Tips for Overcoming Face-to-Face Networking Awkwardness

Social events are a great resource for promoting your business career and meeting like-minded people who could potentially become new business partners. However, if you’re an introvert, you may have a hard time finding the courage to go to an event full of strangers. Use these tips to overcome face-to-face networking awkwardness and make it easier on yourself.

Keep your phone in your pocket

When you’re not used to talking to new people, it’s easy to pull out your phone and stare at the screen. However, this can make you difficult to approach and show other guests that you are not interested in what they have to say. Instead of pulling out your phone, pass the time by talking to new people.

Asking open-ended questions

When you ask a yes or no question, it leads to only one of those two answers and makes it difficult to have a conversation. Instead, ask questions that will lead to more questions, thus facilitating the conversation. Keep the conversation flowing with open-ended questions, and they may lead you to the answers you’ve been seeking about your business.

Adjust your communication preferences

It can be hard to change, but if you adjust your communication style, you can meet more people. Think about how you present yourself to others; body language, posture, tone of voice and gestures. It may seem awkward at first, but fake it until you make it – you’ll be surprised at the successful results of making connections with new business professionals in your market.

Try informal settings

Social events in formal settings can bring more pressure to communicate and professionalism to your guests. If this worries you, don’t be afraid to seek out informal events such as business golf socials. A casual setting encourages relaxed conversation, which can lead to business conversations, socializing, and networking with other professionals in a relaxed environment.

Set a goal

To overcome face-to-face social awkwardness, go to the event with a goal or outcome in mind. Doing so will allow you to focus on what you want to get out of the event and why you chose to go there in the first place. Working toward small goals can make the task of achieving them less daunting.

Once you’ve attended a few events, things will get easier. Be patient with yourself and practice your questions and greetings in the mirror before you leave to relieve some of the tension. Networking throughout your career is critical to expanding your business, so it’s important to fit in these environments.

Social events are a great resource for promoting your business career and meeting like-minded people who could potentially become new business partners. However, if you’re an introvert, you may have a hard time finding the courage to go to an event full of strangers. Use these tips to overcome face-to-face networking awkwardness and make it…