Here's how you can conquer shyness or social anxiety when networking.

1. Learn about the event, the people attending, and potential topics of discussion. 2. Rehearse your introduction and a few conversation starters. 3. Aim to make a small number of meaningful connections rather than trying to meet everyone. 4. Attend events with a friend to feel more at ease. Your buddy can help introduce you to others and reduce the pressure. 5. Show genuine interest in others by asking open-ended questions. 6. Focus on the conversation instead of your anxiety. 7. Take every opportunity to practice your networking skills. 8. Use this feedback to better prepare for future events. 9. Follow up with people you meet to build,maintain relationships. 10. Use social media or email to stay in touch and reinforce your connections.

People experience shyness and social anxiety because often they have underlying limiting beliefs about the act of networking itself and also their own self-image. Our underlying beliefs run our thoughts. So if we go into networking with thoughts like "I'm not good at networking." "Networking is only for extroverts." "Networking feels fake and insincere." "I don’t want to bother people." "People won't be interested in what I have to say.""I fear rejection" then this will reflect in your behaviour, confidence and authenticity. To build confidence, you have to recognise your own limiting beliefs and thought patterns and ask yourself, where do these beliefs come from? Are they true? What would be a more empowering belief?

Start by building your confidence gradually. Engage in small social interactions in low-stress environments to practice your networking skills. Role-play scenarios with friends or colleagues to simulate real networking situations. Positive self-talk and visualization techniques can also help. Imagine yourself succeeding in networking events, which can reduce anxiety. Remember, confidence grows with experience. As you become more comfortable in social settings, your shyness and anxiety will diminish, allowing you to engage more effectively in networking.

As a shy person, you can build trust quickly by actively listening and showing genuine interest. Be authentic and open to others, ask questions and share personal thoughts. Seek common interests and support others. Show reliability and keep promises. Small gestures of kindness help to build trust.

Start by preparing topics of interest, practicing introductions, and setting small, achievable goals for each event. Gradually expose yourself to more social situations, and remember that everyone experiences nerves sometimes—confidence grows with practice and positive self-talk.

Set small, achievable goals for each networking event. Aim to have meaningful conversations with just a few people instead of trying to meet everyone.

When attending networking events, setting achievable goals can turn a potentially overwhelming situation into manageable tasks. Rather than striving to be the center of attention, prioritize making a few meaningful connections. Quality always triumphs over quantity. By aiming to engage in a couple of deep conversations, you'll alleviate pressure and foster genuine connections, making the experience more fulfilling and less daunting.

Set realistic and achievable goals for each networking event. Instead of aiming to meet everyone, focus on making a few meaningful connections. Having specific targets, like introducing yourself to three new people or having one in-depth conversation, can make the event feel more manageable. Setting realistic goals helps reduce the pressure and allows you to measure your progress. Over time, as you achieve these goals, your confidence will increase, making it easier to engage in larger and more challenging networking situations.

Preparation is key to easing social anxiety at networking events. Before attending, compile a list of topics you feel confident discussing, such as industry news, hobbies, or recent projects. These conversation starters can guide discussions and alleviate any awkward pauses. Think of it as equipping yourself with a map in an unfamiliar city — it enhances your ability to navigate smoothly and reduces stress during interactions.

Prepare topics of conversation ahead of time. Research the event and its attendees if possible, and come up with a few discussion points or questions related to the industry or common interests. Having prepared topics can help you feel more at ease and provide a natural starting point for conversations. Additionally, stay updated on current events and trends within your field. This preparation will enable you to engage confidently and contribute meaningfully to discussions, making it easier to connect with others.

To conquer shyness or social anxiety when networking, preparation is key. Start by preparing a few topics or questions related to your field or interests that you can discuss with others. This gives you a framework to rely on during conversations, easing anxiety and allowing for more natural interactions.

Start by thinking about general topics that are relevant to the event you'll be attending. These could include current industry trends, recent news, or common interests related to your field. Next, prepare some personal topics that you feel comfortable discussing. This could be a recent project you've worked on, a hobby you're passionate about, or a recent book or article you've read.

Be curious and genuinely interested in people and conversations. Ask questions and listen to them carefully, reflecting back on what you have heard, nodding your head, giving verbal cues like saying yes, oh, I understand, asking suitable clarifying questions. Active listening is a powerful tool to get attuned to what the other person is saying, they feel valued, heard and that in itself is powerful. Remember they are regular people like you. Your genuine interest will be well received creating a rapport.

