If you hate networking events, it may be comforting to hear that experts don’t think they’re a great way to build strong relationships anyway. There are more natural, less transactional ways to connect with people, especially inside your company. Getting to know colleagues in different units and at different levels gives us perspective on our work and helps us get more done across the organization.

We talk with Inga Carboni about the characteristics of a strong network, common challenges for women building theirs, and how the senior-level women she studied managed those challenges. Next, we tell you how we cope when we find ourselves at a networking event and suggest some ways to start a conversation — or get out of one.

Our HBR reading list:

• “Learn to Love Networking,” by Tiziana Casciaro et al.
• “5 Misconceptions About Networking,” by Herminia Ibarra
• “When You Agree to a Networking Meeting But Don’t Know What You’re Going to Talk About,” by Dorie Clark
• “How to Get the Most Out of a Conference,” by Rebecca Knight

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Email us: womenatwork@hbr.org

Join us for a live episode in Boston on Tuesday, Nov. 12. The event is free, but you need to register to get in.

Our theme music is Matt Hill’s “City In Motion,” provided by Audio Network.