Networking events are the perfect place to meet people to help you grow your business. However, if you are a shy person in nature, they can be your worst fear.
You might think that you can get away without networking but you really need to face your fears so that you can grow your business.
Here are some tips for shy people to succeed at networking.
- Be Yourself. Many people can be pushy and aggressive when they network. There is nothing wrong with being shy and awkward in networking situations. It happens more than you realize. You may even bond with someone over it!
- Ask someone you know to introduce you to others. Though you may want to spend the evening with someone that you know, it defeats the purpose of going to a networking event. Instead, ask that person to introduce you to others. This is much easier than walking up to strangers and introducing yourself!
- Smile at others at the event. If you don’t have someone to introduce you, try smiling at others. This can be seen as an invitation for others to come over and talk to you. Be sure to really listen and join in the conversation. Even if it is not going to help your business, it is good practice.
- Join a club or group that relates to something that you really enjoy. If you enjoy reading, join a book club. If you like to watch football, find others that like the same thing. Once you get more comfortable around new people that have similar interests, you will have an easier time opening up to people that don’t.
Shy people may have trouble at networking events but, with some practice, they can still do well. They should always be themselves because most of the people at the event are also feeling a bit awkward! If you know someone, feel free to ask someone to introduce you around. If not, be sure to smile at others to invite them over to you. You might want to practice networking by joining a group of people who like similar things like reading books or watching football. Once you get over talking about something you love, it will be easier at a networking event.
Contact us to help you with your networking, both online and off!
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