I Hate Networking… and I Own a Networking App. Go Figure.
Proof I Hate Networking (But Also Why That’s Exactly Why I am Building thr - a networking tool)
So I had a realization the other night at a networking event.
A deep, undeniable truth.
I actually hate networking.
Which is hilarious, because I literally own a networking app.
Yes, I built thr with a bunch of business partners to make networking easier.
Yes, I coach founders on how to build relationships.
Yes, people always tell me, “You’re so good at this!”
But yeah. I hate it. And now, I have proof.
The “WTF” Moment
So I’ve had the Oura ring for a little over a month now. It tracks sleep, recovery, and—apparently—stress.
I usually don’t even check that part. Life’s good. I’m in a great season. I could retire tomorrow if I wanted to. I don’t feel stressed. So why bother looking?
But for some reason, I decided to pull it up the other night after that event.
And boom. My stress levels were THROUGH. THE. ROOF.
Spiked. Red zone. Literal cortisol explosion.
Only during the times I was networking.
My body screamed, “You said you hated this, and we meant it.”
So yeah—I officially have biometric proof that networking stresses me out.
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But Here’s the Thing…
I may hate it, but I’m good at it.
I have to be. I’m a founder.
You don’t get to be bad at communication and still win.
In fact, if I could give only one piece of advice to a first-time entrepreneur, it wouldn’t be about systems, branding, funding or product.
It would be this:
Learn to talk to people. Learn to sell. That’s it.
Everything else can come later. You can hire someone for it. Learn it. Google it.
But if you can’t connect with other humans and share your vision, you’ll stall before you start.
So I’ve always said that to young founders.
But now I get to say something else, too.
You don’t have to love networking to be great at it.
You just need to set yourself up to win at it your way.
How I’m Learning to Hack Networking
Here are a few things that help me (and might help you) if you’re also the “hate networking but know you need it” type:
1. Get the list early
Most events have an attendee list or app. Use it. Figure out who you need to meet before you walk in. Don’t leave it to random “so what do you do?” roulette.
2. Use thr
Yes, I’m plugging my own app, but I built it for this exact reason. I didn’t want to walk in blind. With thr, I can identify who I need to connect with, reach out and book time before the event even starts. No more walking around pretending to check my phone to avoid small talk. My little AI buddy does EVERYTHING for me! I just show up. BOOM!
3. Meet people before the event
This one comes from my cofounder of thr, Eric, and it’s gold. He’ll schedule one-on-ones with attendees before a big event so when he shows up, it’s not a room of strangers—it’s a reunion. This advice is going to change everything for me.
4. Go with someone you trust
I hate going to the mall alone. Still do. Events are no different. The social friction drops fast if you can roll in with a partner, friend or colleague.
5. Have an exit plan
Give yourself permission to leave early. You don’t need to “work the room.” You need one or two meaningful conversations. Once you’ve had them, dip out and go eat something good. I don’t look to leave with 100 business cards. I look to leave with 3-4 SOLID connections that can actually lead to business.
What This Really Comes Down To
You don’t need to be the life of the party. You don’t need to walk in with a pocket full of business cards. You don’t need to love networking.
You need to be intentional.
You need a system.
You need a way to lower the social cost so it doesn’t wipe you out.
That’s why thr exists.
It’s not just an app for extroverts.
It’s a strategy tool for people who want to build relationships without the awkward cold outreach or energy drain.
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Final Thought
If you’ve ever told yourself, “I’m not good at networking,” or “I don’t like big rooms full of strangers,” guess what?
Same.
But that’s not an excuse to opt out.
It’s a chance to build smarter systems that work for you.
And if all else fails, check your Oura ring. It won’t lie.