Anyone who seeks professional success needs business networking skills. If you’re on the shyer side, however, you might find connecting difficult. Since everyone deserves a chance to reach their professional goals, here are five ways to break out of your shell and reap the benefits of making professional connections. 

A Guide to Business Networking for Introverted People

1. Start With Individuals You Know

Before you start approaching strangers, build your confidence by practicing your networking skills with relatives and friends. After a few successes, expand your horizons by reaching out to people you don’t know well but who you have some sort of connection with, such as people who graduated from your alma mater. 

2. Keep Apologies to a Minimum

Introverted professionals may say they’re sorry when contacting people out of the blue, especially when they’re asking for help. However, apologizing puts you in a vulnerable, unsure state of mind and can increase feelings of shyness. Although you should always be polite when networking, never say you’re sorry for reaching out. 

3. Always Have Business Cards

Every professional needs high-quality business cards to distribute at networking events. For people who struggle with making conversations, business cards are doubly important, as they’ll help you leave an impression even on your more introverted days. After offering someone your card, tell them to feel free to reach out. 

4. Don’t Look Too Serious

Shy people sometimes find it difficult to smile, and onlookers may misinterpret a stoic expression as a scowl. At business networking events, a perceived frown makes a poor impression and can decrease your mood and self-esteem. When you feign confidence, you’ll eventually start to feel it, so try your hardest to wear a soft, friendly expression when networking. 

5. Use Your Listening Skills

As a quiet person, you’re probably a good listener. Use that to your advantage when networking; everyone appreciates conversation partners who listen attentively. By maintaining eye contact and asking questions to demonstrate your interest in what a person is saying, you’ll increase your chances of making a valuable connection, which will raise your confidence in future interactions. 

If you want to accelerate your rise to success through frequent business networking, turn to Woodford County Chamber Of Commerce. For over 80 years, they’ve helped citizens of the Versailles, KY, area form valuable connections and further their business development. Visit them online to fill out an application, or call (859) 873-5122 to learn more about becoming a member. You can follow the Chamber of Commerce on Facebook to stay updated on upcoming business networking events.