The second in my series of BE Vitamins for connection in your business is BE Social.
Many shy or reserved entrepreneurs (and I’m a shy extrovert so I should know!) find networking challenging either online or offline. I have found strategies to deal with this and one tip I would like to give is to BE social.
Now don’t let this scare you. I am not talking about working the whole room and becoming the life and soul of the party. Being social can mean something as simple as connecting with one person at a deeper level. Make networking about making friends and connections firstly and about gaining clients later. This applies online and offline (and should, in my opinion be the approach of ALL networking). Connect with those that you feel comfortable with and leave the rest until you have built up some relationships.
This approach genuinely works much better for the shy or reserved entrepreneur. Try it.
Are you shy or reserved? Do you find networking overwhelming? Do you have any tips for making networking more comfortable? Or do you avoid it completely?
This makes total sense to me, Louise. I am naturally shy too and this works for me. I don’t know if it’s because I’m shy, but I can’t stand the hard sell. It will put me off ever doing business with that person. However, if I get to know someone and like them, then I want to do business with them (or refer people to them). It’s good to remember this online as well – the hard sell is just as off-putting there. One tip I give my own clients when they are faced with difficult situations is to remember to breathe, and in particular to breathe out!. We often hold our breath when we’re tense, uncomfortable and afraid, and it does nothing but exaggerate our fears!
Do you know I use the whispered ahh technique at the start of a talk when I speak – grounds me and the audience
You are such a good Alexander Technique student
I have always been shy. I find it a relief to think about concentrating on one person and connecting deeply rather than trying to “work the room.” The only place I’m not shy is when I’m presenting, which might seem odd! But I can talk to a group of any size and feel comfortable, and I can talk to people afterwards. But if I’m in a large group where I haven’t been the one presenting, I am shy. (I also like Imogen’s tip to remember to breathe!)
Judy Stone-Goldman
The Reflective Writer
www.thereflectivewriter.com
Personal-Professional Balance Through Writing
I am also finding it easier to talk to a whole group than the individual networking Judy, which is why I am leading my own networking group now
I’m really enjoying this new series, Lou (and cute, catchy name too). As you know, I’m not a naturally shy person & usually feel comfortable meeting new folks. But if I’m in a quieter space I find that the simple act of genuinely smiling at others automatically opens genuine conversations. So, I would add, Keep Smiling!
Heidi & Atticus
www.atticusuncensored.com
“commentary to give you paws…”
I may add that to me tips
Hi Louise,
I don’t think I am shy but I love to connect with a few in a more meaningful way than with many on the surface! And networking can definitely be overwhelming. After I learned more about myself and who I really am, I found it a lot easier to find the people who are like me and connect with them. Connecting with like-minded is the best networking strategy I think.
Great advice, Louise.
Franziska San Pedro
Flavor Designs
Yes, knowledge is power – which is why I am a Character Code Coach in training
I always say, if you’re not making friends, you’re not doing business. Relationships are the key. Great reminder, Louise.
Great tips Louise. I used to be very shy until well into my 30′s. Eventually, I gained enough confidence to be able to stand in front of a group of hundreds of people to make a presentation. What you say is true, be social. There will always be people in the audience who are rooting for you. I always seek out a friendly face, make eye contact and smile. It’s genuine and helps everyone to relax.