When you think of networking do you imagine an intimidating room of successful business people who are effortlessly mingling?  Not a particularly inviting picture, is it?   That’s maybe why so many people shy away from formal networking events.

Cutting to the chase…

1. Don’t shy away from networking.  Risk taking is an essential part of career development, and when it comes to open networking, the risk is minimal.
2. If you have been at the firm long enough and see your career long-term, you will eventually have to network or be involved in this aspect of business development to some degree.
3. Keep your finger on the pulse.  There are a lot of networking events out there, but the more you stay tuned in, the more meaningfully you can stay top of mind to relevant audiences.

Recently I attended a workshop for international business students looking to enter the workforce.  During the discussion period, I was surprised that none of the people I spoke with had ever attended a formal networking event.   The most common response I got was a blank stare or an innocent shrug.  It seemed as though they were aware of the world of formal networking and had never even considered the possibility of entertaining it.

Formal networking can be uncomfortable, recapturing the feeling of the first appearance at a high school prom– standing around awkwardly hoping someone will notice you, or even make eye contact with you.   Who would ever choose to feel like that?

You Are Not Alone

For anyone who can relate, let me put you at ease.  I recently networked at an event held by  the Greater Boston Chambers of Commerce and found myself among a rather large group of regular attendees.  Despite being slightly nervous in those first few moments on the playground, I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I became acclimated.  About half the people at the event were attending were also new to the Chambers and several were quick to admit feeling a little nervous.  It put me at ease to know I wasn’t the only one.

Even more surprising was the degree to which people were actually supportive of one another.    Whether a small business owner, or an employee of an established corporation, the behavior of the attendees seemed to support an atmosphere of collegiality and collaboration. People were generally supportive, even the more sales-leaning folk.

Don’t Do Long Winded Sales Pitches

Much to my relief and preconceived notions, I personally did not have to impress everyone with a long-winded sales pitch.  On the contrary, I found myself on a few occasions in a group where one person dominated the conversation with long lists of facts about their business.  In each case, I noticed the listeners displayed visible strain, discomfort, or boredom at the engagement. By far the more valuable encounters were much more natural.

Be Yourself

I found the easiest way to make contacts was by just being myself.  I had my introductory statement prepared, about who I was and what I did.  However, once I made that statement, it was natural conversation that led to the exchange of business cards.  Sometimes the conversation moved to a topic unrelated to business, and then when it came back around, we felt we knew each other a little better and could talk more openly about our goals.  In one encounter I even made a contact that was mutually beneficial: I recommended her service to a colleague and she expressed an interest in mine.

In case you’re wondering, there’s no lack of good websites and blogs on the topic. Here are just a few:

Help on overcoming Networking Nerves:

http://www.wiredsussex.com (pdf)

Guidance on Networking Dos and Don’ts:

http://hilary.com/career/networking2.html

If you’re looking to get your feet wet, here are a few local (Boston) places where you can stay up-to-date with networking event calendars:

http://www.boston.com

http://boston.bizjournals.com/boston/calendar/

http://www.bostonchamber.com/

http://www.searchboston.com/biz-cal.html

So for anyone who has never considered attending networking events, or for those who have considered it but have never actually done anything about it, some food for thought:  the worst that can happen is you go home without any contacts, which is the same as if you stayed home.  Finally, when you do venture out, be yourself.  Don’t let preconceived notions of networking alter your behavior.

Questions? Comments? Gripes? Be part of the discussion.