FIVE WAYS TO BOOST YOUR SELF-CONFIDENCE IN NETWORKING

For many people, networking can be intimidating and even terrifying. The idea of walking into a room filled with professionals and engaging them in meaningful conversation sounds like an overwhelming feat. However, initiating, and engaging people is essential to creating new opportunities for yourself and advancing your career.??In this article, we will offer you five ways to boost your self-confidence, so that your first impression is high impact and powerful.

Here is an example of a person who lacks confidence at a networking event.

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Karen seems to hide in the back corner of the room, avoiding the mingling crowd. When approached, she stared down at the floor and offered only whispered one-word responses and a limp handshake. Making eye contact seemed to fill her with anxiety. Karen nervously sipped a drink by the bar alone, constantly glancing at her cell phone. ?She initiated no conversations and had little to contribute when someone attempted small talk. Overall, Karen’s hunched posture, averted gaze, and wallflower behavior signaled an obvious lack of self-assurance and discomfort.

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On the contrary, here is a description of a confident urban networker at the same event.

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With a sensational smile and direct eye contact, Rico worked the room with grace and charm. His posture was upright and open as he extended a firm handshake, introduced himself, and struck up conversations to everyone he met. He spoke about his accomplishments and interests with sincere confidence, while asking others thoughtful questions in return. Rico seemed comfortable and at ease among even the most prominent professionals in the room. He moved fluidly from one discussion circle to the next, making connections and new acquaintances along the way. From his infectious laugh, active listening, you could see he got obvious joy in connecting with others. This attracted people to him. Rico’s self-assurance and magnetism left no doubt that he felt right at home in the spotlight at this networking event.

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It is obvious that Rico studied Urban networking from the grace in which he navigated the room. You can also move like Rico. Here are five ways, you can instantly improve your self-confidence and blow people away immediately upon meeting them.

First, dress the part. When you look good you feel good. Make sure your outfit is clean, wrinkle free and appropriate for the occasion. Pay attention to small details like making sure your shoes are shiny and your hair is in order.?Stand tall with your shoulders back and make eye contact. Having good posture projects confidence.

Second, prepare mentally – Practice in the mirror smiling and introducing yourself. See yourself successfully engaging, being friendly and charming. Ask open-ended questions like “what brings you here this evening?” or “what exciting initiatives are you working on? Be sure to be prepared to answer those questions when asked. Be ready to share interesting things about yourself. However, do not over share.

Third, have an agenda.??When you have an agenda, you move with purpose. Set goals to meet a certain amount of people.?Greet each other first, offering your name, a firm handshake and saying something complimentary to everyone you meet.?People always remember people who made them feel good. Have a prepared and practiced icebreaker. By knowing what you are going say and practicing beforehand, reduces the stress and that mind stutter (what to say) you may experience when meeting new people.

Fourth, have a clear goal in mind of what you want to obtain from each encounter.?Find out not only what they do, but “why.”??Ask what motivates them and what obstacles they have had to overcome to reach their present position.?

Five, bring a networking friend with you. Attending events with a colleague or friend helps relieve the pressure. Challenge each other to see who can network the most throughout the night. However, do not spend the evening with your friends and fail to connect with others. The mission of networking is to meet people and establish relationships and you cannot do that from the wall.

Lastly, remember most people at networking events feel just as nervous as you. The more events you attend, the more comfortable it becomes. Remember practice brings competence and competence elevates confidence. ?Do not put pressure on yourself to work the whole room or collect business cards. Consider every quality interaction a success. Follow up with new connections and continue cultivating those relationships. With practice, self-confidence in networking situations improves dramatically. The key is jumping in and realizing we all feel insecure sometimes. But showing up authentically allows your competence and personality to shine through.

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Want to learn more about boosting your self-confidence and creating a powerful presence? Get your copy of “Be Magnificent, Exceed Your Expectations” available at www.michaelricespeaks.com ?????Join our community on Facebook @Professional Networking Associates and @TheConnector Internet Magazine. Michael Rice is an award-winning social innovator, Content Creator, and author of the transformational guide, Be Magnificent! Exceed Your Expectations. He is also a trainer, community strategist, and motivational speaker. He is available for large, intimate speaking engagements, including educational institutions, faith-based organizations, conferences, and workshops. Contact:?[email protected]?or call.

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