How to Network If You Dont Like Talking to Strangers

How to Network If You Dont Like Talking to StrangersHow to Network If You Dont Like Talking to Strangers If theres one word in the work world that makes introverts cringe most, its probably networking. Though some find the task of talking to new people for career purposes to be enjoyable and enlightening, for others, its a major source of stress and anxiety. On the one hand, they know its something they should be doing to help themselves get ahead, and on the other, they cant think of anything theyd like to do less than talk to complete strangers. The benefits of networking are well-documented mentorship relationships, finding out about new job leads, and developing new client prospects. At the same time, even the most profound benefits are not always enough to get introverts onboard. Heres the good berichterstattung Not everyone networks the same. So if your first reaction to the idea of going to a business mixer is a feeling of dread, try out these tricks for maki ng it mora bearable. 1. C hange how you think about networkingNetworking is a word that can cause stress for both extroverts and introverts alike, as it usually conjures up an evening of walking around with a glass in your hand, awkwardly attempting to talk to strangers , explains Lauren Stiller Rikleen, president of the Rikleen Institute for Strategic Leadership and author of Ladder Down Success Strategies For Lawyers From Women Who Will Be Hiring, Reviewing and Promoting You . But it doesnt have to be like that. It is far more helpful to think of networking as the art of building relationships over time, she notes. Think about it. Any time youve derived some benefit from networking- a new job, client, or contract- it was most likely from a relationship that you cultivated for awhile. Though sometimes people are able to translate brand new connections into business results, its much more common to get them from long-standing relationships.Success in the business world can be si gnificantly impacted by ones ability to form and maintain relationships, continues Rikleen.Decades of research demonstrate that we tend to mentor and promote people with whom we have formed positive relationships. Relationships also provide a source of advice and support in navigating a job search or any other life change. The more broadly we think about what it means to build relationships effectively, the more likely we are to find ways to meet new people in a way that best fits our personality. So instead of forcing yourself to go to a huge conference to make new connections, ask someone out for coffee or lunch if thats an environment that makes you more comfortable. Plus, youll be better able to have a meaningful conversation in a more private setting. The aim of networking is to meet people you connect with. Sure, there might be some people who hit it off with everyone they meet, but thats not the case for most- even extroverts. Be realistic, says Leila Bulling Towne, founder of the Bulling Towne Group , an executive coaching and leadership facilitation practice. You will meet many people with whom you will not generate genuine rapport. That is okay, she adds. A reasonable goal is to find a few new people to learn more about, not to gain multiple new friends or LinkedIn connections. Just remind yourself that networking is about quality, not quantity, so if you meet one or two new people every quarter who you are able to develop relationships with, thats a win.You know what they say Practice makes perfect . When it comes to networking, especially at a big event or conference if you decide to go that route, preparing ahead of time can help you (at least in part) deal with your nerves. Always have a strategy and set goals ahead of time, suggest Stephanie Abrams Cartin and Courtney Spritzer, the co-founders of Socialfly , a social media absatzwirtschaft and influencer agency. More than anything it is important to know the audience you are addressing and your personal brand. Create an elevator pitch that reflects your strengths but shows your personality. If it helps you feel prepared, research other event attendees beforehand so you know who you want to talk to and why. Think of how youll introduce yourself to them as well as some questions youd want to ask them. Then, when you walk into a room filled with people, youll hopefully feel less overwhelmed because you have some specific goals in mind for the session. 4. If rehearsing feels weird, try something different.While having an elevator pitch is a great strategy for many people, it doesnt work for everyone. If you try creating one and practicing and it just feels wrong , dont force it. I am a firm believer in giving yourself pep talks, not practice speeches, says Jaclyn Johnson, founder of Create & Cultivate , an online platform and offline conference for women looking to create and cultivate the career of their dreams. People vibe with and trust authenticity. Trust between you and a client or you and a tauglichkeit partner is paramount, she explains. In other words, if you dont feel like youre being yourself, you wont get very far. And for those who arent comfortable being themselves in a public setting, emphasize your job function.If youre going to learn one thing before a networking opportunity, learn your business. Know your business and your job inside out. Pitch that. Dont pitch you. 5. Use social media to your advantage. One of the best potential takeaways from networking is a mentoring relationship . For people who dont love talking to strangers, though, taking that first step to getting close enough with someone to develop that kind of conncection can be tough. While social media presents its own unique challenges in the business world, it also provides ample opportunity to research and connect with new people, all without actually going to a networking event. Individuals, brands, and businesses are utilizing social media to share advice and show an inside look at their culture and values. Once you find a mentor or company you admire, do your research on their brand and get creative with how you reach out to them, suggest the founders of Socialfly. Then, figure out how you can make a connection in person. For example, if you find an event where your potential mentor will be speaking, prepare thoughtful questions that will not only give you helpful insight but also challenge and excite them. This tactic will help you make a lasting impression and stand out from the competition. You know yourself better than anyone else, which means you know which environments youll be comfortable in and which ones you wont. A fundamentally important aspect of networking is to be authentic . And you can only be authentic if you are able to be comfortable and engage with people as yourself, says Rikleen. If youre not comfortable, you cant be yourself. Whether an introvert or an extrovert, if you do not bring your authentic self to an op portunity to meet people , you will invariably resent the experience, which will impact your ability to form new relationships. Basically, dont do something you know is going to keep you from feeling at ease. If you are an introvert who does not enjoy noisy venues and loud music, its perfectly okay to take a pass on the event at a bar and, instead, sign up for the charity dinner or community service day, she explains. If you are doing an activity you enjoy, it will be much easier to talk to people you have never met and you will find that strangers will more easily become colleagues.