Business Networking - Getting Over the Fear

[BRIDGREGORY]

My advice is to take it easy. If you expect too much from each meting you will put yourself under pressure and pressure results in nerves..

For many businesses it takes quite a while before they start to see any benefits so don't start telling yourself that you must do it perfectly today. Even if you don't get immediate business from the meeting you will learn something useful. I always do.

I can remember being given a referral at a networking event that I quoted for. The prospect didn't go ahead but three years later they called me and asked me to update my prices.

I got the business and it turned out to be one of the biggest sales that I ever had.

 

[HK Communications]

Just get stuck in, and don't forget, many people will be as nervous as you. It's always daunting at first. I joined a networking group recently and found that I was one of the youngest people there. However, I soon got over that once I got engaged in conversation with people. Also, a big thing for me was knowing that I've earned my place in the room. By that I mean that it's important to remember that you've got value to add to these events, and your opinion counts. So acknowledging that will boost your confidence.

 

[Marketing Quotes]

Stop overthinking it!

 

[webcrest]

hi everyone,
Liam just focus on your goals and dreams that's it. because its nature rule when you urge for something great the whole universe help you achieve it so the most important thing you need is focus and hard work age is nothing to do with your success.
good luck .

 

[Joel Bissitt]

I know it's a cliche but I had the same fear a long time ago and was told to imagine everyone either naked or on the toilet!

 

[Northstar100]

Some great advice here, I have had a few emails recently asking me to attend various meetings. I might just take them up on the offer.

 

[Darren Brock]

I attend my first chamber of commerce breakfast today. Whilst I had no problem presenting to senior management for 30 minutes in my previous employed role I did find this a little daunting. It's the fact most people were already in conversation and I didn't want to interrupt. What did throw me was that I had to give a 2 minute pitch (which I was not aware of) in front of 40 strangers and I was last ! I don't remember what I said.......anyway at least I now know what to expect.

 

[HighProxies]

Age has nothing to do with it. If you sound knowledgable and know your stuff, then no one should really balk at your age.

 

[Audrey Zack]

Having a kind fear before the first startup is natural and you need to overcome it. At first, ignore all the wrong belief that you have in your mind or heard from somewhere else. Such common beliefs are I'm not technically sound, not having enough money, afraid of people and what they think about me or my business.

Just go one step ahead with full of confidence and let your business grow.

 

[phonegrade]

Be engaging and interested on others business as well as show your own enthusiasm and be genuine.

Try not to seem like a sales man more a friend and build contacts that way, you will find your way and get used to it . I know plenty of young entrepreneurs 25 and under good luck


PhoneGrade.co.uk

 

[cracklepop]

If you live in a big city like London, you have so many opportunities to network at these events, it would be stupid not to.

 

[Ekim Saribardak]

Stop overthinking it!

The first step on doing something good is, doing it!
Not talking, discussing, thinking about it, but just doing it. If you do it, you'll get better at it.

 

[godoit]

So how are the events for just meeting like minded people. All my business stuff is direct to consumer but I get a bit lonely in business thinking. All my mates are in employed jobs and don't have any thoughts of business.
I would just like to meet people just for that business inspiring chats not any sales, just "hey here's what I do here's what you do and have you thought of trying this".
Is the networking going to fulfil this?

 

[Hkentrepreneur]

First of all let me tell you why we get fear at any age before strat anything because we want to make it right or correct everything we going to do first time until we not make it right we create imaginary fear or pain such as what will other think of me if I would do wrong someone people would laugh at me, so just forget that you have to make right when you do anything I just join digital marketing and networking business i geting fear when i speak to strenger or shooting video because i thought it's not right and comparing with others as soon as I stop to compare myself with others fear has gone and i can do anything without fere Im just 30 now you can develop that skill by join mindset people or entrepreneurial networking people they share real story to be success in network business.

