5 ways to overcome the fear and dread of networking

AFTER HOURS Networking

5 WAYS TO OVERCOME THE

FEAR AND DREADOF NETWORKING John Muscarello

Start Networking Today

Lea McLeodDegrees of Transition

Overcome Your Fear and Dread of Networking

1. Fear #1: I’m Going To Look Silly When I Attend My First Couple of Networking Events.

2. Fear #2: Starting a Conversation With People I Perceive As More Experienced/Savvy

3. Fear #3: Asking People In My Network For Help!

4. Fear #4: Reaching Out To Strangers.

5. Fear #5: Talking about myself and wondering what, if anything, I have to offer.

What we’ll cover tonight!


Fear #1: I’m Going To Look Silly When I Attend My First Couple of Networking Events.


Action Steps To Overcome This

1. Make a commitment to act. • Attending networking events will separate you from

half the people in your industry.

2. Do the research that will differentiate you.• Come with 2-3 good questions to ask people.

3. Practice. • Go to MeetUp.com and find one event/group you

would be interested in attending and sign-up.


Fear #2: Starting a Conversation With People I Perceive As More Experienced/Savvy


1. Introduce yourself. • Say: "Hi I'm John" or "Hi I'm John. What brings you here?”• Conversation over “elevator pitch.”

2. Keep it simple. 3. When you run out of something to say, ask them

a question based on the last thing they said. • Why do you…• How did you... • Can you tell me a little more about...

4. Practice. • Ask a total stranger for the time, or for directions, even if you

know where you going.



Fear #3: Asking People In My Network For Help!


1. Ask in the right way. • "You're very knowledgeable on xxx topic I was wondering if you could

take a look at my resume to see if it's up to par with the rest of the industry.”

• When you ask for help you are paying that person a compliment.

2. Always pay it forward. • Don't worry about having to pay the person back. Successful networkers

never keep score.

3. Practice: Ask someone you are connected with on LinkedIn for some really simple advice career advice whether you are looking for a job or not. • "I was looking at your LinkedIn profile and you have accomplished a lot of

impressive things. Would you be willing to talk for 10-15 minutes on the phone about how you achieved all that success."



Fear #4: Reaching Out To Strangers


1. Leverage social media: find common interests.

2. Check LinkedIn and see if you know anyone in common. Ask for an introduction.

3. Comment on a tweet or Facebook post someone sent: • "Great article. My favorite part was xxx. What was

yours?" • If they don't respond no big deal. Go after someone

else.



Fear #5: You dread talking about yourself and wonder what, if anything, you have to offer.


1. Offer your perspective. Senior people love to hear new technology younger people are using.

2. Look at this as a way to learn. There is no exam. Take the pressure off. Bring your authentic self.

3. When you find yourself knocking yourself, ask “Would I ever talk to a friend like this?"



What we covered tonight!

1. Fear #1: I’m Going To Look Silly When I Attend My First Couple of Networking Events.

2. Fear #2: Starting a Conversation With People I Perceive As More Experienced/Savvy

3. Fear #3: Asking People In My Network For Help!

4. Fear #4: Reaching Out To Strangers.

5. Fear #5: Talking about myself and wondering what, if anything, I have to offer.


How Can We Help You The Most? What Questions Do You Have For Me?


You Can Do This!

John MuscarelloStartNetworkingToday.c

om

@JMMuscarello

Lea McLeodDegreesOfTransition.

com

@LeaMcLeod

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5 ways to overcome the fear and dread of networking

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