Overcoming the Fear of Networking, Seven Habits
of Effective Networkers
I was having lunch with an accountant friend and we were
talking about networking. She admitted to me “Part of
the reason I became an accountant was so I could stay in my
office and not have to do any networking!” How many of
you can relate to that? You are not alone.
People's New #1 Fear
People's number one fear used to be public speaking. Now it has been replaced
by a new one; the fear of walking into a room full of strangers and having
to interact with them. Sounds a lot like networking, doesn't it?
Technology and less "face time" have left people unskilled and even
frightened of networking. It doesn't have to be scary, and the benefits far
outweigh the perils.
Benefits of Networking
These are just some of the benefits that you receive from
networking:
- Acquire information, ideas and knowledge
- Increase resource base with new contacts and friends
- Build referrals and find potential clients
- Discover career opportunities
- Gain support, confidence and a higher profile
Networking is the process for developing and nurturing personal
and professional relationships for mutual gain. The biggest
mistake that newcomers to networking make, is to trying to
sell products and services at networking events. I encourage
people to use this opportunity to get to know people on a personal
level and let the relationship occur naturally, over time.
When people get to know, like and trust you and learn what
business you’re in, business and referrals will follow.
Practice patience and let serendipity work for you.
It’s just as important to build relationships with a network of people
outside your organization as it is within it.
This is especially true in business today when change seems to be the only
constant. With globalization, mergers, acquisitions, and downsizing, people
who are our competitors today may become our colleagues tomorrow. Our relationships
are one of the few things we can take with us wherever we go. Having a strong
network in place is the key to managing your career and your life, so that
in the event you need to call on it for support it’s there for you.
Networks take time and effort to build but practicing a few good habits can
make it easier and less daunting to “walk into a room full of strangers
and interact with them.”
Seven Effective Networking Habits:
- Arrive on time (if an event is in full swing & the
energy level is high, it’s difficult to match it)
- Start to mix & mingle right away rather than sitting
down (try standing near the door or food table)
- Be open & approachable (smile and make good eye contact)
- Act as though you are a host (introduce yourself & others)
- Hone your conversation skills (ask questions & be
a good listener)
- Set reasonable goals (meet 2 or 3 new people and reconnect
with 2 or 3 others)
- Relax and have fun (remember others feel the same #1 fear)
Practice Makes Perfect
The key is to practice starting conversations daily in safe environments like
a grocery store lineup. The more you practice the easier it becomes.
The benefits of networking are so important to your career or business, don’t
let fear hold you back. Begin building your network today. As Confucius said, “Dig
your well, before you thirst”.
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This article was provided by Terry Pithers and Joanne Blake, business dining, image and etiquette experts, speakers and creators of the Dining for Success Video Online Training Program.
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