10 Ways to Overcome a Fear of Networking
A practical workplace session that helps people feel more comfortable starting conversations, engaging with new contacts and turning professional introductions into genuine relationships.
What Is This Lunch Talk About?
This lunch talk helps participants reduce hesitation around professional networking and use practical behaviours before, during and after networking situations.
Why it matters
- Expands opportunities across teams and industries
- Builds confidence in professional settings
- Supports career and business growth
Common challenges
- Feeling anxious or awkward in networking situations
- Not knowing what to say
- Struggling to keep conversations going
- Finding it hard to follow up
Participants will learn to
- Start and maintain conversations with confidence
- Use simple, practical techniques during networking events
- Turn introductions into meaningful next steps
The 10-Step Networking Confidence Framework
Start With Simple Conversation
Use low-pressure openers to break the ice.
Manage the Initial Nerves
Use simple techniques to feel calmer and more at ease.
Aim for Genuine Connection
Find common ground and show real interest in others.
Let Your Body Language Help
Use positive non-verbal cues to appear open and approachable.
Set a Clear Networking Goal
Be intentional about what you want to achieve at the event.
Listen More Than You Perform
Focus on understanding rather than trying to impress.
Read the Room
Adjust your approach based on the setting, people and atmosphere.
Turn Introductions Into Next Steps
Find natural ways to continue the conversation.
Reframe Networking
See networking as learning and giving, not just self-promotion.
Build a Network Over Time
Stay in touch and nurture relationships for long-term value.
Participant takeaway: a practical networking toolkit participants can use before, during and after professional events.
Flexible Agenda. Practical Learning.
Choose the format that works for your team. Each session follows a clear structure and can be tailored to your available time, while keeping the practical and interactive approach.
Opening
Set the context, create a safe space and get everyone comfortable.
Why Networking Feels Difficult
Explore common fears and misconceptions, and reframe networking.
The 10-Step Framework
Walk through the practical steps with real examples and tips.
Practice and Discussion
Try out techniques in small groups and discuss key takeaways.
Your Next Networking Action
Turn insights into a personal action plan with clear next steps.
Who Will Benefit Most?
This lunch talk is designed for anyone who wants to feel more confident in professional networking and build stronger, more meaningful relationships at work.
Employees and Individual Contributors
Build confidence and expand your professional network.
New Managers and Emerging Leaders
Develop visibility and create valuable cross-team connections.
Client-Facing Professionals
Strengthen relationships and create new business opportunities.
Sales and Business Development Teams
Find new prospects, build partnerships and grow your pipeline.
Project and Cross-Functional Teams
Collaborate more effectively and build bridges across the business.
Turn Confidence Into Workplace Action
Put what you learn into practice in real workplace situations. This lunch talk gives you practical tools you can use straight away, in a variety of professional contexts.
Industry Events and Conferences
Approach new people, have better conversations and make a lasting impression.
Internal Networking
Build stronger relationships across teams and departments.
Client Meetings
Create rapport, identify new opportunities and strengthen client relationships.
Cross-Functional Projects
Work more effectively with different teams and build trusted working relationships.
Professional Introductions
Make the most of introductions and turn new contacts into valuable connections.
Follow-Up Conversations
Keep the momentum going with thoughtful and effective follow-up.
Choose How Your Team Joins
A flexible format to suit your people, your goals and your work environment, with the same engaging, practical experience wherever your team is.
Onsite
We come to your workplace or chosen venue for a fully interactive in-person experience.
Virtual
A live online session with the same practical content and interactive discussions.
Hybrid
Bring people together onsite and online for a seamless, inclusive experience.
Built Around Your People
Each lunch talk is tailored to your organisation, with practical examples and discussions that are relevant, engaging and immediately useful.
Your Goal
- Build confidence
- Strengthen skills
- Support career growth
- Improve collaboration
- Meet specific outcomes
Your Audience
- All employee levels
- New joiners
- Early career professionals
- Experienced professionals
- Leadership teams
Your Situations
- Team events
- Onboarding programmes
- Professional development
- Industry conferences
- Internal learning series
Your Timing
- Stand-alone session
- As part of a wider event
- Recurring series
- During lunch hours
- At a time that suits you
Your Interaction Level
- More discussion
- More practical exercises
- More real-world examples
- Q&A focused
- A fully customised balance
Networking Skills Training Across Portugal
We deliver lunch talks for organisations across Portugal, onsite, at arranged venues or live online, making it easy for your teams to access practical networking skills wherever they are.
