To develop a satisfying career, you need to network. It helps you expand your professional opportunities and build relationships as well. Even for people running their own businesses, the key to success is networking. You cannot recruit the right people, investors, or other talents without this. Unfortunately, shy people are overwhelmed even by the thought of networking. For them, it is a trial by fire, and they do not feel comfortable doing it. Therefore, they avoid going to networking events or meeting new people. However, this only leads to stagnation for them. They fear rejection, which undermines their career. But you must understand that a professional reputation and a good career cannot be made without the help of other people. Thus, you must get out, meet people, and work on building a network. For shy people, it is challenging, but these tips will help them out.
Ask for help
If you feel shy about attending networking events, get help. Take a trusted person or friend to the event with you. They can facilitate your interaction by introducing you to their contacts or other people at the event. When you are with someone you know, it becomes easier to talk to strangers. You gain confidence and improve group conversations. Just remember to take someone who does not overshadow you. They can intrigue you and provide confidence but shouldn’t talk on your behalf.
Start networking with the people you know.
For shy people, approaching strangers for networking is challenging. But you do not have to give up. You can ease yourself gradually by networking first with the people you know. Your friends, colleagues, or family members must also have contacts. After you gain confidence, contact people from your alma mater and proceed with strangers. Do not worry about what everyone will think. Everyone in the business world is here to network and take calls like this.
Make networking fun
Another tip to help shy people as you network better is to make the event fun. When you go to any networking event or meeting, think of it as a game. You can set a few goals, making networking a fun challenge. For instance, you can set a goal to at least share your digital business card with five people before leaving the event. Or you cannot leave the event without meeting someone from a specific destination or in a higher position. Networking does not seem like a task when you distract yourself with these little things.
Never apologize
Shy people or inexperienced ones always apologize when they are networking. The reason? They believe they are imposing on other people. They feel like they are burdening people by asking them for a favor. It is the wrong mentality. They do not consider that networking is an exercise imperative to building relationships. It is a give-and-take relationship; you should never apologize for asking for help. Stop apologizing; it makes you look like a novice, unprofessional, and lacking confidence. Networking helps you learn new things about the industry, the world, and yourself. It helps you learn more about the other person. So, never apologize. One day, you will be able to help someone, so asking for help is never something to apologize for.
Attend events that have activities.
If you are shy, think about attending events that have activities. For instance, if you go to an event that has a workshop, it helps you ease your anxiety. It gives you a conversation starter to break the ice, which can help you regain the confidence to network properly.
Affirm your value
Positive self-talk is crucial. So, before you attend any event, ensure you write down your strengths and positive aspects. It can be personal or professional, but write it down. It will give you an understanding of your strengths, helping you convey them properly to others. After all, anyone who meets you at a networking event wants to know your strengths.
Have a smile on your face.
The simple rule for attending a networking event, which people often forget, is to have a smile on their faces. It does not matter if you hate networking or are extremely shy; do not let your face convey this to others. Walking around with a grimace or scowl will never help anyone. It will keep people from approaching you. Instead, have a smile on your face. It makes you look warm, and people will want to approach you. It does not mean you walk around the event, grinning like a madman. Just have light expressions. When someone approaches you or you go to others, have a smile on your face.
Time the entry correctly
If you want to be a part of a conversation, do it right. For a shy person, it is challenging enough to decide to be part of a group conversation to their liking. If you get shut down because of bad timing, it can blow your confidence. So, try to time it right by first easing into the group and giving yourself time to understand the conversation. Once you understand it, pose a question when you get an opening. It will allow you to participate in the conversation without interrupting the flow. A quick tip: For a shy person, asking a question is easier than expressing an opinion or giving a speech.
Connect with other shy people.
There are other people at the event who are shy, too. Look for them; they will probably be standing alone at the event. Approaching them does not feel like networking, so it is a win for you.
Networking means building relationships with other people. It requires intimacy, and shy people are afraid of that only. At their core, they yearn for intimacy and contact, but they are afraid of rejection. To be successful professionally and thrive personally, work on this. Use the above tips to network gradually, and you will not regret it.
