How do you approach networking? I have zero connections. Last ten jobs I found by myself. And nepotism is big in my country. One of my peers sat home for months till his wife found him a job, another upper management hired his son where I work now, my CEO hired his best friend as a vice-president who now does nothing in particular for my department (even though he’s appointed to be the head of it) and we have to do everything ourself.

I’ve been thinking about cultivating interpersonal semi-friendly relationships with colleagues except I can’t stand them all. Like when they invite me to corporate bonding events and dinners I know that it would be such a drag, I always refuse.

I’ve also been planning to frequent some national and regional events for my field. The problem is I’m very socially awkward and can’t do small talk for the life of me; Idk how to approach networking – just give away business cards or smth? What would people gain from associating with me – I’m not in a powerful position and I’m not even pretty and don’t have any connections or very rare skills they would benefit of.