I recently attended an event with a client and she was so nervous because she was going to be talking with people she didn’t know. Now, networking can be a challenge and if we are not careful, the fear of rejection will become a self-fulfilling prophecy. A few things can help you get in the right frame of mind so you are working towards a great impression instead of cowering in fear.
1) The most important thing is that none of these people are a client. That means you have absolutely nothing to lose by talking to them. They don’t control your income and therefore have no control over your life.
2) People are people. They have good days and bad days, they generally like to help others and like when others help them. They put their pants or dresses on in the morning, go to work and do the best they can to make it a productive day, just like you.
3) Nervous sells. That’s right, if you let people know you are nervous that is a huge way to develop deep rapport. By admitting that you are vulnerable you are showing that you have nothing to hide and you can be trusted. Could there be someone there who wants to take advantage of your “weakness”? Sure. But that works in your favor too… after all, you want to know who you can trust too, right?
Networking gets easier the more you do it. Don’t let your fears get in the way of your success! The only thing to fear, is fear itself!
Happy Networking!
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