It seems effortless for some people…
You'll be at a social function or a networking event and you'll notice them. You'll see the business cards being exchanged. You'll notice that it looks like such a good time.
Most of all, you'll wonder why it seems far more challenging for you.
The Facts on Networking
Forbes released this excellent Infographic breaking networking down in detail:
(Source: Forbes)
All of these points talk about the TACTICAL side of networking – yet they don't address the real reason why many don't do it.
Fear or anxiety over networking.
On my podcast Work From Your Happy Place, I spend a lot of time asking successful entrepreneurs and direct sales leaders about what has helped them build large, profitable businesses.
One of my favorite questions that I ask on the show is, “What are some of your greatest skill sets that have helped you succeed in owning your own business?”
According to Lindsay Tompkins from Media Market, it is personal branding and networking that have got her to where she is today.
Take a listen to her podcast episode here to go deeper into her response.
But what about those of us who are shy, inexperienced with networking or are introverts?
Here are five things you can do to introduce yourself and start a conversation:
1. Stand near the bar or refreshment table. Instead of you having to actively drive the conversation – you're where the action is at any given moment. The majority of people head your direction, making it impossible to avoid meeting new people.In addition, your interaction can begin on a more “casual” footing rather than strictly professional.
2. Introduce yourself to the organizer. Always introduce yourself to the organizers of the event and thank them for putting it together. During the conversation, ask them about the influencers or leaders within the group.Typically, they'll point you in the direction of someone they think you would benefit from speaking to or introduce you to someone else on the spot.
3. Don't be a spammer. Don't “work the room” or be a business card slinger. Instead, think quality, not quantity. In business, just like anything else, people remember their high value relationships. No one wants to do business with someone that they don't like.
- Ask about the areas that interest you about their industry or business – avoid the “small talk.”
- Use compliments to begin a conversation. What do you notice about them that stands out to you?
- Buyer review studies have regularly reported that people who buy generally feel more heard and understood than sold.
- Having a bunch of short conversations won't help you in the long run. Instead, have a few meaningful dialogues.
4. Don't be afraid to join in. People attend networking events to meet new people and gain new connections, so don't be afraid to initiate a conversation or introduce yourself during a break in a group's conversation.
5. Find familiar faces. If you recognize someone, re-introduce yourself and remind them how you know each other or where you saw them.
You can say things like, “Hi there, my name is Belinda. I recognize you from LinkedIn and I remembered that you own the restaurant Wild Orchid. I go there all the time with my family. How are you enjoying the evening?”
Using this strategy avoids irrelevant small talk, starts with a compliment to relieve any tension, and keeps the focus on the business conversation.
The most important aspect of overcoming this anxiety is practice. The people you notice most at events have generally been doing it for a long time.
Of course it will seem easy to those who have been repeating the process for years and years.
Need a deeper dive?
Learn from those who have mastered the art of networking, like Lindsay and other entrepreneurs.
