How to Network: Overcoming Stage Fright

By Lora Meisner, thingamajob.com Staff Writer

If you're familiar with Networking to Build Your Career also located on this site, then you're aware about the importance of networking, it's time to learn a few "how-tos." No one, including extraverts, enjoys entering a room full of strangers.

The first rule of networking is that you are selling yourself, not your business. People do business with people they know and trust. The only way for that to happen is to get to know them and to allow them to know you.

So How do You do That?

You've just arrived at a function and the room is full of people already engaged in conversations. (Even if you're not alone, you do not want to spend time with your friend; you're there to network and meet new people.) Whether you get something to drink or head to the food table, you need to catch someone's eye, initiate a handshake, and introduce yourself. For example, "I don't think I've met you, I'm Joan/John Smith." Once you've broken the ice, be prepared to ask them questions, "What do you do? What's your particular interest in (whatever the function's about)?" Always be ready to keep the conversation going.

What do you do when everyone in the room seems to be conversing in groups? Take a deep breath, walk up to a small group or a twosome, and introduce yourself. For most of us, this is easier said than done. You can be prepared by practicing with friends. Your friends may appreciate having the opportunity to enhance their own networking skills.

No one, including extraverts, enjoys entering a room full of strangers.

Building your Network

After you've introduced yourself, always ask for the person's business card, so that you can contact him/her later. Usually, meeting one or two persons in depth at a function is better than collecting a stack of cards. Trying to meet many people at a function usually doesn't work very well. It can also make you look unprofessional-not the type of image you want to project.

Make plans to follow up and contact the person within a week after the event. Because e-mail is an easy way to reach people, I recommend using it. Send a message telling the contact why you enjoyed meeting him/her. Mention what it is that you have in common. Hopefully, based on the person's answers, you will be able to establish an ongoing relationship.

Building your network is a great way to develop friendships but also a great way to build your business and/or business relationships.

Looking to make a career move?  Create a free Thingamajob account and gain access to a wide spectrum of job opportunities from Allegis Group's diverse family of staffing companies including TEKsystems and Aerotek.