How you can overcome your fear and network well?

Do your research!

Check the agenda, topics, speakers, RSVP, Facebook, Foursquare’s Swarm, Instagram, Twitter, official hashtag, check-ins at the venue and the nearest hotels and airport.

When you find out who is around, try to make a list of people whom you would like to meet. Check if any of your friends and acquaintances are going to be there.

Introvert mindset can block your clear thoughts when you are speaking to a complete stranger.

If you do a proper research about interlocutor, you will trick your mind that you two already know each other. You will feel more confident when you have people around you whom you can trust. Do not hesitate to ask your friends if they can introduce you to someone from your list. Introductions create a circle of trust.

I you want to meet someone, firstly, figure out how can you help that person and be useful.

Be an early bird!

Try to come earlier, even before registration starts. Especially, if you are going to an event where you do not have your peers and you have never been there before.

This way you will get comforted with the venue before all masses get inside. You will have a chance to have a quite coffee with speakers, organizers and volunteers. They hold a key of introductions to people from your list.

Introverts have sharp eye for details. Give your feedback and suggestions to organizers. They will appreciate if you find something they did not think about.

You will feel as a part of the team.

So, you are not alone anymore :)

Always meet 1 on 1!

Probably you have noticed, that when you are in the middle of a group discussion, something is keeping you away from being part of conversation.

Whenever you want to speak with somebody, try to isolate conversation to the side and have it under four eyes.

You will nail it if you follow these simple rules:

1. Ask for a minute and bring the interlocutor to side for a private chat.

2. If possible try to lean against the wall. You will feel much more confident when no one is walking behind your back.

3. Be first to start asking questions and listen carefully. The awkward feeling of talking to a stranger disappears when you get to know more about him or her.

4. When you get a business card hold it with respect with both hands during the conversation and look carefully for the details. If you run out of topics, business cards are full of details that can open further discussion.

5. Prepare well the few versions of introducing yourself and pitching your company. Do not improvise on the spot!

6. Set a topic which you are really interested in and have a deep discussion, instead of switching topics and small-talking.

Make friends not LinkedIn connections!

It is more important to meet a single person with whom you find chemistry with, then to have a small talks and collect random business cards.

Bonds are created with people you go a drink or a dinner, not with LinkedIn friend request.

Be the center of your network!

Introverts are great in analyzing. While speaking with people, try to connect dots between their interests and people they would like to meet. Connect together people with common interests.

Don’t be a part of someone’s network, but a center of your network instead. Always give more then you get.

Recharge your batteries!

Usually there is some time gap between the conference and the networking part(y). After meeting people during the conference, you feel exhausted. Try to give yourself alone time, before socializing.

Use an opportunity to try a pool, sauna or gym, if the venue is offering it. Do yoga or have a power nap. Recap your day and thoughts in silence.

Follow up and follow trough!

Connect with people you meet in social networks and explore common network and interests. Always follow up within 72 hours.

Write a recap of your meeting and discussion you had.

Make intros that you promised.

Stay in touch and care about your network.