Networking Tips For People Who Hate Networking
Check out these ideas on how to network – and make the most of an event – even when it’s not your bag
Does the thought of making business connections with a room full of strangers fill you with dread? It doesn’t have to be that way. Follow these tips to make the process of attending networking events painless, and even (yes, really) enjoyable.
Arrive early
If you prefer small groups to large crowds, try to turn up early when fewer people have arrived. It’ll give you the opportunity to get to know a couple of faces in a less busy setting, so it doesn’t feel as overwhelming later on.
Make it even easier on yourself by asking the event representative to introduce you to other professionals. If you’re attending a virtual event, make use of any smaller chatrooms and any tools that allow you to schedule one-to-one meetings with other attendees.
If you prefer small groups to large crowds, try to turn up early when fewer people have arrived. It’ll give you the opportunity to get to know a couple of faces in a less busy setting, so it doesn’t feel as overwhelming later on.
Make it even easier on yourself by asking the event representative to introduce you to other professionals. If you’re attending a virtual event, make use of any smaller chatrooms and any tools that allow you to schedule one-to-one meetings with other attendees.
Make your move
Introducing yourself to someone you don’t know might be nerve-racking, especially if you’re not a natural extrovert.
“But,” says event manager Ffion Francis, “it’s worth remembering that most people who are attending an event are in the same position as you. They come specifically to make connections and get their name out there, so don’t feel shy about approaching people and starting a conversation.”
It’s a good idea to set yourself a goal – for example, aim to talk to at least five people and don’t leave until you’ve reached your number. Or if you’re at an online event, set a goal of contributing to a certain number of chat forums and scheduling a set amount of video meetings with other professionals. Once you get going, you’ll hopefully start to find it less intimidating.
Introducing yourself to someone you don’t know might be nerve-racking, especially if you’re not a natural extrovert.
“But,” says event manager Ffion Francis, “it’s worth remembering that most people who are attending an event are in the same position as you. They come specifically to make connections and get their name out there, so don’t feel shy about approaching people and starting a conversation.”
It’s a good idea to set yourself a goal – for example, aim to talk to at least five people and don’t leave until you’ve reached your number. Or if you’re at an online event, set a goal of contributing to a certain number of chat forums and scheduling a set amount of video meetings with other professionals. Once you get going, you’ll hopefully start to find it less intimidating.
Be yourself
Believe it or not, it can be beneficial to have an introverted personality when you’re networking. Overtly selling yourself and your business can have a negative effect; it actually pays to be a good listener. The idea of a networking event is not to make sales; it’s about forming the stepping stones of good relationships.
If you can’t think of anything to say, ask questions instead and make conversation as you would when you’re getting to know a new friend. You’ll come across as more natural and find it easier to build on the relationships you make.
“Ask them what line of business they’re in and just be yourself,” Francis says.
Believe it or not, it can be beneficial to have an introverted personality when you’re networking. Overtly selling yourself and your business can have a negative effect; it actually pays to be a good listener. The idea of a networking event is not to make sales; it’s about forming the stepping stones of good relationships.
If you can’t think of anything to say, ask questions instead and make conversation as you would when you’re getting to know a new friend. You’ll come across as more natural and find it easier to build on the relationships you make.
“Ask them what line of business they’re in and just be yourself,” Francis says.
Pass on your details
Your fellow event attendees will have spoken to quite a few new faces by the end of the event, so if you want them to remember you, they’re going to need your contact details. Don’t be embarrassed to hand over a business card or to send over your social media details – you’re all in the same boat.
“People often forget their business cards at in-person events, but not to worry,” says Francis. “You can always write people’s details in your smartphone, ask for their business card, send them an email on the spot, follow them on social media, or write your details on a piece of paper.
“Just try to make sure you exchange details somehow, as there’s nothing worse than meeting someone really interesting for your business and not being able to contact them again.”
Your fellow event attendees will have spoken to quite a few new faces by the end of the event, so if you want them to remember you, they’re going to need your contact details. Don’t be embarrassed to hand over a business card or to send over your social media details – you’re all in the same boat.
“People often forget their business cards at in-person events, but not to worry,” says Francis. “You can always write people’s details in your smartphone, ask for their business card, send them an email on the spot, follow them on social media, or write your details on a piece of paper.
“Just try to make sure you exchange details somehow, as there’s nothing worse than meeting someone really interesting for your business and not being able to contact them again.”
Follow up
So you’ve attended the networking event, had some conversations and, dare we say it, enjoyed yourself a little? Go on, admit it. Now there’s one more thing you need to do, and that’s follow up on your new contacts.
You could connect with them on social media, or send them an email or direct message to say how nice it was to chat with them. Don’t forget to follow them on Houzz, too – you can do this easily by finding their profile and clicking the follow button.
Find out how to connect with other pros on Houzz
Tell us…
What are your top tips for making networking easier? Share your thoughts and experiences in the Comments section.
So you’ve attended the networking event, had some conversations and, dare we say it, enjoyed yourself a little? Go on, admit it. Now there’s one more thing you need to do, and that’s follow up on your new contacts.
You could connect with them on social media, or send them an email or direct message to say how nice it was to chat with them. Don’t forget to follow them on Houzz, too – you can do this easily by finding their profile and clicking the follow button.
Find out how to connect with other pros on Houzz
Tell us…
What are your top tips for making networking easier? Share your thoughts and experiences in the Comments section.
You don’t have to go to a networking event every week, especially if you don’t enjoy them. The key is to choose something you’ll get a lot out of, so pick one that’s relevant to your industry and profession.
Look out for virtual conferences too, which have become more common since the pandemic. There are plenty of opportunities to network at these online events, and most include interesting video seminars where you can raise your profile by asking questions.
Check out key reasons to invest your time in networking