It's spring and you're heading to the pool for the first time of the season. It's finally warm out. No, it's downright hot! All you can think about is getting cool in the pool! You know it will be refreshing, you will be with friends or family that you have been looking forward to spending time with and you may even lose that glow in the dark look that you've been sporting all winter! You're ready to get in, but before you do, you test the waters with your toe... IT'S FREEZING. You know that you want to get in, but you can't just "jump in" like everyone is hollering out to you. So you go back on the deck to psych yourself up!
To a lot of people networking is just like getting into that pool for the first time. It's too cold and instead of just jumping in, they retreat for another time or until they are ready.
So what can a person do to ease into networking? Three things will help:
1. Think positive- If you think the pool is too cold, it will be. If you think the event will be intimidating, it will be. Tell yourself how great it will be and how good it will feel to have the sense of accomplishment! Just like you psych yourself to get into the pool, you can psych yourself for the event!
2. Dress for success- There are certain items of clothing that are suitable for swimming. It would be challenging to go for a dip if you were wearing a snowmobile suit. It could actually hinder your progress and weigh you down and you could even drown. If you are wearing something inappropriate for networking, you can also take a dive. Dressing according to your business is always a good idea, but many find it helpful to dress it up a notch. They find that little extra, gives them confidence, not to mention an edge over their competition. Also, don't forget your smile. The most important accessory you could put on!
3. Be prepared- To swim in a pool, you need to have the water ready. To network at an event, you need to have your words ready. Practice what to say when someone asks you what you do. Memorize a phrase or two that will just roll off your tongue. Once you are comfortable and a person is truly interested in what you do, you will find it easy to speak from the heart. You will also find it helpful to have business cards and your calendar along!
By practicing these tips and making them your own, it will become easier to attend a function, just like easing into the pool a little at a time. However, you may find you reach a certain level of comfort that you decide to just go all the way in. Whether you become numb to the effects of your mind or just reach a level of comfort, the result will be refreshing and satisfying and you may even build some relationships and get some business!
Tara Schmakel
The Workroom at Tara's
Very good blog post Tara. I love your analogy and you are spot on. Eight years ago I was one of those who just wanted to dip my toes into the world of networking. I was fortunate enough to have a couple of friends who came along and tossed me in the pool.....head first. I'll always remember them for pushing me in to the world of networking!
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work. You make it easy to put things into perspective.
Jerry Williamson
President
Teamworx Productions
Good post Tara like your style and you make great points
ReplyDeleteJerry and Iain, thank you so much for your very kind words!
ReplyDeleteAnd you just might be surprised how quickly you get used to the frigid water!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice Tara. It's nice to connect with people who are prepared and positive. A positive attitude is the FIRST thing that draws me to a person regardless if it's in business or in the grocery store.
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