If you’re like most people that I know, you probably *think* that you hate networking. Well, do you want to hear a secret?
Before I became a career coach [and awoke to discover that it was my job to teach other people how to network], I used to “strongly dislike” it myself. As an introvert, the absolute last place that I wanted to be was in a room full of people, schmoozing and trying to precariously balance a tiny plate of hors d’oeuvres.
But, once I gave it a name makeover – and began to call it “building relationships with fascinating people” – the edginess I felt toward networking started to fall away.
As with most things that start off to be a bit challenging, the key is to play to your strengths. If you’re an introvert, skip the huge-room-full-of-strangers networking events and set up one-on-one meetings instead. Afraid you’ll say something foolish? Ask one good question to get the person across from you to talk about themselves.
Still not so sure? I thought you might say that. As with anything that’s incredibly worthwhile, you need a little bit of pluck. Taking the edge out of networking [or interviewing, for that matter] requires repeat practice.
Now, a crowded room is simply a opportunity for me to collect life stories from interesting people. And, you know what? Since I’m no longer worried about making the “right” or “wrong” impression, I’ve discovered that I actually enjoy networking. [It'll be our secret, okay?]
