Nervous About Networking? Effective Tips to Come Out of Your Shell

For many of us, going up to a stranger and starting a conversation can be intimidating. We don’t want to say or do anything to embarrass ourselves when meeting someone new. Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression. So, what can you do if you are nervous about networking? Here are some tips to help you come out of your shell.

Find out where you can meet people – If you want to build your professional network, then you should look for opportunities to connect with people. However, do not just choose any networking events. Pick those that are relevant to your career goals.

Use the body language advantage – Make sure to look like you are interested in networking. Your body language can do this for you. Stand tall with your head held high, and don’t forget to smile. You will appear confident when approaching people and will likely draw others to you as well.

Talk about your value – When introducing yourself to someone, give them a sense of who you are and what you have to offer. For example, if you are a college student looking for an internship or a recent graduate searching for an entry level job, be specific about the position you are looking for and the value you want to bring to it. Who knows, you may be networking with someone who can help you or vice versa.

Look at groups to help build your network – If you have particular interests, you should consider being part of networking groups. You can meet people with a similar focus as yourself and build meaningful relationships. By associating with a networking group, you will have contacts that can provide connections important to your career and otherwise.

There is nothing wrong with being nervous about networking. It is something that everybody isn’t exactly the most comfortable doing. By using the tips above, you will be more comfortable when meeting new people and display confidence that will allow you to come out of your shell.

Featured: Featured As an introvert who wasn’t always comfortable in new social environments, the word ‘networking’ was one that I tended to shy away from. It seemed too overwhelming.However, since I recently entered the real world, I’ve become attuned to how increasingly imperative it is to

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