Do you fear and flee networking events? Me, too...
I'm embarking on a campaign to overcome my resistance to networking events. Yes, I know it's possible to network using the internet and I do, but it would definitely be to my benefit to be more comfortable with networking at live events as well.
I have no problem with public speaking or teaching, but going into a room where I don't know anybody has always been an issue. I'm sure there's now a name and some kind of pill for this but I'd like to tackle it with more natural methods first and, assuming I achieve it, to share my findings with fellow sufferers (I know you're out there).
One technique that has helped has been the "alter ego" method I describe in my book, "Focus: use the power of targeted thinking to get more done." You evoke as strongly as possible the part of yourself that fits the needs of the situation.
In this case, that would be the part of myself that feels comfortable socializing with strangers. It usually comes out only after a while in that situation, so bringing it to the fore as I contemplate going to an event and again just as I'm about to step into the room has been useful, but I'm on the hunt for additional tools and techniques.
Recently I attended a presentation about change given by consultant Ian Cooper (you can find out more about him at www.ic-iancooper.co.uk). One of his useful suggestions was to go in with a minimal goal, such as talking to three people and promising myself if after that I want to leave, I can do so. The odds are, however, that by that point I will feel a lot more comfortable and will continue.
I made a video of the part of Ian's presentation in which he worked with me, and will put it up soon either here on a special website regarding networking--anyway, I'll let you know about it here. In the meantime, if you have any tools you've used to get over your reservations about networking events, let me know either in a comment here or via email to [email protected].
(You can get "Focus: use the power of targeted thinking to get more done" from Amazon or your other favorite online or offline retailer.)
