Not a big networker? Or are you a wallflower?

I’ve gathered a few tips on overcoming your networking fears and maximizing social capital building throughout December and into the new year below.

Mindset

Come with an open mind and break old habits. Put your phone out of reach and out of sight. Smile. Be confident to introduce yourself to someone you do not know. Be open to someone coming up to you to introduce themself. It is ok to break into a small group or table to initiate conversation. Be willing to walk away with a “great to meet you today” closing when there is nothing else further to exchange.

Know Your Intro

Write down and practice your personal brand promise – what you do for whom and the value you provide. It should be a succinct one-liner you use in your intros. What if they are intrigued and want to learn more? Have a few potential talk tracks you can dive deeper into over a few-minute conversation.

Have Questions to Ask

Don’t come talking about yourself only. Have a list of questions in mind to learn more about who you are meeting at the event. Get beyond what you do questions and ask why they are at the event today or what they want to achieve in 2025. Try to get beyond the small talk.

Be a Connector

Realize you may have a resource, be it a person, company, or other source, that would benefit your new contact? Share and make introductions when possible so you are seen as someone willing to serve others. You never know when the favor will be returned.

Schedule Further Discussion on the Spot

Found someone you believe would be great to chat with further? Exchange contact information and book a one-on-one before you end your conversation (yes, it is ok to grab your phone now).

Follow Up

Post-event, connect with your new contacts on LinkedIn and send a message reminding them how great it was meeting them at the event. Also, follow through on anything you committed to doing for them.

Want to learn more and practice these tips with a small audience? Join me on Friday, December 6th, for my free social capital workshop. Space is limited. Register at https://bit.ly/GrowSocialCapital24.