Do you battle with nerves before a networking event?
If you suffer from ‘rabbit in the headlights’ syndrome as you arrive at a networking event then these tips might help…
Check it out…
Ask whoever invited you what will happen at the event. Find out who will be there and what will be expected of you. It is better to go in with your eyes wide open and then there are no unexpected surprises.
Avoid last minute panics…
Plan what to wear, particularly if it is an early morning breakfast meeting. Make sure it’s comfortable and appropriate business attire. It’s not necessary to always be suited and booted but your appearance should be professional and smart. If you’re not a morning person set two alarms, just in case!
Don’t rely on sat nav..
If possible drive to the venue in advance so you know exactly where it is and you can check out the parking arrangements too.
Do you take cards…
I know… you are thinking business cards! Whilst I do not advocate throwing around hundreds of them it is worth taking a few with you. What I meant was credit cards. Most venues won’t take them so if you need to pay make sure you have cash with you.
Set Objectives…
Getting away as quickly as possible, unscathed, is not an option. Collecting 20 business cards might seem like a plan but will be no more than a fruitless exercise that only serves to fill up your desk drawer. A better objective would be to chat to two people you don’t know, find out more about them and see if there is synergy and the opportunity to continue chatting over a coffee at another time.
Fake it till you make it…
Ummm….think about someone you know who appears at ease….. when networking! How do they dress, stand and speak? Check out their body language, the level of attention they pay to others and their overall behaviour. Then it really is ‘Tonight Matthew I am going to be….’ as you need to copy some of those traits. If you fake it well and for long enough it will soon be second nature to behave that way.
Visualise
This technique doesn’t work for everyone, but if it works for you it can make all the difference. Arrive at the meeting a few minutes early, stay in your car, close your eyes and imagine yourself walking into the room brimming with confidence, the hugest smile on your face, comfortably chatting with people and oozing magnetism.
Don’t forget to let us know how you got on when you faked it!
Opendoorz Business Networking
