17 OVERCOME NETWORKING FEARS You are not alone if you are uncomfortable networking. Try networking where you are comfortable and where other people in your profession might be found. The following tips are ways to defeat the most common networking fears: COMMON NETWORKING FEARS TIPS TO OVERCOME NETWORKING FEARS MEETING STRANGERS See the people who you are meeting for the first time as friends. Build confidence by practicing your networking skills in an environment in which you feel safe. MAKING A FOOL OUT OF YOURSELF OR SAYING SOMETHING WRONG You will not look foolish. It is likely only your perception. Conversations about work and careers are commonplace. If you make a mistake, don’t worry. Your contact may not even notice a mistake from you or it may be an opportunity to learn. CONCERN ABOUT WHAT TO SAY TO A STRANGER Prepare yourself before the actual conversation. To start a conversation, simply say, “Hello,” and introduce yourself. Do you want to have something that is detailed to say? Create a unique and genuine story, or a 60-second elevator speech as a way of introducing yourself. COMING ACROSS AS UNINTERESTING You do not need to do anything special; just be a good listener. You’ll be able to ask good questions if you have been listening. NOT KNOWING HOW TO FINISH A CONVERSATION Practice ways to end a conversation in advance. A simple sentence at the right moment (a natural break in the conversation) is usually enough. BUSINESS OR NETWORKING CARDS Whenever you meet someone new, exchange business or networking cards. Sharing a card shows people that you are prepared and open to help them when needed. Most importantly, the card may remind them about you, your conversation and/or requests. Below are tips that can help you effectively use your business or networking cards to help you get your next job. • Keep it simple; use conservative and traditional fonts and colors • Include a description of the type of work you are seeking • Include your phone number and email address • Ask for others’ cards; on the back of their cards, write brief notes about your conversation to refresh your memory when you write follow-up notes or thank you notes • Be ready to talk about yourself and look for opportunities to do so • Use professional language NETWORKING TIPS • Join an organization that interests you and has a variety of different kinds of members • Attend classes, seminars or workshops at the library, adult education center or local college • Find a job club or support group
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM2NjgzMA==