New-Age Networking

By Jenn Clark

Post updated November 2018

Networking can be an anxiety attack waiting to happen…but it doesn’t have to be. Follow these tips to become better at networking:

Are you the kind of person who feels anxious and awkward when someone invites you to a networking event? If you are, Planful is here to help you master the art of networking, without the aggressive pit stains.

1.)    Change the way you think about networking.

Having a positive perspective can help you feel confident instead of nervous. For example, imagine that you are on your way to meet a group of old friends. Stop overanalyzing your outfit and please don’t compare yourself to other people at the event. Remember, it’s normal to feel anxious in social settings and most likely other people at the event feel the same way. You’re not alone.

2.)    Broaden your views on networking.

If you aren’t capable of changing your perspective and in-person networking is still making your stomach turn, you were born in the right era (lucky for you). You have the option to make powerful connections online. Social media networking is a great way to connect with potential business partners and customers. Start using your online platforms to reach out to those in your area. Talking to others over the computer or through text (although less personal) still provides you with the opportunity to promote your product and meet new like-minded people.

The computer allows you to edit what you want to say, which may help you feel more confident. Reach out to local businesses through email, Facebook, or Twitter. Show your support by re-tweeting or sharing a Facebook post you like. Trust us, they will appreciate it and will likely return the favor. If you start making connections online, maybe you will feel more comfortable attending in-person events. Consider asking one of your new online relationships to participate in a networking soiree with you.

3.)    Become active in your community.

Networking is really about enjoying the company of other people (online or face-to-face) who are passionate about what they do. To meet these individuals, Planful recommends you become an active part of both your physical and online communities. Being active in the city means joining committees, clubs, and sports teams. It also helps to volunteer for projects and regularly promote yourself online.

Keep in mind that you must be genuinely interested in the networking groups you are involved in. Otherwise, you will present as incongruent, or, worse, dishonest. Being an active community member also means staying up-to-date. Stay well-informed by reading your local newspaper daily. You will reap the rewards of being in-the-know.

4.)    Be curious.

Don’t go into each networking event with the mentality that you need to be selling yourself the whole time. Be curious and ask other people questions; learn as much as possible from them. Who knows; they may be your future best friend, spouse, or even business partner. So, make the most out of the situation and get to know each person as well as you can. You can do this by researching attendees before you get to the event, this will show others you’re interested in them and what they’ve done.

5.)    Don’t forget to follow up.

According to an article by Entrepreneur.com, “It’s often said that networking is where the conversations begins, not ends.” Don’t let the conversation die there. Bring a business card and share it. Ask for other people’s business cards and make sure to follow up via email or LinkedIn. Getting in touch promptly shows you care. Though, don’t just simply say hi, reference something from your previous conversation as a way for your contact to remember who you are.

If you have been attending networking events regularly and still aren’t seeing results, change the way you present yourself at networking events, or ask someone to go with you, to get a more positive response.

Did you have a fear of attending these interacting affairs? How did you overcome your anxieties?