10 Ways a Wingman Can Up Your Networking Game

The practice of having a wingman has been around forever.

Think of a wingman as a teammate who assists you with a specific task. This partnership is especially valuable when it comes to forging relationships. Consider them your networking co-pilot! And having one can make all the difference.

Bringing a close friend or someone else you trust as a wingman to any social setting could be an asset and a real gamechanger. Whether it’s a networking event, meeting or conference, wedding or birthday party, or while hanging out at a bar on a Friday night — you can’t go wrong with the buddy system! When there’s a wingman literally standing by your side in a room full of people it can help with social anxiety and other fears.

But they’re not just someone who accompanies you to social gatherings. They support you through other aspects as well that make a positive impact on you — and your connections.

Here are 10 ways a wingman can up your networking game and help you create significant relationships.

They break the ice for you

If you don’t have the self-assurance to start a conversation with strangers or have a perceived awkwardness of introducing yourself to people, a good wingman will approach others on your behalf and break the ice for you. Then you can take their lead and join in on the discussion.

They maximize your time

Your wingman works the room and vets who you should meet so you can make the best use of your time and have meaningful conversations. This gives you an opportunity to speak with higher quality and influential people. 

They act as a super-connector

A resourceful wingman will act as a super-connector and introduce you to others who are trying to reach a similar goal as you. And they know and understand the advantages of bringing two individuals together who can mutually benefit from each other.

They set you free

A good wingman can also rescue you! They can help you break free from bad conversations or interactions that just aren’t effective or really going anywhere.

They can help if you’re shy

Designating a wingman can have a positive impact on those who are shy and introverted and tend to withdraw from social events. It can also help in combating loneliness as you focus on the advantages of spending time with others and building effective relationships.

They can be advantageous to your career

A wingman will put you in a position to meet valuable people and connect you with those who support your success. Not to mention they’ll be on the lookout regarding job opportunities or ways to help you advance professionally. 

They hold you accountable

Together you determine a goal and work with each other to reach it. And if you’re not holding up your end of the agreement, your wingman should hold you responsible for not meeting the objectives you both set. 

They give you credibility

A worthy wingman builds you up and changes the dynamic of your meetings with others. And through their own social proof, you earn instant trust and credibility. If they have done their job well, the person your wingman introduces you to will feel as if they’re the ones getting the most benefit from it, not necessarily just you!

They coach you

Through constant motivation and pep talks, they guide you through the networking game to help you focus and reach goals as you level up your relationships.

They build your confidence

Going to an event with a wingman will drastically change your self-confidence. Not only because you have a companion, but they’re also with you to make you look great. It’s like the advice from Will Rogers: “Get someone else to blow your horn and the sound will carry twice as far.” 

“Get someone else to blow your horn and the sound will carry twice as far.” 

Will Rogers

A great wingman increases your chances to make the right connections and reach your networking goals. And they open many doors to many opportunities. They should be respected and loyal and have the power to help you succeed. Plus, you can have more than one! It depends on your needs and what you want to specifically accomplish.

Having a wingman by your side is beneficial to creating meaningful relationships. Choose yours wisely, and you will dominate your next social event!