5 minute read

5 Tips to Avoid Awkward Networking

from PUSH Magazine, Volume 2, Issue 4

from PUSH Magazine, Volume 2, Issue 4, page 34

Industry Confidential

Many years ago, at one of our industry conferences, one of the breakout session speakers labeled networking as an ugly word.

5 Tips to Avoid Awkward Networking

Networking can sometimes catch a bad rap because people relate it with:

· Uncomfortable conversation with unfamiliar people. · Unwanted sales attempts. · Business card exchange unlikely to lead to a project

The coronavirus has not made matters easier, and to top it off with so many furloughs and layoffs, the average individual’s network has diminished over the last couple of years. Introverts encounter awkward feelings when placed in a networking situation. These situations can be more manageable when in the right mindset, but that is not always the case. Once introverts make enough introductions, they can form a networking style and overcome the awkward feelings they once battled by letting go of fear. Now that we are back to in-person conferences and trade shows, apprehensive colleagues can rediscover networking methods. These five tips can help remove fear, improve conversation skills, and increase connections.

1. Be curious.

When curious about a topic or person, anxiety can be pushed aside. Curiosity helps individuals release negative thoughts and connect with other people. Not to mention, when you can tactically trigger the interest of others, the process is much easier. Your style of dress can work in your favor. An example: A female purposely wears brightly colored clothing at functions known for adhering to strict business dress. She is always dressed professionally, just with a louder style than most. This is considered a bold move when so many are accustomed to wearing neutral colors in her industry. The result: she usually never has to approach anyone at a networking function; her colleagues come to her and begin conversations by complimenting her signature style. This approach eased her anxiety about starting conversations with strangers. 2. Prepare questions.

If you are a seasoned industry professional, you may have encountered an opening question like this: “What do you do?” This is never a productive way to start a conversation. This style places a person back on their heels to reply with an answer that must explain 10 or even 30 years of professional experience in a single reply. If the person you ask is not feeling chatty, you will likely get a concise answer (“I work in marketing.”). This, of course, sends you back to the drawing board to stimulate a conversation. Not all questions bring out the best in everyone, so this is where preparation can help you create a successful networking event. Try three easy questions to kick things off:

· What made you decide to attend this event?

·How did you occupy your time during the pandemic?

· What is it about the job that makes you get out of bed each morning?

3. Be a good listener.

If you are genuinely into networking, you understand that you do not have to do all the talking. The best approach is to ask a question, then listen. There is a common misconception that you must give the perfect pitch. This is entirely incorrect. Most folks get so wrapped up in what they should say that they miss the opportunity to connect. Recently during a networking event, I learned that a client was having financial challenges at his organization. Listening gave me an entirely new strategy in a follow-up conversation when presenting one of our products. Had I not listened, I would not have developed a solution to assist my client. Networking is about listening, not talking.

5. Tell stories.

An excellent approach to making connections is through storytelling. We all remember stories, though you must be sure to share the right story. Stay away from telling your entire life story, and do not always focus on stories specifically about your work environment. The best networking event idea I have ever come across had blank name tags on a table for each person to write in their name. However, each name tag had a pre-typed question on the bottom. These included, “What is the best vacation you have ever taken?” and “What is your dream job?” These questions were in place for everyone to answer when approaching one another. I learned so much about my fellow attendees that day, and I can still remember their answers. The questions became the conversation starters, and the stories that day were hysterical.

Sadly, not every networking function has helpful conversation starters. Though, with a great attitude and mindset, a bit of practice and curiosity can convert any networking experience from agonizing to pleasing.

4. Attitude.

Networking can be fascinating, odd, or even downright uncomfortable. This depends on your attitude and perception. You can wrap yourself up in fear, or you can take it on as part of the experience. Early on in my career, I was shy and, at times, avoided networking activities. I did not have a strategy to make the most out of conversations and connections. Twenty-five years later, I know full well that mindset and attitude are everything. If you place yourself in engaging scenarios with intent, then you will experience and meet interesting people. You will still have those inevitable awkward exchanges, maybe sit in on a lackluster speaker, or dislike the offering at an event. Still, none of these should take you away from interacting with interesting people. At some point in time, the people you meet at these functions may perhaps purchase your products and services, refer clientele, or vouch for you on a new opportunity.