I have been invited to several networking functions and I am just bad at them. I am a little shy (maybe a lot) with people I don’t know and I act like a wall flower.

If someone introduces me to someone, I can usually pick up from there. I would like to be able to walk in a room and say hi, introduce myself and not come off to strong as a salesperson.

Can someone give me some tips?

Julian

I'm really shy as well and have a hard time approaching people, but am getting better at it. Maybe use the old speakers trick of picturing them in their underwear?

Seriously though - they're all there for the same reason you are, to meet people and develop relationships. Just don't expect to leave a networking event with a client (although it does happen occasionally) - people have to see you many times and get to know you.

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Julia

Networking events can be intimidating and if you're not comfortable at the start then that makes it harder. Why not try something like this: make a decision that you will have a conversation with just ONE person. Just one. Breaking it down into smaller steps makes it less overwhelming and easier to manage.

When you get there, look for someone you'd like to get to know better. Then find an opportunity to connect with that person. Remember that everyone is there for the same reason, to network with others.

Networking is like anything else, the more you do it, the better you get.

Maybe you could seek out the organizer of the event and ask them for guidance. I'm sure they'd be willing to give you some tips. Or, maybe you could volunteer to help them at the reception area or something like that.

Just some ideas.

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Shari Sultana
Online Business Manager (marketing for retail ecommerce)

At the most recent event I went to I found myself stuck a couple of times. The first time I just stood there and finally decided to take a break and go to the bathroom...weak, I know. The second time it happened I decided there had to be a least one other person in the room who felt the same way I did. Kind of like when you ask a question there had to have been someone else wondering the same thing. So, I looked for that person who might be feeling the same way I was...another person NOT talking to someone. I walked right up to him and introduced myself by saying, "Since neither of us have someone to talk to I think we should talk to each other!" He actually laughed and agreed! It wasn't a quality connection for either of us but at least I forced myself to do something different. I think that is what it is all about!

Make it a great day!

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Sundi D. Hayes
Chief Virtual Officer - My Office Zilla
www.myofficezilla.com

It's really hard walking into a room full of strangers who all seem to know one another. The tip about asking for the leader of the event is a great one. I went to a huge womens' networking meeting and felt so overwhelmed. I ended up having to sit with the woman who organized it all, and she introduced me to everyone.

Just remember that when you go to networking events you are there to learn about others as well. Maybe you won't feel as nervous if when you meet someone you ask what they do, what their business is all about. Once you get someone talking about their business the pressure will be off of you. The natural progression is that they will then ask about your business and by then you'll feel much more comfortable, and it will just be a friendly conversation. As Shari said, just try to meet one person, and don't feel like you have to work the room. People in those groups shy away from people who are there to try to meet as many people as possible and not really connect anyway. The old BNI networking saying is "givers gain".

Good luck and keep us posted!

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Yvone M. Kon
M.Y. Marketing & Design
Your Virtual Marketing Assistant - At Your Service!
www.mymarketingdesign.com

Another tip that could be useful is to try and connect people that you meet. For example, if you just met "Sue" and she is a realtor, and earlier you had met "Bob" who is part of a bulder'ss association, perhaps you can introduce them to each other as they may be of value to one another. The goal with any networking event is not to expect to meet "clients", but to meet "people" and develop relationships. I know myself that I wouldn't buy from someone I just met off the street, the same works for networking events! The nice thing with being a people connector is that people will often return the favor. A couple of month's ago, I attended a networking event where a fellow chamber member gave someone a referral for my services!

Long story short, you will get comfortable attending these things (although I still get the butterflies), but in time they will become less and less awkward! Congrats though on taking the plunge and walking up to someone! You are half way there already!

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Doreen R. Patrick, MVA, ACS, CIVA
www.virtualbusinesspartners.net

Thank you all your some wonderful advice. I just attended a staff retreat, and jump off of a tall pole (3 stories tall and yes scare of heights), I did it twice.

I figure if I can do that, I should be able to talk with people. However, I printed the suggestions from this thread and will carry it with me as a safety net.

I am so glad that I was able to find this site. IT'S GREAT!!!


Thanks
Julian

i am definitely in your boat! however. i learned to still remain shy and still be approachable. ALso, after you meet these other networkers. THINK ABOUT THEM! Don't mention your business just ask them "What do you do?" I have a list of questions i will post soon.

Also, get their business card and send them a card after the event right away! It shows that you are professional and really are interested in them and their business.