How can you confidently network when feeling anxious?

First - set a goal for yourself about what "success" looks like at this networking event. How many people do you want to connect with that you would consider a "great" connection? Even if it's one person, that's fine. Networking can be a nerve-wracking experience. Be kind to yourself as you go through this process. Keep a list of ten questions you can ask anyone at a networking event. Think of these as your "go-to" questions to keep the conversation moving and focused on them rather than on you. This way, you'll learn more about your new connection, and it will open the door for more conversations down the road.

It is very obvious to have the feeling of anxiousness while networking. Networking is about mutual exchange and learning. Prepare yourself by setting realistic expectations and reminding yourself of your worth and expertise. Following steps helps any body iron strong while going for networking 1. Prepare conversation starters 2. Practice relaxation techniques 3. Start small 4. Be presentable 5. Ask open-ended questions 6. Focus on building relationships 7. Be yourself 8. Follow up

Feeling anxious while networking is common, but don't let it hold you back. Start small by setting achievable goals, like initiating a conversation with one person. Practice active listening to shift focus away from nerves. Prepare talking points or questions in advance to guide conversations. Remember, everyone experiences nerves—it's about pushing through discomfort. Lastly, focus on the value you bring to the conversation rather than worrying about judgment.

One strategy is to shift the focus away from placing people on pedestals and assuming they know more. Remember, networking is about mutual exchange and learning. Prepare yourself by setting realistic expectations and reminding yourself of your worth and expertise. Focus on the quality of interactions, grounding yourself in the present moment. Finding a buddy or support system can also provide reassurance and encouragement. After networking events, follow up with contacts to maintain connections and solidify relationships. Remind yourself about the courage you took out of your comfort zone. Over time, as you engage more confidently, networking can become a more enriching experience.

I coach my clients to be mindful of what they want from a networking event and intentionally focus on that goal. Is it meeting 3 new peers? Or professionals in a new industry or functional area?

It is natural to feel anxious while networking. To combat the anxiousness an come out stronger, I believe a 3 way strategy can work: 1. Always practice the elevator pitch well and have multiple versions to it as per the changing nature of the audience. 2. Stat small and the grow. In networking it important to build sponsors at every stage and hence starting in small group is a benefit 3. Use an amalgam of online and online mediums to network to build both confidence and redress anxiety

First, try and research the event beforehand. Find out details like dress code, cost, location, etc. Work on your elevator pitch and remember knowledge is power. Second, on the day of the event, take a deep break, smile and remind yourself everyone in the room is to network and meet others. Third, try and scan the room. Look for people who are not yet interacting with anyone and confidently introduce yourself. Lastly, aim for at least 1-3 meaningful conversations during the event. Don't feel like you have to meet everyone in the room, stick with quality over quantity. You can do this!

As an introvert, the very thought of attending an event where you don't know anyone and you know you need to get to know people can bring massive feelings of anxiety! The main trick here is to go with the goal of only speaking to a couple of people, you don't need to work the room like extroverts do, as this doesn't feel authentic to you and will just leave you feeling awkward and icky! Introverts hate that small talk and don't enjoy staying there for too long, so use this to your advantage to get to know a couple of people on a deeper level. Use your active listening skills to really understand someone and find out what they are passionate about and why. By doing this you might even find that you start to enjoy these events.

It is easy to go for quantity when networking. However, what works the best is building those meaningful connections. Focus on quality instead. Look for the profiles that really inspire you. Connect with people who you would like to speak with and share knowledge with each other. It will also bring more trust into those new connections relationships.

Networking can be tough. For introverts like myself, it can be overwhelming. What, Dr. K, you're an introvert. Answer: Yes, I am. Just the way it is. But you have so many conversations with people . . . you host multiple podcasts. This is true. But it took a lot of practice to break out of my shell. Breathing and focusing have become essential elements to successful networking. This could mean a network group call, or a 1-on-1 meet/greet. It doesn't matter. Giving yourself permission to become open, honest, genuine, and real is a risk . . . but it's a risk worth taking. So, learn to breathe - slowly. Close your eyes. Focus only on your breathing. Take deep breaths in and out. Take in 4 or 5 deep breaths. Then focus.

Take the pressure off of you and your "elevator pitch" and ask people questions. I generally ask them what they love best about what they do, who is a good referral partner, etc. If you do have to start with a 30-second elevator pitch, come up with 3-5 short sentences, rehearse it at home or in the car, and try to make it quick and catchy. You don't need to give them your life story! You can start with a question or a factoid. Also, what do they need to know about you or your business in order to think of who to send you? The more you do this, the easier it gets.

Grabbing a colleague, especially one who may be a bit more outgoing, can help break the ice by introducing yourself to new professionals at an event.

Having support when doing something new is powerful. The same when it comes to networking. Find a person who can give you some tips, it can be Career Coach or just a colleague/friend. It can help you build your confidence for networking and understand the best techniques to connect with others.

Follow up when networking is crucial. It all depends on the reason of connecting, however make sure to stay in contact with this person. You can send a thank you note or an article you have just discussed on the call. Follow up helps to build the real relationship and trust.

Don't network. Networking feels yucky because approaching people with a transactional intent is yucky. Look for people doing cool things. Learn from them. Everyone loves to talk about what excites them. You'll learn and you'll have the start of a relationship.

You will be less anxious and feel more confident, if you think of networking as the start of a mutually beneficial and lasting relationship, not one that you approach or go into just to fulfil your own needs i.e. what’s in it for me? If you are after a quick win i.e. pitch your services in the hope of getting a new client, then this will only increase anxiety levels. Rather than just being interested in your own objectives, try to have a genuine conversation where you are friendly and interested in the other. It’s not always about who is doing the talking, sometimes it’s better to be a good listener.

Remember, less is more! Be prepared to ask questions and listen more than you talk to show you are more interested in learning about your new connection versus trying to pitch yourself. And have fun!

A lot of people think networking is about having to sell yourself to someone else to gain their interest. It’s not, it’s about building a real connection with someone first and if they want to know more about you they will check your profile by themselves.

If anxiety is preventing you from networking, it's essential to address the root causes of your anxiety rather than avoiding networking altogether. 1. Identify triggers: Reflect on the specific situations or aspects of networking that make you feel anxious. Common triggers might include fear of rejection, uncertainty about social norms, or concerns about making a good impression. 2. Challenge negative thoughts: Once you've identified your anxiety triggers, challenge any negative or unhelpful thoughts associated with them. Replace these thoughts with more positive and realistic alternatives, focusing on your strengths and past successes.