Lisbon and Tagus Valley
Lisbon, Oeiras, Cascais, Sintra, Almada, Setúbal
Northern Portugal
Porto, Braga, Guimarães, Viana do Castelo, Vila Real
Central Portugal
Coimbra, Aveiro, Leiria, Viseu, Castelo Branco
Alentejo and Algarve
Évora, Beja, Portalegre, Faro, Lagos, Albufeira
Madeira and Azores
Funchal, Santa Cruz, Machico, Ponta Delgada, Angra do Heroísmo, Horta
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How to Build Networks
Grow a professional network that creates lasting value.
View Lunch TalkMaking a Great First Impression
Feel more confident and make a positive impact from the start.
View Lunch TalkBody Language Basics
Understand non-verbal cues to communicate with confidence.
View Lunch TalkAssertiveness and Self-Confidence
Speak up, share your ideas and build confidence in professional conversations.
View Lunch TalkBusiness Etiquette
Navigate professional settings with ease and confidence.
View Lunch TalkMastering the Art of Conversation
Keep conversations flowing and create more meaningful connections.
View Lunch TalkQuestions Teams Ask Before Booking
Answers to common questions about our networking lunch talks, including delivery, customisation and who they are for.
What is the purpose of this lunch talk?
To help people feel more comfortable starting conversations, engaging with new contacts and turning professional introductions into genuine working relationships.
Do participants need any prior networking experience?
No. The session suits all employee levels and experience.
How long does the session last?
The lunch talk typically lasts 30 to 120 minutes and can be adapted to fit your schedule and format (onsite, virtual or hybrid).
Can you provide industry-specific examples?
Yes. We tailor examples and discussions to your organisation and situations.
Can the content be customised for our organisation?
Yes. We adapt the goal, audience, situations, timing and level of interaction to your team.
Is this relevant for client or external networking?
Yes. Client meetings, industry events and conferences are among the situations covered.
Is this suitable for people who feel hesitant about networking?
Yes. It is designed to reduce hesitation with simple, low-pressure techniques.
Is it also useful for internal networking within our organisation?
Yes. Internal networking across teams and departments is a core focus.
Is this also valuable for confident networkers?
Yes. Experienced professionals sharpen their approach to follow-up and relationship building.
Do you provide any follow-up resources?
Participants leave with a practical networking toolkit and a personal action plan.
Does the session include role-play or practical exercises?
Yes. Participants try techniques in small groups, and the level of interaction can be adjusted.
Does the session cover body language?
Yes. Using positive non-verbal cues is one of the 10 steps.
Can you deliver the session onsite at our workplace?
Yes. We come to your workplace or chosen venue.
Is this a therapy or treatment for social anxiety?
No. It is a practical workplace skills session, not a clinical or therapeutic service.
Can you deliver the session virtually?
Yes. A live online session with the same practical content and interactive discussions.
Can we combine this with another lunch talk topic?
Yes. It can be combined with related topics or form part of a wider programme.
Do you offer a hybrid delivery option?
Yes. We can bring people together onsite and online.
Do you deliver lunch talks in different locations across Portugal?
Yes. From Lisbon and Porto to the Algarve, Madeira and the Azores, onsite or online.
Who should attend this lunch talk?
Employees, new managers, client-facing professionals, sales teams and cross-functional teams.
How do we request a session for our team?
Use the enquiry form below, or email [email protected].
Help Your People Connect With More Confidence
Give your team the practical skills and confidence to build stronger relationships, create new opportunities and make networking a natural part of their professional success.
Tell Us About Your Team
Get in touch to discuss a tailored lunch talk for your team. Share a few details and we will get back to you with ideas, availability and next steps.
Fast Response
We reply to enquiries in less than one working day.
No Obligation
Get friendly, expert advice with no pressure or commitment.
Tailored Approach
We will suggest the best format, topics and delivery options for your team’s goals.
Send Us an Enquiry
Fill in the form below and we will be in touch shortly to discuss your lunch talk.