Networking Tips for Shy People
Posted by Megan Bergtholdt on Thu, Jan 08, 2009
A member of Future Women Leaders posted an interesting
article to the FWL LinkedIn Group regarding networking tips for those of us who..well...aren't too excited to be networking in the first place. Networking events can often be stressful times for shy women. Meridith Levinson defines several tips for stressless networking in CIO's "How to Network: 12 Tips for Shy People":
- Start small: practice networking with people you are already familiar with - co-workers, past colleagues, family, friends
- Stop apologizing: approach a conversation with confidence
- Tap into your primal instincts: humans are social creatures by nature
- Be yourself: that's it... just be yourself
- Tap into your passions: join clubs or attend events that attract people with interests similar to yours
- Ask for introductions: don't cling on to just one "buddy" throughout the event
- Be generous: generosity goes a long way when you're networking
- Be prepared: practice your personal pitch
- Follow up: send a follow up email to whomever you met at the event; most people don't, and it will make you stand out
- Get over your fear of rejection: think of it this way - the other person is probably just as terrified of introducing herself to you
I think the first 10 tips are the most poignant; read the article for the full list plus commentary. Above all, when networking always keep in mind that everyone is there for the same reason: to meet other people and broaden their network. Have any other networking tips? Let us know in the comments.
Need to improve your networking skills? Sign up for FWL's March event, Networking 101: A Savvy Woman's Tips.