After years working in-house across communications and marketing teams, making the leap into agency life as a senior account manager this past year has not been without its challenges.

One thing quickly became clear, is the game changes when you’re responsible not just for delivering campaigns, but for building relationships, generating leads, and driving new business. And none of that happens without putting yourself out there.

Networking isn’t easy. Even for someone who’s spent years managing communications behind the scenes, running events for people and being the organiser in the background.  Stepping into rooms where you need to connect with strangers, smile for the camera or make your expertise a viable option for people is daunting.

So, a mantra I am learning to life by is “courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s taking action despite it”

The benefits of being seen at the event, every conversation you have with someone new, every new LinkedIn connection, every coffee meeting at the local on the corner, is a small act of bravery that can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

Those relationships that you nurture can lead to collaborations. People trust those they know and respect, and visibility (whether in person, or in a photo) is the first step toward being seen as a trusted pair of hands in your industry.

I have also had the privilege to learn from two amazing colleagues, that the more you engage authentically, the more opportunities naturally present themselves. Whether that is in the form of a potential client, a referral, or simply a conversation that sparks a brilliant idea.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in this year of transition from in-house to agency life, is that networking isn’t just about selling yourself, it’s about being genuinely curious about others. BE CURIOUS was written on a post it note on one of the desks in the office when I first arrived and it’s so true. Ask questions, show interest and actively listen.

Also, putting yourself out there isn’t a one-off effort; it’s got to become a habit. It’s about following up, checking in and staying engaged with your network over time. It’s not about collecting business cards, Wave contacts and Facebook friends. It’s about establishing relationships that can grow into meaningful business opportunities that benefit both parties.

Leaving the comfort of in-house communications to work in agency life has shown me that networking is as much about courage as it is about strategy. Putting yourself out there can feel vulnerable. Smiling awkwardly for the group photo and standing still instead of trying to quickly move around the room when the event photographer is looming will never be something I am comfortable with.  But the benefits, new leads, stronger relationships, and expanded network are worth it and I am already seeing that. Every connection is an opportunity, and the more you embrace the challenge, the more doors open.