Our professional networks shrank during the epidemic, sometimes by as much as sixteen percent, which is not surprising. It was too hard to keep up our connections online.
Although it’s hard to substitute a grin and a solid handshake, if you’re not accustomed to networking in person, this change may be frightening. You may be anxious about shaking hands, establishing eye contact, and wearing formal pants after working remotely for a long period.
Relationship development also takes a lot of effort. In order to build a network, you might not want to put yourself out there if you’re an introvert at all.
However, this might be a fantastic next move for your career. Fortunately, we can reestablish our business relationships and acquire critical networking abilities. Whether it’s a recommendation for a new position or a meeting with your future business partner, these abilities can open up unexpected new chances.
Tips to get better at networking
1. Set a goal
Do you have a certain person in mind to meet? Are you trying to find out more about a specific business? Or do you require assistance finding a job?
Having a goal for yourself can help you focus and be confident when you attend the event. When you arrive home, you can evaluate your success by seeing if you were able to accomplish your goals.
2. Know your worth
Although humility is a beautiful quality, don’t undervalue yourself. Make sure you are able to express your abilities and what you can contribute to a group, business partnership, or potential customer. Incorporate them into a succinct and unambiguous elevator pitch. This will demonstrate to others why they should continue to communicate with you.
3. Bring business cards
Business cards seem especially outdated in the social media era. However, they continue to be among the most effective means of exchanging contact details with hiring managers, recruiters, and other important contacts.
Yes, you could manually enter their phone number and email on your phone. However, this is a cumbersome process that is a waste of both your time and theirs. Business cards are easy to trade and let people know where you are. On your LinkedIn profile, you may even add a QR code.
4. Be positive
You should not vent your frustrations at a networking event. Don’t discuss your issues with current or former coworkers. What’s keeping you from criticizing your new relationship if you frequently speak behind people’s backs? This is a simple method to ruin a business relationship before it even begins.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
After all, that’s why you’re there, so there’s no shame in asking for help. Professionals anticipate chatting and offering assistance when needed during business networking events. Asking for career advice is, therefore, not a bad idea if you’re having trouble with a certain aspect of your work.
Discuss your professional objectives with the other person and get their advice on how to reach them. You can’t predict where the conversation will take you.
6. Give as much as you receive
If you can, you should also be willing to help. As an experienced professional, you may impart invaluable knowledge to those who are new to your field.
You can rely on your technical skills and awareness of current trends even if you’re a student or a professional just starting out in your career. Experienced professionals are keen to learn about new technologies or trends in the field that they may have learned about in school. Sharing newly acquired knowledge is advantageous to all.
7. Keep in touch with your new contacts
Meeting someone is one thing, but maintaining a connection is quite another. Don’t forget to exchange phone numbers or add your new contacts on LinkedIn. Then, when you feel it’s suitable, you can send them a message a few times a year.
Consider asking them to a professional event, giving them an item you believe they would find interesting, or sending them a kind message over the holidays. When it comes to keeping your connections strong, a little goes a long way.
How to improve your networking skills if you’re a shy person
Although networking can be difficult for shy people, it is still possible to network successfully with a little practice and the right techniques. Here are some helpful pointers for networking when you’re a shy person:
1. Set realistic goals
Set modest, doable objectives at the start of every networking event. For instance, set a goal to have one important discussion or introduce yourself to three new individuals.
2. Make your elevator pitches ready
Create brief and practiced introductions that highlight your qualifications and areas of interest. You can feel more confident when striking up a conversation if you have a script ready.
3. Research attendee
Look up the speakers or attendees online before the event. Finding common ground and striking up a discussion might be facilitated by having some knowledge about them.
4. Attend small events
For shy people, smaller, more private events may be less intimidating. Seek out specialized gatherings or workshops where you may engage with fewer people in a meaningful way.
5. Active listening
Active listening in talks is beneficial for both extroverted and introverted people. Because they are more perceptive, shy people frequently excel at this. Express genuine curiosity in what other people have to say by posing open-ended questions.
6. Prioritize quality over quantity
Focus on developing closer relationships with a select group of people who share your interests and objectives rather than attempting to network with as many people as you can.
Conclusion
Meetings with professionals can be frightening. However, they can also be energizing. You might find a new acquaintance who can help you in your work or get back in touch with folks you haven’t seen in a long time.
Relearning how to network is not something you should be afraid of. It’s an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and have fun. If you approach it with an open mind, you’ll come away with new insights, contacts, and self-assurance.
Are you still confused? Then, feel free to avail EnrichMyCareer for a FREE 15-minute career counseling session.
Visit EnrichMyCareer for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I network if I’m shy?
Ask a reliable friend or coworker to go to networking events with you if you’re a naturally timid person. Making connections can be facilitated by having someone introduce you to their contacts and facilitate your networking encounters.
2. How to start a conversation if you are shy?
The weather, your coursework or work responsibilities, recent accomplishments, locations you’ve been, movies you’ve seen, news articles, or anything you both have in common are a few topics you could discuss. Try to make others chuckle.
3. How to network if you’re socially awkward?
Practice being calm when approaching someone, politely striking up a conversation, and expressing gratitude by saying “thank you.” These are all fundamental components of building relationships. Try striking up a conversation with the cashier if they appear friendly when you’re checking out.
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