We all know it’s important to build your personal network to develop and maintain professional relationships. We know it, and many of us set out to do it. But what if you’re the more reserved type? Do you identify with any of the following?
You go to a conference and spend cocktail hour staring at your phone over a glass of wine (or trying to hold a conversation with the one or two people you actually know).
You stare longingly at another attendee/speaker/expert and really, really want to strike up a conversation … but don’t.
You die a little inside when a conference speaker forces you to interact with the people around you.
You aren’t alone, friend – I have done all of the above. But there’s the saying: “we do business with people, not with companies.” And we’re likely to do even more business with people we know and like.
So how can you get over your “networkaphobia” to have a productive event and make successful connections? Here are a few tips you might want to try.
Come prepared with questions. Have a few softballs in your back pocket to get the conversation going. “What types of new things are you working on at XYZ company?” “What business software/tools/practices have you added recently?” “What do you think is most important for someone who wants to advance their career in this industry?”
Listen. Your conversations are going to be awkward if you’re constantly just thinking about what to say next. Listen intently to other people and be present for them to keep the talk flowing.
Develop your elevator pitch. How would you describe your company and your role in it in 30 seconds or less? Coming with questions is great, but be sure to have something interesting to say about yourself.
Set goals and a “finish line.” Consider this rewarding yourself for doing what you don’t want to do. “I will give myself permission to go back to my hotel room after I speak to two new people.” Set challenges to meet people and pat yourself on the back when you do.
Over and over again, when AMT members are asked about the top benefits of membership, they repeatedly point to the networking opportunities. Through meetings and events, membership committees, and other chances to get involved, savvy AMT members know that they can find plenty of chances to get connected with their business peers. And the universe of networking opportunities expands far beyond those offered by AMT. There is everything from the brown bag lunch ‘n learn with your local chamber of commerce to the vast and wild unknowns of the internet.
The hardest part is taking the first step. You might not ever be the kind who “never meets a stranger,” but you don’t have to be the most outgoing person in the room to develop a high-quality professional network. Develop your own strategy and the results will follow.
