Overcoming Your Fear of Networking

Would you rather endure the pain of kidney stones over walking into a room full of people you don’t know?

Have you ever signed up for a networking event weeks in advance, thinking “I’m definitely going this time,” only to find yourself making all kinds of excuses hours before it starts?

Once you get yourself into the car, are you secretly wishing for a major traffic jam to keep you from getting there?

Sounds like you might be a “quiet person,” (aka introvert). First of all, there's NOTHING WRONG with that! It's simply a characteristic, like having blue eyes or being tall.

Secondly, the good news is you don't have to feel like this before or at networking events. You can make them work FOR you, in a way that feels comfortable for YOU.

In fact, you actually have the skills and characteristics to be a fantastic networker. Here are three tips to make your networking experiences easier.

1. Flip the Script

Instead of thinking of networking events as a place where people are discussing the weather and shoving business cards in your hand asking if you need a new coffee machine for your office, redefine it. Take the approach you’re there to make a new friend.

Realistically, you’re not going to walk out of an event having signed up any new clients.

You’re simply there to start conversations that you’ll continue over time. You’re making connections. You’re building the foundation for ongoing relationships.

2. Ask Questions & Listen

People like people who listen to them. As a quiet person, listening is one of your strengths.

Can you find two or three people to listen to? Change your perspective. Pretend you’re a reporter.

Shift your focus from yourself to the other person. Ask questions that get people to talk about what they love most.

Keep in mind, your questions don’t have to be about business. You could lead with a “how did you get started in your business?” question.

But then you could go into “what do you love doing in your free time?” Or “what kind of volunteer work do you do?”

3. It’s Ok To Be Who You Are

Many quiet people think they have to become more outgoing and gregarious to be good at networking. Not true!

You’re probably a really good listener. Put that skill to work when you’re asking questions like the ones in Tip 2.

Most people are usually too busy thinking of what they’re going to say next when the other person (finally) shuts up. If you’re someone who can listen, people will appreciate and like you more.

If you hear them reveal a problem – perhaps they mention needing a resource or an introduction, for example – and you can offer a solution, you have created a reason for them to remember you.

Oh, and don’t stress yourself out about having to come up with a solution on the spot. Write yourself a note on the back of their business card.

Later in the week, if you come up with a recommendation, you can call or email. Once you have done a favor for them, they will be more likely to do a favor for you. This is the Law of Reciprocity at work.

With these tips, take your quiet person strengths to your next networking function. Instead of slinking out of the room demoralized, leave feeling good about making a new friend or being able to help someone.

Ready to improve your networking and relationship building skills even more? Click HERE to get the book “How To Feel Comfortable, Confident & Courageous At Networking Events.”

Find more articles and information about networking strategies for quiet people at https://www.ZenRabbit.com.

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