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The first time you go to a networking event, itâs likely that your palms will be sweaty and your heart will be racing. For many women, it is like high school all over again! Youâll be terrified of meeting new people because you have nothing in common with them and are afraid they wonât find you interesting. Itâs normal to feel this way, but after some practice, your fear of networking will subside.
Seven Ways to Overcome a Fear of Networking
1) Understand Why Networking is Important
You canât avoid networking. Itâs a part of every job interview and every pitch to new clients. Often your professional success relies on your ability to establish connections and meet people. If you dread networking, try and understand why it’s important: Do I want to make more money? Do I want a better job? Do I want more clients? What does my ideal career path look like? Write down all these reasons, and keep them handy; next time you have to network, refer back to your list. Once you have an understanding of why networking is so crucialâand if it is truly something that interests youâyou can take some small steps toward conquering your fear.
2) Understand That You (& Your Time) Are Valuable
To overcome your fear of networking, you have to learn to value yourself and understand that itâs OK to ask people for help. You donât have to be a wallflower at networking eventsâitâs your job as an entrepreneur to introduce yourself and share what you can offer others. In order to do that, you need confidence in who you are. We all want to avoid being rejected or appearing foolish in front of others, but unfortunately avoiding situations where you could potentially feel uncomfortable only helps keep your fears alive. So think about why you network. Remember that networking is about sharing knowledge with other business professionals so that everyone can move forward together!
3) Plan Small Face-to-Face Meetings
It might be as simple as getting out from behind your computer screen and meeting real humans. Start by going to an industry event or two, talking with other professionals in person, and forming relationships outside of email exchanges or social media interactions. Some experts recommend starting a regular networking coffee date with a friend once a week.
When you start face-to-face communication, youâll feel less fear about cold calling a stranger because theyâre no longer a total stranger. Seeing someone face-to-face makes it easier to determine whether you actually want to connect with them professionally, and if so, how you can do that effectively. Plus it could end up being really beneficial to both parties involvedâitâs called networking for a reason!
4) Practice! Practice! Practice!
If youâre scared to approach people at networking events, you might find it easier practicing with friends and family first. Many people donât like to admit that they need practice, but you wonât get any better without it. Once you get used to chatting up your friends and family about what they do, try approaching complete strangers at public events. It helps if you go to networking events where itâs easy to start a conversationâsuch as meetups, Chamber events, or conferences.
Afterward, think back on how things went. Did you ask questions about their profession or industry? Were your questions natural? Did you ask for a meeting to discuss things in more detail? Use these instances as opportunities to improve your networking skills for next time. Most people will forget most details of their conversations with you quickly after talkingâso there’s no need to worry about embarrassing yourself or having an awkward silence stand out in their minds! đ
5) Be Prepared
The other person will likely introduce him/herself first which allows for some low-pressure small talk before diving into a more intense conversation. Get yourself a stack of business cards and always carry them with you. If someone asks if you have a card, have one ready to hand out. Be ready to give out your name, title, company, email address, and even website URL. Use that 30-second elevator pitch, too; itâs often all that youâll get.
You want potential clients to remember who you are and what your company does after they meet you. You never know when or where a networking opportunity will present itself so be prepared! Itâs important to be prepared and relaxed so you can focus on putting your best self forward at these events â and yes: everyone else is feeling just as uncomfortable as you are!
6) Bring a Friend
Many people find it helpful to find a friend or coworker to attend events with â knowing someone there can help put you at ease. Itâs also less intimidating to approach new contacts when you have a buddy, rather than going alone. If you get trapped in a conversation, a friend or networking buddy can help you get away from it so that others get an opportunity to meet you.
Hint: Make sure you donât stand around your friend all night, though! You want people to come up and talk to you too.
7) Join a Virtual Networking Group
If youâre not so comfortable in group settings, joining online networking groups is also an option. Virtual networking groups give you the opportunity to hone your message and practice your pitch. Virtual network groups allow you to gain some experience before diving into more nerve-wracking, live networking opportunities. Just like live networking events, itâs important that you reach out with both value and genuine interest; otherwise, people may be more hesitant to connect with you down the road.
Start Networking Now!
No matter what kind of event you find yourself at, itâs important to remember that networking is a two-way street. While itâs great to get business cards from all your fellow attendees, itâs even better to put in a good word for them when they arenât looking. The more contacts you make, the more chances you have of making real business connections. So get out there and start networking!
