Networking in a professional community is very important whether you want to sell something to its members or just present yourself as an expert and a potential collaborator. Most people, however, do not like going to social events for networking and prefer to network over the Internet. Nevertheless, face-to-face meetings still remain a faster and a more efficient way to meet and start cooperation. The businessknowhow.com website summarized the following recommendations specifically for those of you who are afraid of networking.
Start by smiling deliberately. You will not only look more pleasantly in the others' eyes, but you will also feel more pleasantly yourself. It really works. Realizing that many people around you have the same feelings as you may help you as well. Look around and find someone who stands apart from the others. When you reach him, he will be grateful that you rescued him and started the conversation. The you can invite other participants standing lonely around you to your discussion.
No stress
Do not stress yourself in advance by thinking of what you will speak about and how you will look when speaking. Your primary goal should be to get to know the person you are speaking with better, not to promote yourself and get stressed because of the impression you make. Start e.g. by complimenting on something the person is wearing, reminding of something interesting in the place where you are or by simply asking what led him or her to visit the event. Then, let the person speak and you will see that the conversation unfolds naturally.
The purpose of visiting networking events is not to get acquainted with everyone who comes. A superficial conversation with a hundred people will not be any good help. Thus, focus on the people who interest you and try to give them more than one sentence during which you will try to impose your business card on them. If you do not want all your efforts to remain useless, do not forget to follow up on the first meeting and remain in contact after the event. The ideal would to meet the same community and get to know one another more closely at more events.
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