Even for the most experienced of us attending a new networking event can be a daunting proposition.
As the Regional Lead for the no fuss networking brand of Business Buzz, I too find venturing somewhere new a challenge.
In an ideal world, networking should be friendly & enjoyable. It’s so great to meet new people, right? Well, that is true, unless you are battling with your own demons.
Don't Let Your Demons Get The Upper Hand
I know from first hand experience that having depression & anxiety can suck. People who suffer from anxiety may experience high levels of stress & getting out there to meet new people can seem an impossible task. The simple thought of it can make one feel sick. My own personal experience is of having been there & on occasion, can be there again. Being a successful Business Buzz Host lends to the perception that I don’t have my own battle with event anxiety, when in fact that is not true. Is not always easy, but perseverance & finding the right networking format have been crucial in helping me to feel less anxious about building my business.
It is so easy for anxiety & depression to get the upper hand, especially if you’re feeling down & sad. The thought of going out & being sociable seems anything but exciting & a huge mountain to climb.
So, how do you become more adept at dealing with one’s own anxiety in such circumstances? What can you do to make the journey to networking success less traumatic? How do you meet the need to network & to advance your burgeoning business?
Find The Right Type Of Networking
Firstly, Let’s be honest - not all networking is created equal. Some events are highly pressured, where as others are more relaxed. It is important to find the right style that meets your business needs & helps you gain in confidence. The reason I am involved with Business Buzz is because it has a relaxed & informal format, that really works with my skill set & personality. The no fuss approach means there are no elevator pitches, which is the element of networking that so many people hate & worry about, me included.
With Buzz, I have none of the worry that comes from pitching for 40 or 60 seconds or stumbling over my words, feeling like a fool & having everyone looking at me. Buzz allows me to focus on actually walking through the door (an achievement in itself sometimes) & having genuine conversations with like-minded people. Also, Business Buzz is super friendly, there is always a warm welcome & someone in the team to help navigate the room, the platform & the people.
Buzz hosts are well connected in their local business communities & are always happy to help make introductions & get your conversations started. So, by the very nature of Buzz I feel less anxious because it is a safe space in which to network.
You Wont Be The Only Newbie
It’s easy to imagine when visiting a new networking event that all the people already know one another. This perception can make it scary to throw yourself in to the fray & join existing conversation. In reality, some people will know one another, others will have met briefly in the past, but there will always be other people like you that are new to this particular event meaning you are not alone!
It is all too easy to put barriers up & create obstacles to get you networking. Don’t let this false concepts stop you from grabbing the opportunity. One way to overcome these types of nerves is to ask the host of the event or their helpers, "who else is new that they could introduce you too". A good event host should be able to take you by the hand & get you talking to someone quickly, even if it is a regular networking who they know will look after you. The team running the event are there to facilitate conversational opportunities & it is in their best interest to ensure you have a great time.
Together, It's Easier
Secondly, it is good to have a networking buddy. Someone you trust, with whom you can explore the opportunity that networking offers. Together you act as each other’s comfort zone. Meet-up before hand & attend events together. By doing so, it takes away some of the pressure of walking through the door or arriving online alone. You’ll very quickly find that your own conversations will start without one another, but if things become too intense then you can retreat to the security of talking to each other for a while, before facing the melee again.
Taking this one-step further; have you thought about bringing a guest? At Business Buzz, we encourage our visitors to recommend our events & bring a guest who might benefit from the opportunity of relaxed networking. Acting as their guide, introducing them to people you met last time & helping them find their feet, will shift your focus & you’ll be empowered on their behalf. Doing something positive for someone else can help alleviate your own nerves!
Dress To Impress
Next, try to look your best! I know it is a cliché, but simple things like wearing a smart shirt or blouse, a bit of lippy & talking with a smile in your voice, will add 100% to your confidence. Even when online make the effort. If you dress to impress; you will. PJs are comfortable, but they are not workwear.
Any networking you attend should form part of your working day & if you treat it as such, you will get more from it. Rather than having to find people to talk with, use a prop that draws them to you or have an ice-breaker. Using a small snippet of information that is easy to action, that costs you nothing, but will add value to your listener, is a great way to engage & to get you remembered.
Practise Asking Questions & Active Listening
Finally, have some open questions tucked up your sleeve that you can rely on when the conversation is a bit slow. “Tell me, what is it that you do?” or “How might what you do, be a benefit to my business?” or “Who are your ideal customers?”. Honing the skills of asking questions & active listening are important when networking.
A brilliant tactic, is to paraphrase what someone else has said & you will be better positioned to introduce that person to someone new. When someone hovers nearby, take the lead to draw that person into your existing conversation by explaining what the other business owner does. It doesn’t have to be exact, because any gaps will be filled in by that person. Though active listen can draw the attention to other people, remember you are there to talk about what you do & who you are, this tact gives you breathing space & time to collect your thoughts.
Build Your Own Community Of Like-Minds
Networking magic doesn’t just happen. Practice makes perfect. The more you do, the more confident you will become & the less your anxiety will dominate proceedings. Being consistent & doing a little, but often will help you build in confidence. Find an event that fits with your needs, attracts the kind of business people you want to connect with & become a regular attendee. Surround yourself with a community of like-minded people who bring positivity & will support you.
It is important to be strategic, know your own limitations so that you don’t become network fatigued & build your networking stamina slowly & steadily. If you attend a Buzz regularly, the Host will probably ask you to help-out. Before you know it you are a proficient networker & in complete control.
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