Ever received a “one size fits all” t-shirt? Over the years I’ve done a number of charity walks and they are a lot of fun and raise a lot of money. But I always dread one part – the t-shirt.

As you register at the walk they give you a t-shirt – to bring everyone together with common garb, to thank you for participating and to recognize sponsors. Now, I like the t-shirt idea, but here’s the thing. I am small – short, petite, tiny frame. And 9 times out of 10, when you get a free t-shirt it is “One size fits all.” As if!!! That one size never fits me!

I want to wear the t-shirt – I want to be part of the group. I want to show my support of the event. But I look like a 5 year old in a tent. Not great for the self-esteem.

Recently I’ve found that event organizers have caught on. Instead of just the one size fits all, they are now bringing multiple sizes. This year at the Superwalk for Parkinsons I got a t-shirt that fits! It was a great day. Instead of one size fits all, they recognized that we are all different sizes, but all want to belong.

So why haven’t we caught on with networking?

Reading networking advice, it is hard not to start believing that there is a one-size-fits-all networker suit that we should all fit into. This ideal networker is that gregarious schmoozer who works the room, with no butterflies in their stomach, nor any hesitation to regale you with their snazzy elevator pitch (see my previous post for more on this). When you try to be this supposed ideal networker, you can feel like you are swimming in a t-shirt that is 6 sizes too big or strangled in one that is 3 sizes too small. It feels awkward and uncomfortable.

We really need to start showing that there are multiple ways to approach networking – and all can be successful.

Not great at cocktail parties? Maybe you are great at staying in touch.

Not good at making cold calls? Maybe you are wonderful at sharing info and support with your colleagues.

Not keen on chit chat? Maybe you do love getting into long in-depth conversations.

And so on.

If we drop the one-size-fits-all approach, could we make multiple approaches that fit all sizes?

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