photo credit: chuckp

“Networking” — the buzz word that we use today to refer to meeting people and building relationships — can be an uncomfortable proposition.  One common form is the networking event, where you snazz up your look, head to some cocktail hour or luncheon or conference, and spend time figuring out how to approach groups of people already in conversation and make an impression that is both professional and interesting enough to merit further attention.

One key to creating the kind of impression that you want is confidence.  So how can you put your social insecurities aside and focus on creating positive results from your networking efforts?  You have to get clear on what networking success and failure mean.

Define networking success

Take the long view. You may not walk out of an event with a job interview or new client, but you may walk away with a coffee date, a piece of advice, or a LinkedIn connection.  All of these are valuable steps in long-term, mutually beneficial relationships.

Give yourself a goal. It can be to talk to 5 new people, to talk to 3 potential clients, to secure 2 coffee dates, or whatever is meaningful for you.  Then, when you meet these goals, you can walk away feeling great about your interactions.

There is no networking failure

Eliminate the fear. Often, fear of networking is based on some nebulous fear of a worst-case scenario.  So let’s think this through: what is the absolute worst that could (reasonably) happen?  The person that you approach for some reason blows you off.  If that’s the case, they probably won’t even remember it, and your ego may take a hit, but there will be thirty other people in the room with better manners to meet who will enjoy your company.

There really is no way to fail. If you go to the event and don’t connect with anyone, you’re no worse off than you were before.  But if you connect with just one person, you have opportunities you otherwise would not have had.

Visualize your success

Before you go to an event with a networking component, spend a few minutes imagining yourself in a successful networking situation.  Think of that person you know that makes it look effortless, and imagine yourself as them.  Imagine your body language, tone of voice, facial expression.  Imagine you connect with someone who can give you what you need, and they do.  How does that feel?  Before you walk into the room, take a deep breath, smile, and imagine yourself as the networking rock star you will be.

Got a great tip to help people network confidently?  Share in the comments!

Related posts:

1. Networking barrier-busters: 4 keys to productive networking
2. Networking event success: Know the goal before you go
3. Too much networking: Is there such a thing?
4. How to boost your confidence in 10 seconds, 10 minutes and 10 days
5. Business networking: Stop being nice and start being successful

Tagged as: Career, effectiveness, elevator pitch, motivation, networking, preparation