Networking Tips for the Shy & Awkward

Starting your own business and networking to build a base can be hard work.  It can also be a little intimidating if you are shy or somewhat introverted.  You possibly believe this will never be something you can do because you just don't fit into the entrepreneurial mode.

Public invitations for people to learn how to become a successful entrepreneur with hyped up terms like work hard, play hard, be likable – be interesting.  Halls are filled with people who are in awe and jumping on the speaker's bandwagon.  Everyone that is except the introverts who are breaking out in a sweat and believe they have no business being there.

Visibility is a part of networking, but you do not have to be in the center of it.  If you are an introvert, you do not have to be an extrovert.  What you need to do is take a deep breath, calm down and plan ahead.  You true personality will shine through, it might just take good planning so you are ready to meet your networking needs.

Here are some good tips to help you plan ahead and get a handle on the road ahead:

Manage Your Expectations: If networking events make your very nervous, don't drive yourself crazy with unrealistic outcomes or expectations.  So you aren't going to win over tons of people with your great sense of humor and that's fine!  One really great conversation that offers quality information and/or advise is worth more than a ton of artificial giggles.

Be Prepared: Sit down and prepare some icebreakers when you first enter into a conversation.  Plan ahead of time so you will have plenty of time to work on this.  Open-ended questions can incite a great conversation.  People, in general, love to talk about themselves, their hobbies and what they do for a living.  Ask the person you are engaging in a conversation how long they've been a member of the local golf course or what do you enjoy the most about your job.

Set Time Limits: Once you decide, ahead of time, how long you are going to remain at an event, you've made that commitment and can stick to it.  It won't seem as intimidating as it would if you waited to decide at the last minute.  Get to the event early enough to grab your name tag, get a drink and meet one person.  This period of time will give you the opportunity to adjust to the entire atmosphere and environment of the event.  You might actually start enjoying yourself and stay longer than you originally planned.

Get An Introduction: If there is someone you wish to meet, find someone you both know that would be glad to introduce you.  In most cases you will get further with an introduction than just approaching someone and introducing yourself.

Practice Listening: Actually, most introverts are excellent listeners while extroverts are better at talking.  By listening to someone else, you will become a very valuable person who stands out because you listen!

Personal Stories: By sharing personal stories, you will challenge yourself to open up more.  If you constantly ask questions but never share any stories of your own, the whole environment is going to come across as an interrogation.  Participating in conversations will help everything flow so much more naturally.

Practice Makes Perfect: If you are still feeling weak in the knees, put yourself in a no risk situation.  Drive over to the town where the networking event is going to take place.  You probably won't know anyone there so you can experiment.  Try some new conversation starters or some stories on folks over there.  If you fall on your face, it won't matter because they don't know you.

One Step At A Time: As long as you keep practicing, you are going to improve with each passing day.  Becoming more comfortable in social situations and sharing stories will show your true personality.  By small steps, you can take advantage with opportunities every day.  At work, when you take a break, walk around and socialize with other people.    Invite a co-worker to lunch or coffee, each day offers a moment for you to hone your socializing skills.

Are you an introvert or perhaps a bit shy? Do networking events leave you in a cold sweat? I would love to hear your tips and stories on how you overcome certain situations. Leave me a comment below.

Until Next Time xx

JD xx 

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