Unleash the extrovert

It struck me over the last week that we have written a lot about networking on this blog (be it online or face to face) and whilst yes, indeed, it is a great way to build your connections and impress people, along with it a certain amount of confidence is required.

So if the the idea of networking fills you with dread then you are not alone! I consider myself relatively confident but the thought of talking to a complete stranger in a (somewhat forced) 'social' environment sometimes overwhelms me.

However, knowing that a great deal of opportunity can come from the most casual of conversation got me thinking... So, here are a couple of simple and easy tips could get you started and help ease some of those initial fears:

• Start small - go along to a casual lunchtime of after work drink event where the scene is relaxed, informal and intimate.  Getting a conversation going under these circumstances will feel much more natural.
• Role play - practice conversational pieces with friends and family
• Prepare - look into the event details you are due to attend and plan who you may want to talk to and about what. If you have prepared some basic questions/talking points your confidence will get an immediate boost.
• Not everyone is an extrovert - most people in the room probably feel the same as you! You will always meet people more confident than yourself, but with time will you will be able to develop your own style and create that expert approach.

Finally, you've only got to search on Google "Networking for Introverts" to get a whole host of other ideas too... plus the odd funny story! Why not give it a try, and of course, good luck!


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