In public, most people are not comfortable enough to just walk up and start talking to some random stranger. Can you remember the last time you did something like that? You probably can’t, and if you can then it probably doesn’t happen often. Guess what…you have to do something about that because every good business man or woman has to learn how to network. Networking is what grows businesses, builds healthy business relationships, and helps you to be a better professional.
DON’T TALK TO STRANGERS
We were all taught this valuable less when we were little and our parents wanted to protect us from all the bad people in the world. But as an adult, socializing and networking with new people can bring about great opportunities. Regardless of what type of business you have, you have to learn how to deal with meeting new people and make connections if you don’t want to miss out on valuable opportunities.
If you attend gatherings where you might have to do a little bit of networking on your own, get to know a few people that share your interests. Now I am not saying that you have to go out and meet everybody at the event, but select maybe 2 or 3 and go from there.
When engaging into conversations with the people you meet, you should remember that you don’t have to wait for them to start a conversation. You could simply start out by asking basic questions about what a person does, or the name of their business, etc. and you would be surprise where that conversation can end up. Showing an interest in what another person does is a perfect start.
NO FORMAL INTRODUCTIONS
Have you ever been to a party with a friend and that friend introduces you to his/her friends? Its pretty easy, huh? They do all the work for you and all you really have to say is “nice to meet you.” Now imagine if your friend was not at the party and you didn’t know anyone. Are you just going to hide in a corner for the rest of the night?
You have to learn how you do your own formal introductions. I promise if you walk up to a person and introduce yourself they won’t bite you! If you continue to wait around for other people to do things for you, you are not going to get anywhere. Now I know that this may sound corny, but before you go out to social outings prepare an introduction for yourself. You want to pretty much let people know who you are, why you are attending the social event, and you may even want to share some things about your business.
FEARING THAT PEOPLE MIGHT NOT LIKE YOU
The cure to this issue is confidence. You have to have confidence in yourself and what you stand for. Lack of confidence will show even if you think you disguise it well. You have to understand that meeting new people should never be a threat to you, but lack of confidence will turn that around. Just be yourself and you will be fine. Even if you have the rare occasion where someone doesn’t like you just politely smile and walk away.
IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT YOU
Like I mentioned before, showing interest in other people is what you should be focused on. Once you begin showing interest in others, they will begin showing interest in you. In my experience, this has been quite contagious.
These are some common problems that people have when it comes to networking, and they are not hard to fix. Once you get use to being around people and networking it becomes natural to you. If you find that your networking needs a little work then pace yourself and gradually make new connections that will benefit both you and your business.
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Who am I? I am a very determined young entrepreneur that is destined for greatness. I am a Business Owner, Virtual Assistant, Graphic Designer, Blogger, Infopreneur, Twitter Addict, Social Networking Junkie, Soft-Hearted Sap that likes to help whenever possible. Although I am about my business, I have a great sense of humor and have no interest in judging you! 
