7 Tips to Make Networking Less Awkward

7 Tips to Make Networking Less Awkward7 Tips to Make Networking Less Awkward3Networking. The very word sends shudders through me, and Im an extrovert. I can only imagine what it does to those who are introverted or shy by nature.The thing is, networking actually works. Awkward as some of these events are, the concept of being able to meet multiple business people at one time, in one place, for what might lead to mutually beneficial connections in the future, is brilliant.Whether youre an entrepreneur or someone in sales, an author or an artist, or perhaps youre looking to find a new career, these organized speed-dating type events can be just the flugticket to opening new doors and launching you toward future success. It just doesnt always feel that way.So, what are some things you can do to make the whole experience less awkward and mora fulfilling?Here are 7 suggestions to make networking less awkwardChoose wisely. Be selective about what events you attend. Not all networking event s are equal. Take time to do some research and dig in a little as to who else might attend, where the event is being held, how big it will be, and so on. I once attended an event that I thought would fit my purposes and found myself in an exceedingly awkward place, at a terrible bar with two other participants who were truly only interested in hearing themselves talk. I couldnt extricate myself fast enough.Decide why. Decide why you want to go in the first place and set a goal before you go. For example, decide how many connections you would like to make and aim for that number throughout the course of the event.Practice your openers. Before you get there, be sure to practice your elevator pitch and your opening lines or conversation starters to make networking less awkward. Use the fantastic communication tool of curiosity. Ask open-ended questions such as, How did you get involved in what youre doing now? Or, Tell me more about what youre hoping to accomplish this year. This takes the pressure off you and allows people to share and be heard. Listen well.Move around. Try not to hide by the bar or get stuck with the same people all evening. Remember your goal and dont be afraid to say, Im really glad to have met you, and lets be sure to follow up. Im going to move around and meet some more people now, and you likely want to do the same. Have a great night. Honesty works well.Bring your cards. You arent going to want to share your business card with everyone you meet but have them ready for those you do want to follow up with. Cards are a great way to get the persons name down and, of course, to follow up with after.Smile a lot. Smiling opens you up to being approached and makes it easier to connect. If you cant remember if youve met someone already (an awkward situation that happens to me sometimes) or if you cant recall the persons name, begin with, Have I met you yet? I find this line works really well and gives us both an out if we have met.Take notes. Have a pen funktelefon and write a note on the back of cards of those you want to follow up with so that you can sort them later. Take a couple of moments at a table or in the corner to do that in between conversations or getting a drink or snack. It will save you time later. After the event, make more detailed notes so that you can devise a follow-up plan to actually connect with those youre interested in. There isnt much point in attending a networking event if you dont follow up afterwards.Those are my seven main suggestions for making networking a little smoother and more enjoyable. One last idea is to be sure to eat dinner first, as its definitely awkward to hold a plate of food worry about stuff getting stuck in your teeth balancea plate, cards, a drink, and shakehands and movearound the room without spilling something.I eat a proper meal first and grab one or two finger-food bites here and there, sometimes as a good excuse to get out of a dull conversation or to move on to more p eople. (Im going to grab a bite, nice talking to you.) And be wary of drinking too much at these events. You want to stick to your preset goals, meet several people, and make meaningful connections, which is all done more easily when youre unclouded and razor sharp.Heres to your next networking event- may you make networking less awkward and much more beneficial to your future success.Jennifer Swanson is the author of a best-selling new book,What They See How to Stand Out and Shine in Your New Job. She has taught communication and human relation skills since 1993 to college students entering the medical field. Shes also the creator and host of the Communication Diva Podcast, which has an international audience and helps people deepen workplace and personal relationships through more effective communication. Swanson has a masters degree in public and pastoral leadership and is a certified conflict coach and master computerlinguistik practitioner. Shes also a mother and stepmother to two young adults and two teens- and to a four-legged hairy little beast named Bandit. You can connect with Jennifer on Twitter JennSwanson2 and on iTunes with the Communication Diva Podcast.