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We’ve heard it many times before — networking is vital to career growth, establishes your professional reputation and increases your access to job opportunities. But for some of us, networking is no easy feat because networking equals difficult, uncomfortable and oh-so awkward.
Thankfully, for the more introverted among us, networking is no longer confined only to physical events. There are now online forums, professional social media networks like LinkedIn and virtual events that help make networking a little easier since you technically don’t have to meet people face-to-face.
But then there’s still the part about knowing how to keep your networks warm so you’re not forgotten. You can’t completely avoid meeting people physically, so you still need to know how to make your voice heard, right?
But how can you do that if you naturally gravitate towards being the fly on the wall in social settings? Here are some tips and tricks to help you make a positive impression when you network, even if you don’t like to meet new people.
1. Prepare in advance
First, decide on the type of event you want to attend that’s relevant to your industry, interest and profession. Then, set small goals such as the number of conversations to have (psst, it’s about quality not quantity), and how many business cards or LinkedIn contacts you want to exchange. Having a plan can help reduce your anxiety. Knowing what you want to achieve and what you can bring to the table can help you feel more confident.
If possible, find out who will be at the event and research who you might meet. Think of a few talking points or questions that would align with their interests or the topic of the networking session. You could also arrive earlier for the event, as there will be fewer people and it will be less overwhelming.
Remember that networking is not simply about meeting someone who will immediately give you the career benefits you desire. Networking is about building relationships and creating partnerships first.
2. Practise active listening
Surprisingly, being more introverted can be beneficial in networking because it pays to be a good listener. After all, networking is about forming good relationships.
If you’re not the kind who likes engaging in small talk, active listening can help relieve the pressure to keep conversations going. People appreciate it when someone shows genuine interest in what they have to say and feels like their expertise matters. Asking open-ended questions like “What brought you to this event?” or “How did you get started in this industry?” can encourage others to share more.
Pay attention to what the other says and pick on cues that could lead to more discussion, such as a hobby or projects they’re working on. You could also share about yourself that’s relevant to the situation or conversation. Additionally, having a few default phrases in mind – such as “tell me more about that” or “that sounds interesting, how did that come about” – can help keep the conversation going.
3. Have an elevator pitch prepared
An elevator pitch is simply a brief introduction about who you are and what you do. This can help you to start conversations confidently and make a strong impression.
An example of a pitch can be, “Hi, I’m [your name], and I currently work as a [job title] at [company] for [number] of years. I’ve had [number] of years of experience in [industry or role] and have developed my skills in [key skills]. I’m looking to connect with others who are passionate in [industry or field].”
It also helps to remember that you’re not alone in trying to make an impression. Most people attending networking events are probably in the same position as you. They, too, are trying to get their name out there and form business connections.
4. Use positive body language
Positive body language is crucial for making a good impression, especially if you’re not too thrilled about attending a networking event. Here are a few quick tips to ensure you exude positive vibes through your body language.
- Maintain a straight, relaxed posture to project confidence and help you feel more assured. Avoid crossing your arms so you don’t appear closed off or defensive.
- Keep a soft, genuine smile on your face so you seem approachable and friendly. If smiling doesn’t come naturally when you’re nervous or anxious, practise in front of a mirror at home until it’s more comfortable.
- Offer a firm and confident handshake to convey confidence. A weak grip can be interpreted as disinterested, while an overly strong one can be seen as overcompensating.
- Focus your thoughts on the conversation instead of worrying about how you’re being perceived. Showing genuine interest in the conversation can naturally improve your body language.
5. Remember to follow up
Congratulations! You’ve attended a networking event and came out of it unscathed. Now, there’s one more thing you need to do – and that’s to follow up with your new contacts.
Within 48 hours of the event, connect with them on LinkedIn or email them to say it was nice meeting them and reference the event or conversation you had with them. You could also suggest a coffee catch-up or simply express interest in staying in touch. These could include attending future networking events together, sharing relevant information about something you discussed, or offering support to a challenge they mentioned in their conversation.
People enjoy feeling that their expertise matters and research shows that when we’re asked to help someone else, we feel closer to the person we’re helping. To add value, you could identify projects for collaboration or introduce mutual connections.
Most importantly, be authentic in your communications and respect their time and boundaries.
Networking is a vital component of career health because it provides a multitude of benefits to help you grow professionally and attain success in your career goals. Even if networking doesn’t come naturally to you, it can be nurtured and learned.
And as they say, practice makes perfect!
