Written by Jamiee Salone, 2025 CYP Chair and Communications & Marketing Specialist at Atlas Tech

Forget the stiff handshakes and surface-level small talk. Charleston Young Professionals (CYP) is flipping the script on traditional networking and young professionals across the Lowcountry are here for it.

At the recent CYP event, Networking with Purpose, YPs gathered not just to exchange business cards, but to rethink how we connect, with intention, authenticity and mutual value. The evening featured a powerful session led by Director of Strategic Partnerships with Trident United Way and CYP alum Joey Current, whose thoughtful approach to relationship-building left the room buzzing with fresh perspective.

What Comes to Mind When You Hear “Networking”?

Joey kicked things off with a simple question: What’s one word that comes to mind when you think about networking?

The crowd offered up classics like “relationships,” “connections” and “transactional.” But Joey challenged us to dig deeper. What about “awkward,” “unnerving” or “shy”? For many, networking feels more like a chore than a chance to grow. That’s where CYP’s first approach comes in.

Rethinking the Networking Game

Joey’s framework encourages a shift from passive mingling to purposeful connection. Here’s how:

• Relational > Transactional – Networking isn’t about collecting contacts—it’s about cultivating relationships. Fun fact: introverts often outperform extroverts in networking because they listen more deeply and connect more intentionally.
• Purposeful > Passive – Instead of defaulting to “What do you do?” try asking questions that spark real conversation.
• Quality > Quantity – Aim to make 3–5 meaningful connections, not 30 fleeting ones. Depth beats breadth every time.

Tangible Tips for Intentional Networking

Whether you’re new to the scene or a seasoned pro, these tips from Joey will help you show up with confidence and leave with connections that matter:

1. How Do You Show Up?

• Body Language Matters: Maintain eye contact, smile, offer a firm handshake and show your palms to signal openness.
• Dress the Part: Wear something that makes you feel confident and approachable. Don’t forget your name tag!
• Name Game: Repeat names during conversation to help lock them in your memory.

2. What Do You Say?

• Ask Leading Questions. Go beyond the basics. Try:
  • “What’s your background?”
  • “What brought you here tonight?”
  • “What’s something exciting you’re working on?”
• Trigger Positivity: Ask about career goals or what they love about their job. These questions activate dopamine and create a feel-good vibe.

3. How Do You Exit Gracefully?

• Thank them for the conversation.
• Mention something you appreciated or learned.
• If it feels right, suggest staying in touch—LinkedIn, email or even a coffee follow-up.

Putting It into Practice

After the session, attendees headed to Paddock & Wisky in Park Circle for a casual networking hour, an ideal setting to test out their new skills. The vibe? Relaxed, energized and full of genuine conversations.

Final Takeaway

If you’re a young professional looking to grow your network in a more intentional, people-first way, CYP’s approach is a game-changer. It’s not about who you know, it’s about how you connect.

So next time you walk into a room full of strangers, remember meaningful networking starts with showing up, asking better questions and being fully present. The rest will follow.