Urban Networking can be a great tool for success in your business, career, and personal life. Shyness can be a significant barrier when it comes to networking, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can overcome this challenge. The more skilled you feel in your networking, the more confidence you will feel. Urban Networking rule: “Practice develops Competence, and Competence brings Confidence.
In this article, I offer ten tips to help you overcome your reluctance and improve your outcomes.
Set realistic goals. Start by setting small, achievable goals for networking. For example, aim to introduce yourself to one new person at an event or briefly converse with someone you don’t know.
Prepare in advance. Before attending networking events, prepare some conversation starters or topics you feel comfortable discussing. Have an introduction or commercial you can use to meet new people. This can help ease anxiety and provide a sense of confidence. One of my favorites is “Hi there. My name is __. I am always excited to meet new people and hear about different experiences in this industry. What brings you here today?”
Attend small events Consider attending smaller, more intimate gatherings where approaching and connecting with others may be more accessible. These events often allow for more personal conversations and make it easier to build relationships.
Volunteer or join groups. Engage in activities or join groups that align with your interests or passions. This can provide a more natural and comfortable environment for networking since you’ll be connecting with like-minded individuals. There are plenty of meet-ups and events listed on Eventbrite. Just RSVP.
Read more of The Connector in the July 18th edition of ScoopVizion available online at https://scoopusa-pa.newsmemory.com