s the doorway to trust.
Strengthen Relationships with Managers and Mentors
Networking isn’t just horizontal – it’s vertical too. Building a strong connection with your manager or other senior colleagues can help you grow professionally and feel more supported.
Example:
Ayesha, a product analyst from Pakistan, wanted more feedback but was nervous about asking for it in English. She sent her manager a message:
“Hi Emma, I’d love to get your advice on the report I delivered last week – do you have 10 minutes this week to talk?”
Her manager appreciated the initiative, and these short check-ins became a regular part of their work relationship. Soon, Ayesha was being considered for a promotion.
Tips:
- Don’t wait for annual reviews – ask for feedback regularly.
- Be specific and respectful: “Could I get your thoughts on how I handled that call?”
- Use your 1-to-1 meetings to talk about career goals, not just tasks.
Connect Across Departments
Some of the best networking opportunities are outside your immediate team. When you build relationships across departments, you gain different perspectives and increase your influence within the company.
Example:
Daniel, a non-native English speaker from Germany, sent a short message on Teams to a marketing colleague:
“Hi Leah, I really liked your campaign presentation today – great use of storytelling. I’d love to hear more about how you approach content if you ever have time for a quick chat.”
Leah appreciated the compliment and agreed to a virtual coffee. They later teamed up on a cross-functional project that increased both of their visibility.
Try this:
- Send a friendly message after someone presents at a company meeting.
- Join interest groups or internal communities (e.g. sustainability group, DEI committee).
- Offer help when you see a project that connects to your skills.
Use English Confidently, Even If It’s Not Perfect
One of the biggest blocks for non-native speakers is fear of making mistakes in English. But remember: confidence is more important than perfection.
Language tips for internal networking:
- Use clear, simple sentences: “I’d like to learn more about your team” is better than a long, formal phrase.
- Practise key phrases for emails and chats, such as:
- “Thanks for your insight!”
- “Could we catch up sometime this week?”
- “Let me know if I can support you.”
Want to build more fluency for workplace networking? My Udemy course on English networking for professionals offers structured lessons, examples, and practice activities.
Make Internal Networking a Habit
Good internal networking isn’t about one big conversation – it’s about staying connected over time. You don’t need to become best friends with everyone. Just aim to be friendly, helpful and visible.
Easy ways to stay connected:
- Schedule a monthly “virtual coffee” with someone outside your team.
- Follow up on good conversations: “It was great chatting yesterday – let’s keep in touch.”
- Celebrate others’ success: “Congrats on your presentation – well deserved!”
Keep track of who you’ve spoken to, and don’t be afraid to reconnect after a few months.
Practise with Other Learners Like You
If you’re still building your confidence, it helps to practise in a safe space first. That’s why I created a supportive community for professionals who need English for work. Inside, you’ll find:
- Realistic networking scenarios
- Feedback and encouragement from other professionals
- Live sessions to practise your skills in a friendly environment
👉 Join the learners’ community here and start building your confidence before your next team meeting.
Conclusion: Your Workplace Is Full of Opportunities
You don’t need to attend big events or have a huge personality to be a great networker. Every workplace is full of small chances to build relationships, learn from others and open doors to new opportunities.
Start with a simple hello. Ask one colleague about their work. Thank someone for their help. And most importantly – keep showing up.
You never know where those connections might take you.
