‘Please don’t call me…’: Manoj Bajpayee on choosing sleep over Bollywood parties; tips to network without compromising routine

He added, “I do go out to meet a few people, director friends of mine. There is Sharib Hashmi, but I don’t have many actor friends. I know Kay Kay Menon, and I have high regard for him. Even Nawazuddin Siddiqui, but we don’t meet very often because we are all very busy people.”

Balancing career growth with personal well-being can be challenging, especially when networking often comes at the cost of rest. However, effective networking doesn’t always require late nights or disrupted routines. So, how can individuals build strong professional connections without sacrificing their sleep schedule?

Gurleen Baruah, organizational psychologist at That Culture Thing, says, “Networking is undoubtedly a powerful tool for career growth… it’s about the quality and depth of those relationships.” Rather than focusing on quantity, meaningful connections with one or two individuals can have a lasting impact.

Networking doesn’t require late-night events. While industries like entertainment or hospitality may involve after-hours gatherings, genuine connections can happen through “coffee chats, professional conferences, lunch meetings, or even online through platforms like LinkedIn.” Authenticity and intention matter more than being seen. Career growth depends on building trust and relationships that align with your values and lifestyle.

Maintain good body language — stand tall, smile naturally, offer a firm handshake, and maintain steady (but not overwhelming) eye contact. (Source: Freepik)

5 ways to network effectively without compromising on sleep and personal routines

Baruah suggests:

1. Setting clear intentions. Ask yourself why you are networking, what you can offer others, and what you hope to gain. Networking becomes far more purposeful and fulfilling when approaching it as a mutually beneficial exchange rather than just a transactional activity. Knowing your “why” helps you stay focused and ensures that every connection holds value.
2. When engaging with others, focus on presenting yourself with confidence and warmth. Maintain good body language — stand tall, smile naturally, offer a firm handshake, and maintain steady (but not overwhelming) eye contact. Balance speaking and listening; networking is more about understanding others than sharing your story. A confident, approachable demeanor leaves a lasting impression.
3. Next, be prepared to exchange contact information. Always carry your visiting cards or have a QR code to share digitally. If you’re networking with Asian professionals or in culturally nuanced settings, presenting your card with two hands shows respect and thoughtfulness. Small details like these go a long way in establishing rapport and cultural awareness.
4. Once you’ve made the connection, take the extra step to follow up. Add them on their preferred professional platform and send a thoughtful message thanking them for their time. This simple act makes the interaction memorable and keeps the door open for future opportunities. Reaching out within a day or two shows genuine interest and reinforces the relationship.
5. Lastly, avoid overextending yourself or becoming overly eager to connect with everyone. Maintain healthy boundaries and focus on the quality of your connections rather than quantity. It’s far better to nurture a few meaningful relationships than to have shallow interactions with many people.