It’s very easy and comfortable to hit a “Like” button on Facebook, request a connection on LinkedIn, or send an email to someone you want to connect with and hopefully meet. It is sometimes very uncomfortable to do so in real life.
One of the best sources of potential connections are at conferences or networking events run by industry associations.
Here are 10 Tips if you find you are timid while attending a conference or event:
10. Stand up. Don’t just sit at a table at an event. Walk around – be visible.
9. Bring a friend. Especially if you are really nervous – there is strength in numbers.
8. Don’t drink. Full stop. Never. You are probably nervous enough already. Stay away from alcoholic beverages.
7. Wear a name badge if they supply it. And make sure it can be seen.
Remember – you have two ears and one mouth. Try listening twice as much as your speak.
6. Smile. People will always approach a happy person rather than a grumpy one. And did you know smiling relieves stress?
5. Have your elevator pitch rehearsed and ready. Someone will inevitably ask … “Hi, what do you do?” The “Ums” and “Ahhhs” are bad first impressions. Have your “Hi! I’m a <Insert what you do and what you’re looking for>” Be prepared and rehearse the line(s) multiple times!
4. Keep your comments positive. And, keep your initial comments innocuous. PLUS, keep your opinions to yourself. No one wants to hear whether you liked the speaker or not!
3. Have business cards with you. Even if you’re looking for work, make up some personal ones. Networking is all about career opportunities. An email account and a cell phone number are all folks need.
2. Introduce yourself. At a networking event, if you don’t know a single soul – walk up to someone and say, “Hi I don’t seem to know a single soul here. My name is (Insert your own name)” and take it from there. Or, find one of the organizers and say “Hi! I don’t seem to know a single soul here – could you introduce me?”
And the #1 Tip for Networking: RELAX. Yes, you are selling yourself and you will be nervous, but try and relax. Have fun!
As a bonus, here are a couple of extra tips
• Always dress like someone your clients would go to for advice. My clients (banks, telcos and mostly C-Suite execs) go to doctors, lawyers and professional consultant-types for advice. These advisors wear suits … and ties.
• Remember – you have two ears and one mouth. Try listening twice as much as your speak. Great conversation starters are, “Hi, who are you?” “Hi, what do you do?” “Wow, that sounds amazing – tell me more about that! And then be quiet, attentive, interested and let the other person speak. People love to talk about themselves. Ask them questions to get the ball rolling.
Networking is something you have to practice and get comfortable doing. It’s good for you and will pay dividends in the future.