FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
FM SERVICES PROVIDER’S VIEW
ANDREW HULBERT,
FOUNDER PARETO
Networking is about connecting with people, sharing ideas, and opening yourself up to opportunities you might not have thought possible.
In FM where we’re still working hard to make the sector more inclusive, networking events like Tomorrow Meets Today (TMT) are setting the standard in making this happen. They bring together people from all backgrounds and experiences to share, collaborate, and challenge the status quo.
If you’re thinking about joining a group, here’s some advice to get started:
Be clear on what you’re looking for. Maybe you want to find a mentor, meet others in a similar role, or simply get a better feel for the industry. Knowing what you hope to get out of it makes it easier to approach conversations and events with a goal.
Start small. If the idea of networking feels overwhelming, start with smaller, more relaxed events. You don’t have to jump straight into a room full of strangers, ease into it, and you’ll find your confidence grows naturally.
Focus on real conversations. Networking is all about people. Be curious. Ask questions. Share your own experiences. It’s the genuine relationships that come out of these events, not the surface-level chats, that end up making the biggest difference.
Look for different perspectives. The best thing about networking is you’ll hear ideas you wouldn’t come across otherwise. FM thrives on diversity, different backgrounds, different ways of thinking. Engaging with people who don’t see the world the way you do can open doors to fresh ideas and approaches.
Give as much as you take. It’s a two-way street. Whether it’s sharing advice, connecting people, or being supportive, the more you contribute, the more you’ll get out of it.
Be kind to yourself. Not every event or conversation will feel like a win, and that’s okay. Building a network takes time, and often it’s the unexpected connections that end up being the most insightful.
Networking is about building a stronger, more inclusive FM industry, not just a career building exercise. At TMT, we’ve seen how one conversation can lead to mentorships, career changes, or even ideas that reshape the way we work.
So, take the first step. Show up, be yourself, and see where it takes you. You might be surprised at what’s waiting on the other side of that first hello.
