See How Easily You Can Learn to Network Even If You Are Shy.

Does the networking process terrify you? If you are naturally shy like me and the idea of going to a business function, shaking hands with strangers and making small talk scares you to death, don’t despair. You don’t have to go to an actual business event to network. There are many opportunities for you to meet new people in during your day to day activites and on the internet. The following are some tips to help you learn to network, even if you are shy.

Don’t hesitate to ask your friends and family to help you with your business. It’s very likely that they would love to help you. So, ask them to spread the word about your business and the products or services you offer. You do not have to be pushy or make them feel obligated to help. Let them know you don’t necessarily expect them to buy anything from you; you just hope they will put in a good word about your business to others. Because your friends and family care about you they will want to help you become sucessful.

Do you talk to your neighbors casually from time to time? If you have not told them about your business before, you really should mention it the next time you talk to them. Again, you do not have to be pushy or make them feel obligated to buy something. However, they may know someone who is looking for your products or services and be will be able to tell them about you.

If you have children, you have endless networking opportunities. If you have an infant, you may want to consider joining an exercise group for new mothers. If your child is a bit older, you probably find yourself at the park several times a week. And if your child is in school, you are surrounded by other parents on a daily basis. Don’t pass up these opportunities to tell people what you do.

Introduce yourself to the other parents. Make small talk about the weather, a store that is having a sale on children’s clothing, or anything else. Eventually, the conversation is bound to turn to what you do for a living. Briefly explain what you do; but try not to turn the conversation into a commercial about your business. The next time these parents need someone who offers the type of products or services you offer, they will think of you.

Volunteering will make you feel good, and it can also help grow your business. You will be meeting lots of people; again, the conversations you have with these people may bring up the topic of what you do for a living. As an added benefit the organization may recommend you to other organizations and groups who are interested in your products or services.

As I mentioned in a previous article you can also do your networking online.

While it may seem unnatural at first to bring up your business in these types of conversations, it will become easier with practice. You can always ask the other person what they do first. If you already know what they do, ask how their business is doing. This will lead them to ask you the same type of questions. The more people that know about your business, the more referrals you can receive. Good luck!

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