Overcoming the "Nervous Networker" Condition
Acting Like a Host
In her book Skills for Success, Dr. Adele Scheele tells about a cocktail party where she met someone who was hesitant to introduce himself to total strangers. Dr. Scheele suggested that he "consider a different scenario for the evening. That is, consider himself the party's host instead of its guest." She asked him, if he were the host, wouldn't he introduce himself to people he didn't know and then introduce them to each other? Wouldn't he watch for lulls in conversations, or bring new people over to an already-formed small group?
Scheele's new acquaintance acknowledged the obvious difference between the active role of the host and the passive role of the guest. Scheele concluded that "there was nothing to stop this man from playing the role of host even though he wasn't the actual host."
Don't Act, Be
Now I know that sounds easy... but, when it comes right down to it, actually acting like the host isn't so simple for many people. Not all individuals are good at "acting" like something they are not. Therefore, I have one important thing to add to this advice: don't "act" like the host... "be" the host.
Most of the business organizations you go to have a position that is responsible for meeting visitors. I know it sounds crazy telling someone who is uncomfortable meeting new people at a networking event to be the host. At first, it must sound a little like telling a boxer to "lean into a punch!". But, there's a big difference and it really works.
Most people's fears relating to meeting new people at networking events come from not having a proper context to introduce themselves to others. Just as Scheele points out, when you are the host - you don't feel uncomfortable introducing yourself to someone you don't know who's at your party. So the key, in feeling comfortable, is to establish the proper context.
Don't Leave Home Without a Goal
Entering a cavernous room filled with hundreds of strangers can be extremely daunting, especially for people who are not naturally comfortable in those situations. Plus, many people have the mistaken notion that they have to somehow talk with everyone in the room in order to be successful, and let's face it; that's not a reasonable expectation.
However, if you have set some goals before you leave for the function, you will have a path to follow, and once you get down the path, you're done, and you get to go home.
First of all, do your homework and find out where your target market hangs out. That way, you can frequent those places and events, where people with some of the same interests as you are connecting with each other, and with other service providers like you. Once you've figured out where to network, set a goal for the number and types of people you will connect with on this particular evening. Maybe you know the event will have a lot of prospects who have a direct need for your product or service. Perhaps there is a better chance other businesses that service your clients will be represented at the function, and you may set a goal for meeting potential new referral partners.
Become a Gate Keeper
To establish the proper context, I recommend that you volunteer to be an Ambassador, or Visitor Host, at the networking groups you belong to. An Ambassador or Visitor Host is someone who greets all the visitors and introduces them to others. Over time, this type of position will give you an opportunity to meet many people, put them together with others, and become an accomplished "gate keeper." Helping others connect, meet, and get want they need - will unquestionably help you build your business. Furthermore, it will do it in a way that helps others.
By using this technique, you'll start to develop excellent networking skills and get great exposure to many business professionals in a short time.
A distinguishing characteristic of self-made millionaires is that they network everywhere. Most importantly, they do it all the time - at business conferences, at the health club, on the golf course, or with the person sitting next to them on a plane. This fact alone should motivate you to place yourself in situations where you can meet new people and do so in a way that you feel comfortable.
It's not called net-sit, or net-eat, it's called net-work. If you want to become a better networker, try this technique out. You will be pleased with the results.