 

[Mr D]

I don't like talking to strangers, the few networking events I have been to I have tended to fade into the background.
I do feel they are more of a requirement these days. Have avoided a few issues based on other people's experience - other people's mistakes and corrections are much, much cheaper than learning the hard way what to do.

 

[ChristineJoy33]

Networking really needs effort in order for it to be more successful and more stabilized. Thus, confidence is really a big ingredient to grow this kind of business because you need to look convincing, persuading and approachable as well. I believe age doesn't matter and people would never mind it if you just can prove to them that you have enough knowledge about the kind of industry/ business you are doing and your delivering words and information with conviction. The important keys there are reliability and dependability. If the group of people are eager enough to listen to you then age will never be a factor. Its all about the content of what your saying and your knowledge about the specific networking company you want to relay to the people. I know a number of people who are in the right age or old enough lets say, who are not really reliable enough when it comes to the product they're selling, etc.

 

[YourRetailCoach]

It doesn’t matter how many times entrepreneurs read their affirmations, the fears arise, challenging them every step of the way. Just take a step forward and overcome fear like

• Be an expert
• Find proper funding
• Attract customers
• Be capable

As an entrepreneur, you most likely have what it takes to complete the game. So don’t be afraid when the pins fall. You can set them upright again.

 

[Free.stockphoto.com]

I don't like talking to strangers, the few networking events I have been to I have tended to fade into the background.

I am EXACTLY like you, @Mr D! After a few wasted evenings I tried another tack. I noticed that there were at least a handful of similar wallflowers like myself, so I tried to find another person as equally uncomfortable and socially awkward as myself and ask them three questions:
- How they heard about this event
- What they did for a living
- How they got started

Not hard to spot. They were usually standing alone up the back (or near the exit) by themselves (like me). But the hardest part was making eye contact and getting up the courage to walk up to them, shove a hand their way and break into an introduction.

I'm getting better at it.

 

[Gecko001]

I have been to one or two business networking events. I find that they are very artificial affairs which can be embarrassing, not because of any deficiencies in social skills that I might have, but because they tend to be dominated by either vultures looking for prey and the prey who think that they are there to make contacts as someone has told them that we all need contacts in business.

If you are not one of the vultures and feel isolated in business, there are plenty of things you can do other than going to "networking events". You can join trade associations if there is an active one in your sector. Note some are almost scams, where they take your money and do little else, but others are very active, with lecture, site visits, training seminars, sport events, award competitions etc. You can join local associations and clubs such as sports clubs.

 

[Julia Getsy]

The best tip to start a new business is to hire an assistant, preferably virtual assistant (due to low cost and time flexibility) and delegate most of the unimportant work to them and staying focused.

 

[Zoltan Lange]

Oh my goodness. Here you can find so much of good and excellent advice. I don't think I could give anything extra. Read all of them and you will be an expert on networking events.

 

[Joe SecondIncome]

You just need to be confident as stated, trade cards and get on your way!

 

[Jay Shields]

I am in a similar situation at the moment. We are all 20-22y.o. in our small company (4 people) and have been having multiple meeting and networking events and were all nervous during the first few. Now we just relax and do exactly what the others are saying.

 

[Furqan721]

I have found this thread to be the best one. I always shy about business networking events and I do fear of how people think of me because I am a starter in my business and the event I am going, is filled with guys who are doing business for decades and they are like my father ages.

I think its better to start from your own introduction, so that before asking from someone about his/her business, at least they know you, your name and a little about your business.

 

[P19Johnson]

I believe one of the most essential things to keep in mind when business networking is building a rapport with the person you are talking to.
Going straight in and selling from the get go may put someone off, however letting them talk about themselves to you and then molding your solutions to their personal position.

 

[Eugene Hill]

Hi all,
I am about to start going to business networking events and wondered if you had any tips on how to best approach new people and to appear approachable and knowledgeable? I always have a fear that people aren't going to take me seriously because I'm only 22.

