It’s the holiday season. And that means there will be no shortage of networking events and company holiday parties in the coming weeks. These networking events can be stressful for introverts, like myself. Especially when you are as bad at small talk as I am. But, the more I go to, the more I realize that there are several things I can do to alleviate the anxiety. After all, there’s nothing more awkward and embarrassing than being the wallflower with no one to talk too.
Do Your Research Beforehand
I can’t stress this enough. Before you attend the networking event, find out as much as you can about who will be there. Start a conversation on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin or (insert social network of choice) with someone else who plans on going to the event. Ask them about their hobbies, interests or about their job. Then, plan on meeting up at the event.
This is an instant icebreaker. It will alleviate the stress of going into an event “cold turkey.”
Listen More, Talk Less
Even when you have plans to meet people at the event, it can still be nerve-racking to meet a Twitter follower or Facebook “friend” for the first time. Make sure to just sit back and listen to everything they say. Take it all in, and don’t be afraid of an initial awkward silence. Once you really start “listening” to what they have been saying, you will be able to jump in and carry an intelligent conversation much easier.
Don’t be a Stage 5 Clinger
If you’ve seen the movie, Wedding Crashers, you know exactly what I’m about to write. Some people, myself included, have a tendency to hang around with the same one to two people for the entire networking outing. This is a bad idea. People come to networking events to meet new people. Chances are you making your newfound connection a bit awkward when you “tag” along and monopolize a conversation with them. Instead spread your wings and start conversations with many people.
Don’t Be The Drunk Chick or Creepy Scotch Guy
There will undoubtedly be that one girl or guy at every event that has a few too many drinks. Having a drink may work in your favor to loosen you up a bit. But, please drink with caution.
Remember you are here to network. Chances are, one of the people you meet may be a future colleague, business client or even a boss. The last thing you want to do is be the drunk guy/girl puking in the bathroom and/or in an comprising situation.
Don’t be “that guy”
You know whom I’m talking about. That person, who is always a guy, dressed in a fancy business suit with about 500 business card in his hands. His whole mission is to hand out a business card to every individual in the room. Just don’t do it.
Good networking is about having conversations and connecting with people on a deeper level. You can’t possibly get that with a “Hi, how are you? Here’s my card.” canned response.
Do you have any additional tips? I’d love to hear. Please leave them in the comment section below.
You forgot- Be Yourself. Sounds cliche but is incredibly true.
That’s a great point, Matt. You can’t network effectively unless you stay true to yourself.
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What a refreshing post—someone who really does understand networking. I have been
speaking and training on the subject of networking for years. So frustrated, I decided it
is time to write down the simple stuff. Book is just about finished “Face-to-Face Networking
is Dead. WRONG! Includes all the basics.
Another tip make sure your have your contact cards (formerly called business cards) with you..
You are absolutely right–you should plan to meet no more than 3 people at an one-hour event…