How to network with confidence - even if you are shy and introverted
How to Network if you are shy, introverted or hate selling
Network with Confidence
I meet people every week who are starting their own business or thinking about doing so. They are talented, passionate and experts in their field. Many of them also hate the idea of having to talk about their business at networking meetings. It’s surprising how many people I meet at networking groups who confess in a stage-whisper that they really don’t like networking!
The thing is, one of the first pieces of advice anyone gets when they start their own business is to get out there and start networking. For many it’s more like going to the dentist or the gym – it’s not something we enjoy doing but feel like we have to do it for our own good. I ought to go to the gym… I ought to go networking. Both involve getting up early and getting uncomfortable with strangers…
People often feel uncomfortable talking about themselves – I know I do. And this naturally leads to a feeling of discomfort in a setting where we think that we have to keep talking about ourselves all the time – like a networking group!
So here is my top tip to relax and enjoy your next networking meeting.
It’s not about you!
When someone asks you: ‘what do you do?’ take a moment to consider that what they are really asking is – ‘what could you do FOR ME?’
So when you reply, don’t talk about yourself, instead ask them questions – find out about their business, who their ideal clients are, what challenges they are facing this week.
If you happen to have some advice or even products or services that would help with any of the problems they describe then you should go right ahead and offer some help.
Don’t sell.
Offer help.
People like to be helped.
If you want a chance to practice and perfect your networking introductions and presentations, come along to my next Network with Confidence workshop – even if you are shy and introverted. It will help.
Here’s the link: https://www.malmesburyspeakers.com/network