7 easy hacks for people who hate networking

It’s a common question: “How do I get my business to the next level?”

And there are the obvious responses, like working harder, launching new products and finding fresh cash injections. But one of the most important things you can do to grow your business is network with people you could collaborate with, learn from or work for.

Networking might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s no escaping it.

Research has found that your network is key to business success and makes you more likely to be creative on the job. In fact, one study found that 56 per cent of a group of respondents found their jobs through personal connections.

So, we know networking is important, but how exactly can you muddle your way through it if it’s not exactly on your list of fun things to do? Here are a few ideas.

1. If connecting is hard, start by re-connecting

If you hate networking or think you’re bad at it, then just start on Facebook. Or Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Social media is great as a first step for assembling contacts and finding common talking points with people of interest. You also get the opportunity to find out the events people you’re interested in are attending and if they’re in line with your professional pursuits, you could easily tag along.

And from your social media ‘stalking’, it’ll be easier to find a topic to approach them with.

2. Bring along a wing-person

Uncomfortable walking into a room full of people you don’t know? You’re not alone. So don’t be alone – bring a wing-person with whom you can check in with throughout the event.

Meeting new people isn’t a chore or a challenge for an enthusiastic extrovert. You might have friends who are trying to break into your industry, or with whom you’ve worked who will appreciate the opportunity to network. Take them along with you.

Finding a wing-person is also a great way to follow up with people you met at other events; maybe they’d like to attend the next one with you.

 

But don’t be too dependent on this person. If you spend the whole time talking only to them, you’ve defeated the purpose of being there.

3. Have emergency ice-breakers ready

Plan a few interesting ice-breakers that you can pull out when you find a conversation going stagnant.

In a small group, you might try a getting-to-know-you game that involves everyone. Try something like asking everyone to think of one word that describes a topic of your choice (for a group of doctors, for instance, you might choose ‘medical school’). The responses should give you some laughs and opportunities to share experiences.

4. Choose a magic number

You know how a video game will reward your efforts with ‘Level complete’? You can turn a networking event into something similar by setting a goal to speak to a specific number of people, and stick to it no matter what.

If you tell yourself that you’re going to speak to at least 10 new people at a networking event, keep your eye on the ball. You could make it easier by talking to five people wearing blue, for instance, and another five carrying large purses.

Keep your goals realistic to avoid setting yourself up for disappointment. For instance, don’t expect to walk away with a job offer. And reward yourself once you hit your goals with anything from icecream to a simple gadget.

5. Be interested, not interesting

Most people love to talk about themselves, so being a good listener is an asset in networking. And it’s something introverts excel at.

Networking is about building relationships. A critical part of building any relationship is showing sincere interest in the other party.

When you strike up a conversation, don’t attempt to launch into an awkward pitch for your business idea or job skills. Ask the person why they came to the event. And instead of flipping it immediately back to yourself, dig deeper. Ask how they got into their line of work and what they like about it or don’t like.

6. Arrive early

If the thought of walking into an enormous crowd and trying to seamlessly blend into a group makes you nervous, arrive early.

Wendy Gelberg, the author of The Successful Introvert: How to Enhance Your Job Search and Advance Your Career, says this works well because “there are just a few random people who have shown up early, and they’re delighted to have someone to talk to. Then you become part of the group.”

As an early arriver, you also get the chance to engage one-on-one with a few attendees before all of the noise and bustle sets in.

You also have the luxury of making the first impression in people’s minds before they’re drowning in business cards and handshakes.

7. Research, research, research

Cognitive scientists say it can take up to 200 times the amount of information to undo a first impression as it takes to make one. This means your first impression should be good if not great, so plan it. Fortunately, many events will provide lists of attendees in advance and some throw in bios, so gather as much information as you can before going in.