Nervous with Networking? Do it Anyway.
Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash
Do you dread networking? Is there this pressure to impress, to sell, to connect that just muddies your potential for connection. Do your hands sweat? I totally get it. But honestly, you'd never know it. Here are a few tricks I've learned which help me focus in networking situations:
Make Eye Contact - Ok of course looking someone in the eye is 101 in making connections but when you are new to networking, it can be daunting. The trick? No trick - Just do it. Look whomever your speaking with directly in the eye when you are speaking to them... Just be careful not to stare either. Look at them intently but calmly.
Speak Slowly and use SIMPLE Language when Introducing Yourself - "Hi my name is xx and I am an xx." Or maybe "Hi I'm xx I work at xx". Whatever is simple and direct but say it slow enough so that the person you are speaking when can understand exactly what you've said. Also, know what you do and practice explaining it to people. For example, I will often introduce myself by saying, "Hi my name is Sarah. I am a graphic designer." Then when they ask where I work or if there is a pause I'll say, "I have a company called Sarah Beth Graphics and I design print & digital graphics for businesses."
Think of How YOU Can Support THEIR Business - Asking for help is much harder, more awkward and always less successful than offering help. Actively listen and ask questions when you are networking. Share something you think may help them. Or think of someone they should connect with. Talk about your business only to a point to share what you’re passionate about, but don't sell. Creating a connection over mutual interest is much stronger when your contact understands that you support their success too.
Forget About Your Sweaty Hands - This is an awkward one because it's a dead giveaway for nerves. I've rinsed my hands in cold water, held my hands against my pants and even shoved tissues in my jacket pockets to try to hide this embarrassing stress reaction. But truly when my hands are sweaty I just think about how I wish they weren't and it gets worse. My best advice is to focus on your conversations, the new connections you are making and the more comfortable you get - the more your hands will return to a natural dry state.
Here's the thing. I'm actually quite introverted, but I know that the more people I meet, the more people I'll have connections with who eventually may need my services. And, the more people I meet - the less I feel like I have to SELL my business. I just explain the projects I'm most passionate about and when they need me or think of someone who does- I'm here.