5 tips on how to nail networking

How to nail networking if you are on the shy side…

Does the thought of entering a room full of strangers leave you quaking in your boots and ready to run to the nearest exit? Read on for our top tips on networking the hell out of your next event…

Keep it real…

It’s easy to feel like the whole room of people at an event are brimming with self-confidence and razzmatazz but the truth is that most people have to fake it to make it and may have started off super shy too. See the exuberant, mouthy sales guy at the stand over there? Underneath all the power and bravado, chances are he’s not making a mega important business phone call on his mobile but trying to look busy and important, until someone comes to strike up a convo with him…. See, bet you feel better already!

Practice makes perfect

It may be a little embarrassing to start with, but practice your networking and small talk skills in the mirror or with friends and family. Small talk doesn’t come naturally to us all and practice really does make perfect. If you keep small talk going with those that you see most in your life it won’t feel quite as scary when you’re in a room full of people you don’t know. If all else fails, just be British and talk about the weather….

Buddy up

Still feeling a little unsure or anxious going in to a big event and having to chat to loads of new people? Why not buddy up with a colleague or friend who is naturally confident and outgoing? It doesn’t mean you have to be the shrinking violet or wall flower next to them but some of their exuberance and natural confidence may well rub off on you! You are the company you keep, so team up with someone who makes networking and small talk look like a piece of cake. Look at it also like having a ‘fixer’ your confident friend can introduce you to people and the rest will be history…

Position is everything

Lacking a wing man or woman and still have to go it alone? Fear not, there are still some tricks and tips to get people to come to you so you don’t have to wander the room wishing the ground would quite frankly swallow you up. If you don't want to be always seeking others out, position yourself so they come to you.  Volunteer to work at the reception stand as a greeter or on the registration desk to help hand out passes. This is a great way of getting people to come to you. Put yourself in situations that force you to meet new people. You'll find it much easier to talk with people when they come to you first…

 And finally …

Still struggling and feel like words fail you completely? Just pin a massive smile on your face and ask LOADS of questions. Remember, people LOVE to talk about themselves so asking them about them is always a fail safe way to make conversation!