Does networking always remind you of those gray days when you were picked last in gym? I'm really bad at gym (sports at all), so for me that's a perfect comparison. Not many people really enjoy networking. But I have five tips to get over your networking anxiety.
1. Put on clothes you feel comfortable in
Do you never wear a suit or tight dress and actually find it uncomfortable at all? Then you also radiate that you don't feel comfortable. And that's not good for self-confidence! Put on clothes you feel good in. I don't mean your onesie. I truly believe it is the most comfortable, but I am talking more about normal jeans and a simple jacket or shirt.
2. Make sure you are fit
What does being fit have to do with networking anxiety? Well, you perform best when you are fit. So eat healthy and drink plenty of water. If you have time, dive into the gym a day before or grab that yoga mat from your closet. You're already not looking forward to networking. Then little sleep and an empty stomach is not a good idea.
3. Prepare your elevator pitch
Good preparation is half the battle. So now you've already sweated in the gym and picked out your best clothes. What's next? The business part. Practice your elevator pitch until you have it completely smooth. By smooth, I mean: know the main points. Know exactly what you're doing. Polished sentences are not chill. At least then you'll have your word ready when a scary, new, unfamiliar person steps up to you.
4. Observe and learn
You don't have to force yourself to walk up to people if you're super introverted. It's okay to watch first. Watch other people network. What do they ask for? How do they respond to others? What is their attitude? Observe others intently without being creepy and think about what you like and dislike about them. Practice your new skills and see what works. That way you will get better and better!
5. Make sure to follow up
Networking only becomes really valuable when you get something out of it. It's much more fun when you get new clients, isn't it? Then it was all worth it and you have nothing left to be afraid of. Good follow-up is essential for that. Also a clue, yet it is often forgotten. Sort your new business cards by category and connect on LinkedIn with anyone who can be valuable. Add a personal message. This can be very small, for example, "Nice to meet you today at the Unicorn Conference. I'm definitely going to apply your tip about influencer marketing! I'd love to add you to my network." When you get something like that, you are much happier than simply receiving an invitation, right?
Do you have networking anxiety or is networking, so to speak, really your thing? I am very curious to hear your networking tips because: observe and learn!
