Networking is not something I am always in the mood for. Sometimes, the situation can be great, and I feel really enthusiastic about all the people and opportunities ahead. On these “good” networking days I get really excited about the uknown opportunities available. On “bad” days I tend to keep myself to myself too much – or don’t circulate enough at least.

Maybe you have days when the lass thing you feel like is making the effort to introduce yourself to a group of new people.Business wise or socially, I think that the times we are most reluctant to network are down to a few key factors:

  • Tiredness: You are exhausted and need time to ourselves
  • Shyness: Perhaps you hae been rejected lately. You don’t feel you will be welcomed.
  • Fear: You view the crowd as hostile, and expect the event to be unpleasent.
  • Anticipation: You are worried about consequences.

Looking at the list above, two things stand out to me. One is that there are factors you can control and factors you can’t. Your own attitude is one you can control. The outcome of a network meeting is a huge issue for many. Perhaps you envision a failure which will damage your career or business.

For me, the times I fear network meetings is when I worry that I could mess up that all important “first impression”, and loose out on potential business partners, customers and friends. The best advice I can give is plan and rehease. Secondly, and most importantly, force yourself to interact on the phone, by email and in person, with people you don’t know. The only way to get better at networking is with practise and steaming ahead regardless of your own feelings.

The key to successful networking is this:

Confidence is important, but disregarding your own feelings and putting others as ease is paramount. 

Like many things in life – forcing yourself to go through the event will make it easier in future. View each event as practise and see your mission as one of exploration. Learn as much as you can about the people who are there.

You are not there to sell yourself, you are there to help others sell themselves to you.