networking
For people with anxiety, networking can feel like someone has plucked you out of your home and dropped you into an arena to battle the most amplified versions of all of your fears at once.
For years I declined happy hours from other organizations; when potential mentors would email me and ask me to coffee, I would pretend I didn’t see their emails; I signed up for meetups and never went; sometimes, work would just be going in, putting your head down and doing your work, and getting home. I was perpetually scared of the vulnerability that networking threatened.
It wasn’t until I began to direct my own team of staffers did I realize just how far behind I was on this skill and how essential it was to not just my career, but theirs as well. I’ve equipped myself with the following three steps to make each time a little easier.
Mindset:
No matter what happens, the night will end in a win. At best, you’ll come back with a couple new connections; at worst, you’ll come back without having talked to anyone, but you’ll have a little more experience and exposure to networking.
Mouth piece:
Come with a go-to opening question that gets the other person talking. My favorites are “How did you hear about this event?” and “Where are you coming from?” Continue conversations through curiosity. If you lose yourself in learning, the questions will come naturally and you’ll focus less on your worries.
Follow your feet:
Start at the bar or food area, and talk with people who are also waiting, either next to you or in line.
I am not a mental health professional — each post is meant to provide 3 tips that have helped me through everyday situations with anxiety. Please seek professional help if you need it.