Networking That Produces Results–How to Work That Room!

Are you one of those people who shudder at the thought of attending networking events? As if your daily schedule and life itself wasn’t stressful enough, you are also now expected to shine as you network and gather all those business cards and leads from complete strangers.

What if you feel really introverted and awkward in those environments? What if you’ve attended networking events before and just weren’t very effective? There is light at the end of the tunnel – and it doesn’t come from the headlamp of the approaching train!

I used to feel that way too. I’d convinced myself that I was too shy and introverted to go to networking events (or in fact any event that required mingling with strangers) and the thought alone made me extremely anxious and flustered. I started to overcome those feelings by repeatedly reminding myself that the people I would meet had no preconceived ideas about me. They had no idea that I thought I was shy. So I started faking confidence. I would attend events and mentally prepare to go “on stage” as soon as I arrived. I would walk in acting like a person who is outgoing and confident. Within only a few seconds of doing that something in my brain kicked in, and I was no longer pretending. Confidence and poise was actually coming naturally. I had overcome the first obstacle: my negative mental block.

Now, that is all well and good, but “first” implies that there are more! I also had to learn a number of other techniques to help me. I am delighted to share them with you today in this article, and help you to overcome your fears of stepping into a room full of strangers.

Seven Tricks of the Trade

Arrive in good time. Slipping in just as the event is beginning is bad manners and gives other attendees the wrong impression of you right from the offset. Most of all it also adds to your stress and anxiety (and you want to minimise that, right?). Plan to arrive 15 to 20 minutes earlier. This will give you time to catch your breath and gather your thoughts. You may even have a better opportunity of meeting the host and breaking the ice with them. Don’t be scared to tell them that you are new to the group and keen to meet many others. You’ll be surprised at how relaxed you feel after telling someone that!

Be prepared for small talk. Have some interesting topics to talk about and share. If you regularly read the newspapers and other relevant industry journals you will keep in tune with current or local interest affairs and give you something interesting to contribute to the conversation.

Develop your “Verbal Signature