~Networking can be an overwhelming project for people who are used to networking on the internet variety. If you’re an introverted person who is most comfortable communicating by typing, I suggest you to come out of the comfort zone and look into some ~Networking.

Yes, I’m talking face-to-face networking.

The extroverts are secretly just as daunted as you are. And the good news is ~ networking is a skill that can be learned.

All it takes is a little practice, dear friend.

So here are some of the very best tips to get you started. Even the most shy people can get by with a few simple tricks:

1. Pick your events wisely

Networking groups are popping up all over the globe that are meant specifically for Bloggers, Tweeters, Diggers and every other social networking and bookmarking site you can think of.

These are an ideal start because not only are they relevant to you and what you do, but EVERY other person there will talk your language.

2. Go alone

Being social in Real Life is a different story to being social Online. It can be scary, standing alone in a room full of people that you don’t know at all. It may be tempting to take a friend for moral support, but if you think you can do it on your own, then go for it. Chances are, if you take a friend then – you’ll end up speaking to your friend all night while eying off the rest of the room suspiciously, wondering whether you should make your move or not.

3. Stand out from the crowd!

In a room full of people, you want to be noticeable (in a good way!) when people are scanning the room for who to talk to next. They say first impressions count, and that they are also very hard to change. These impressions are literally made in three seconds flat – and in those three seconds people will decide whether they want to talk to you, or not.

What can you do to stand out in the right way? Try making a particular effort to look polished and professional, or to wear something that will act as a talking point: a slogan t-shirt, a niece piece of jewelry or something fun that relates to your blog or online content. This gives people something to anchor to when they open a conversation. Try it, and you’ll be surprised at how many people will come up to you through the night and say “I love your t-shirt/shoes/jewelry,etc.”

4. Use your biggest asset – a friendly smile!

The quickest, most effective way of disarming someone is to smile at them. Immediately, their instinct is to mirror you back and in most cases, a smile enough to engage them enough to approach for a conversation.

That said, just don’t openly stare at them, smiling, for a full five minutes. That’s a little strange. A quick smile and acknowledgment across the room is a perfect opener.

5. Don’t be afraid to approach others.

Remember – everyone is there for the specific purpose of meeting other people! Preferably, to meet lots of other people.

This means you won’t look at all like a total weirdo by walking up to someone and introducing yourself. You don’t even need a pickup line – something as simple as “Hi, I’m Bob. What do you for a living?” will get the ball rolling. Alternatively, use a compliment as your opening line. (this works particularly well for girl-to-girl conversations – “I love your necklace/shoes/dress, etc”, as per before, works both ways.)

6. Talk about their favorite subject.

There’s one topic that everyone loves: Themselves.

The easiest way for you to have a great conversation with someone is to talk all about them. What do they do? How do they like it? How did they fall into that? How long have they been doing it for? Where do they live? Do they love living there? Are they married? Do they have children?

The conversation doesn’t all need to be about business. It’s inevitable that you’ll cover it a little bit, but don’t keep steering the conversation that way.

7. Follow up.

Networking is useless if you never speak to the people you meet again. The art of the follow up is invaluable. Get business cards, URLs and user names for every person you speak to and connect with them or contact them the next day.

Something as simple as a direct message to say “It was nice to meet you” is great. Be proactive about following up – don’t just wait for people to contact you.

8. Give, and you shall receive.

One golden rule I love – be useful to people. Don’t expect to get something for nothing. If you can recommend services or other contacts for them, send them articles that you think they might like or just entertain them in general, then you can start asking for favors back.

Be prepared to put in the work to build a relationship and you will reap the rewards of a strong and health network of Real Life People.

I appreciate you!

Cristiana Martinez

A Mentor with a Servant’s Heart