Networking is a very important part of any business. Like it or not a lot of opportunity and success is built on who you know. It took a long time for me to realize this because I myself was slightly introverted and wanted to believe that talent alone could get me places. I wanted to hide in my office creating my art and believing that would be enough.
It’s not.
The truth is, talent will get you some places, but who you know is really what can get your career going.
People help people and that means you have to meet them – we are not an island! The world is filled with stories of super talented people who go nowhere and those who are less talented who go somewhere. This is because networking is a huge part of success.
So, like it or not, you’ve got to get good at it.
And you can get good at it.
Even if you’re introverted, you too can get good at networking. Read below for some tips to help!
First and foremost, you have to stop telling yourself you’re shy and no good at meeting people. That does not serve you. Brainwash yourself into believing you are awesome at networking – that means say it until it sinks in. Kick the negative self-talk out the door.
Second, really concentrate on what you want – how bad do you desire success as a cammer?
Hopefully you will discover that your goal is stronger than your fear. It should be or you’re not in the right profession. You’ll realize that in order to get where you need to be, you have to network and that means no matter how afraid you are of meeting new people, making it in your chosen career trumps that fear. So, check in with that when you’re sitting in your hotel room and afraid to go downstairs to the meet and greet.
Third, stop putting pressure on yourself to meet “the right people.” A lot of anxiety comes from worrying about connecting with “bigwigs.” Let that go. You never know who can help you in your journey. Everyone may be clamoring around the big agent, and they get nowhere, meanwhile you’re speaking to the waitress. You find out later the waitress is best friends with the agent’s daughter and hooks you up.
Take it all in stride, everyone you meet is important and no one can make or break your career.
Fourth, take the fear out of networking by not thinking of it as “networking.” You’re just meeting people. You don’t need anything from them. Get to know them as friends, be invested in what they have to say, don’t pounce on them with your credentials or photos… that can come later. Too often we think about what others can do for us, instead of just trying to get to know someone.
Fifth, if you’re afraid you won’t know what to talk about, remember you’re at this event with this person because you are in the same industry. That means you have something in common. Start with that – ask them a question about how they got in the business or what they like about it, be truly interested in what they have to say, and chances are you’ll find yourself in a great conversation.
Main Photo credit:iStock.com/VictoriaBar
Middle Photo credit: iStock.com/Rawpixel
Last Photo credit: iStock.com/Kar-Tr
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Alyssa Collins hails from Minnesota, where snowy days were the perfect excuse to stay warm inside and write. Over the years, she turned that joy into a career and has authored numerous articles for various publications (under pen names). Email Alyssa via alyssa@ynot.com.
