Many business owners cringe at the idea of attending an event where you know nobody — and are expected to get to know as many people as possible. It’s a part of business, and a fear that some of us have to overcome to be successful. Like it or not, conducting business requires a little face-to-face time.

Australian author Mary Morel offers some advice on this topic in her article “Network Your Way to the Top”.

You will probably get most out of networking if you choose a few networking groups and go to their meetings regularly. The more often you attend networking events, the stronger relationships you build and the more you enjoy yourself.

As with any marketing, you will get better results if you take a strategic approach. Networking events aren’t the place for a sales pitch, though you may give someone your business card and possibly your brochure.

Network Your Way to the Top

Recommended Reading:
Get People Talking About You
Top 10 Networking Skills for 2005
Networking Strategies for Shy Professionals
8 Ways to Use Business Cards to Network and Market Your Business

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2 Responses to “The Networking Boogie Man”

1. Rita Wilhelm says:
   

   I think it is tough for an introvert to go to networking meetings. For lots of people it is easier to network and meet people online using places like LinkedIn.com or TheConnectory.com.

   When going to a networking event, I usually look for someone who is standing by themselves. They are probably just as uncomfortable as you are not knowing anyone. You can walk up to them and say “Hi… my name is _______. What do you do?”

   That then opens up conversation. I think the trick is then to ask more about what they do, using open ended questions. That helps people learn about each other, since people do business with people they like.

   Posted October 31st, 2005 @ 4:24 pm
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2. Chris Brunner says:
   

   Rita, thanks your input! You make an excellent point about how much harder networking can be for an introvert than an extrovert.

   I am an introvert through and through so I can personally relate to this topic. The difficulty comes from my desire to mingle with people I already know, as opposed to trying to visit with new people.

   I will definitely check out the links you posted and suggest that others interested in this topic take a look as well.

   Posted October 31st, 2005 @ 4:52 pm
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