Conquering networking anxiety: 5 tips to making connections.
Does social networking make you anxious?? You are not the only one. Breaking the ice to start a conversation with new people is not always easy especially when you look up to the people you are meeting with,
Set goals and prepare
The moment you commit to attending a networking event, make a point to set some goals to be clear on what you intend to gain from the event. Be sure of the questions you want to ask and be open to giving them to the next person.
Get help from your support system
If you can carry a friend along go ahead. Having a support system with you helps to make you feel comfortable in a room full of new connections and can help you break the ice. However, make sure not to spend the whole event with your connection as it defeats the purpose of networking.
Take the focus off yourself
Avoid making the conversation about yourself. Instead of worrying about being judged, remind yourself that everyone else is doing the best they can.
Talkback to negative thoughts
Most people get negative thoughts about themselves from time to time, and it can lower one's self-esteem and make you anxious to start a conversation with new people. When attending a social event, contain the negative thoughts and speak positively to yourself.
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