The only thing people want to talk about, really, is themselves. Remember, you do not have to be "interesting" to make good connections, you just have to be "interested." Lean in and look at their face when they are speaking. Try using the classic improv technique of "yes, and..." Respond to anything someone says with an agreement of some variety and follow up with a related question, anecdote or commentary. Remember to not overthink it.

Remember to listen actively. Pay attention to what the other person is saying and respond thoughtfully. This will make the conversation more engaging and less stressful for both of you.

Your body language is crucial in making a strong impression before you even speak. To convey confidence and approachability, focus on positive body language. Stand tall with good posture, maintain eye contact to show interest and attentiveness, and offer a firm handshake when appropriate. A genuine smile can also go a long way in creating a welcoming atmosphere. These non-verbal signals not only enhance how others perceive you but can also boost your own sense of confidence during interactions. So, pay attention to your body language—it's a powerful tool in effective communication.

The mind and body are connected so if you have limiting beliefs about networking and your self-image, it will reflect in your behaviour, facial expressions, tone of voice. Our body is congruent with our words and thoughts so make sure you update your thoughts and leverage your body language. Smile, show curiosity and interest with facial expressions, and you may even find yourself mirroring them. Many studies reveal that human communication happens via non-verbal cues the majority of the time. Using your body language not only helps boost your own confidence but having an open and welcoming body language also further builds rapport overcoming our own shyness or anxiety.

Utilizar a linguagem corporal de forma eficaz pode melhorar significativamente as relações interpessoais no trabalho. Eu começo sorrindo e ofereço um aperto de mão firme, sem perder o contato visual. Olhar nos olhos é importante. Gosto também de demonstrar que estou ouvindo ativamente, por meio de respostas não verbais, por exemplo, um aceno de cabeça, para deixar claro que estou atenta. Esse tipo de gesto encoraja o interlocutor a continuar falando e assim a conversa flui.

Start with a confident posture. Stand tall with your shoulders back. This makes you appear more approachable and confident. Make eye contact. It shows you are interested and engaged. But don't stare. A few seconds at a time is enough. Smile genuinely.

You can conquer shyness or social anxiety when networking by maintaining eye contact, having a good posture, smile, good tone and have open body language to project confidence.

Here’s something to consider: When navigating networking events, remember that it's not just about what you say, but also about active listening. Engaging genuinely with others by showing interest in their stories and perspectives can forge deeper connections than just talking about yourself. This approach not only enriches conversations but also leaves a positive impression of you as someone who values meaningful interactions. So, while preparing your talking points is important, equally focus on being present and attentive to others' contributions to make the most out of networking opportunities.

Explore your limiting beliefs about networking and yourself before going to the networking events. Spend some time doing the inner work on yourself so you can come across a genuine authentic self and also have an enjoyable experience. Humans survived and evolved in tribes so it's a natural instinct subdued by negative beliefs we picked up in society, culture or childhood. Reframe your thoughts around yourself. Remember your why for networking and think about the benefits and value you bring to others with what you have to say.

To conquer a fear of networking events, focus on curiosity. Don’t stress about making numerous connections. Instead, set a goal to deeply learn about just one person. Dive into meaningful conversations by asking questions and embracing genuine interest in what you learn. This shift not only eases anxiety but also boosts your active listening skills, empathic communications, making networking more enjoyable and fulfilling. With all else stripped away, networking events are about building connections. Showing deep interest and curiosity in other people are the foundation stones for lasting connection.

1. Investiga sobre los eventos y las personas que asistirán. Tener información te dará confianza y temas de conversación. 2. Fija metas alcanzables, como hablar con tres personas nuevas en cada evento. 3. Ensaya tus presentaciones y respuestas a preguntas comunes. 4. Enfócate en escuchar más que en hablar. Hacer preguntas demuestra interés y facilita la conversación. 5. Imagina escenarios positivos y tu éxito en las interacciones sociales. 6. Utiliza técnicas de respiración profunda para mantener la calma. 7. No trates de impresionar a todos. La autenticidad atrae conexiones genuinas. 8. Después de los eventos, reflexiona sobre lo que salió bien y lo que puedes mejorar.

Don't forget to start small. Maybe at first go with a friend (but still spend some time alone), attend work-related events, try your hand at smaller gatherings or those where you will be seated and can easily start a conversation with your neighbour. There is nothing quite like practice, so put yourself out there and start chatting!