Many thanks,

Liam

Well, It is pretty normal to be nervous and apprehend. Well, it is true that old people 'usually' do not take 22 year old guy seriously. For them, as you are that young (22 yrs old) - you are supposed to be roaming around the town with your girlfriend - chilling out, enjoying your life, drinking beer!

Well, for business networking, you will have to deal with people based on their interests. You need to treat it more like a social event where you get an opportunity to meet new people and know their needs.

 

[Ldel66]

Thanks for your replies so far, sorry if this sounds stupid but are networking events ultimately for getting your start up fund or just to get potential clients?

 

[Awinner2]

Networking events should be to allow all attendees to mingle, chat, find some like souls and expand your contact lists. No hard selling just getting your face out there for others to find common ground.

 

[KellyBDE]

Thanks for your replies so far, sorry if this sounds stupid but are networking events ultimately for getting your start up fund or just to get potential clients?

Depending on the type of networking event you attend will be dependent on whom is in the room.
There could potentially be funders in the room who you may come across but it tends to be a mix of professionals and business owners.

 

[Owesdr]

Most people have the potential to hit the market with their innovative ideas but they have a fear of failure in mind. I would recommend those people to give a try as it is better to lose than doing nothing. What do you people think in this regard? Am I right?

 

[Itct Education]

Hello Dear!
I am very happy to join this group.
Networking helps both in promoting your business and also learning from your peers. You can do this by attending seminars or expos for your product.

 

[davidlee21]

You might have heard the quote " age is just a number". Whether you are 22 or 50 or any age it doesn't matter. The thing which matters is how you present yourself to the other. So be confident.

Go ahead meet new people get to know them and promote your business.

 

[MandaBarnes]

I agree 100% with the above noted fact that you need to put your age aside. Experience, knowledge, and confidence go a long way to carry you, remember that. Also, the best piece of advice I've got is to MAKE A FRIEND. Do not go to them pushing your idea, but go to them asking to learn about them. Then let them ask about you. It doesn't always work, but if someone at one of these events doesn't stop and realize they need to return the favor, they didn't really care anyway and they are NOT buying what you are selling. Good luck!

 

[Caroline_Pegden]

Try to register with your local Chamber of Commerce and attend some of their events - just give it a go a few times, you'll learn from what others are doing, and after a while, will become more comfortable doing it and it will be natural.

Best of luck!
Caroline

 

[Darkterror]

Fear is the greatest enemy of success, in my opinion. My advise is that you should be yourself and know that the person you are about to approach is just another person who also has his/her own fears. Dont underestimate yourself, but don't be overconfident again. You may appear as being arrogant if you try covering up your fears with too much blabbering

 

[Kenvin Breck]

I start my career at 20 from locksmith and now i have a successful locksmith and running a business. just you have confidence on yours that you can because you have power and you are very strong. Just set a aim so you can achieve goals.

 

[Alexander Denholm]

Just have to remember that it's an information game. You're not selling anything here. Just be yourself - most of the time, people will remember the person they're talking to more than the product or service they were talking about.

 

[VeneraB]

Sorry I think that being afraid is normal. You need to learn how to use this feeling. I want to say that you need to analyze your fear because it gives you an idea of your losses, failures, and so on, which means that you already know what you can expect to take precautions accordingly.

 

[John Charles]

Firstly, don't worry about your age

Next, don't worry about nerves - that is normal

Most of all - don't sell!

'Hi, I'm Liam I do XYZ - tell me about your business'

Get the cards and follow up.

If the event requires a one minute pitch think it through and keep it simple - resist the temptation (I learned the hard way) to list everything you do just say one thing well.

Seriously good advice mate!

 

[MBE2017]

FWIW, do the opposite of what you are comfortable doing, so instead of talking to friends, at the edge of a room, talk only to strangers and wonder around. I started at 19-20, and always prefer to chat to strangers from a business perspective. It has led to some very nice deals, and some good friends.

Us Brits are well known for generally sticking in our normal circle of friends, ignoring everyone else. I always take the view everyone would like at least another friend.