With the economy where it is today, and your job a little less
secure than you’d like it, networking has never been more important.
There are plenty of blogs out there that tell you to use linkedin,
facebook, or other web oriented networking tools. What is often taken
for granted is face to face networking, something us extroverts are so
natural at. Pick up the phone, go to the convention, shake the random
suit’s hand, start that conversation. Network Network Network.
The
problem is, this isn’t as easy for some people as it might seem. The
fact is, some of the smartest and most talented entrepreneurs don’t
have that A-type, in your face personality. And all too often, the
potential entrepreneur or corporate work-horse just accepts this as a
permanent block to their success.
Paul Brown at the New York Times has a column today taking on that
very topic. He does a great job of framing the situation in such a way
that an introverted person can relate and use the suggestions to help
them network.
“Next time you find yourself at a conference, industry event or
local chamber of commerce meeting, try these three ideas, suggests John
Berard, who runs Credible Context, a communications consulting firm,
and describes himself as a shy guy.
1. Break the ice by talking about what is going on around you.
“Every event offers something — a display, a presentation or cause —
that can be a stress-free way to make a connection.”
2. Force yourself. “Networking in person requires proximity which
can be uncomfortable to the shy person. Getting in a line — to the bar,
the buffet or the book signing — is a natural way to overcome that
hurdle. The wine at the bar, the food at the buffet and the author’s
high school picture on the book jacket are all ways to take advantage
of what’s going on.”
3. Prepare questions to ask people you are sure to encounter at the
event. It doesn’t really matter what you ask, as long as it is somehow
relevant. Just the act of asking will start a conversation.”
There are lots of tipsters out there when it comes to the business
of networking, but its refreshing to see Mr. Brown focusing on such an
overlooked segment of the business population.
Many of you out there are sitting on the fence, unwilling to take
that risk of starting your own company, whether a franchise, production
of that invention you’ve been working on or something else completely,
all because you are worried about how you are going to deal with the
face-to-face element of business. You’ve described yourself as, “the
idea guy”. But the truth is the idea guy CAN be the face too.