Positive Approaches to Networking and Socialising:

• focus networking on 1:1 situations rather than groups
  
  
• if you have the choice, arrange to meet people for coffee or lunch as it will be shorter and more conducive to a one-to-one discussion
  
  
• recognising that your reaction to walking into a crowded room of strangers is common to introverted leaders and that you are not alone
  
  
• having a sense of being ‘in role’ can help when networking
  
  
• reading the attendance list and targeting a few important contacts
  
  
• visualising and mentally preparing for an event: perhaps preparing a list of interesting conversation topics before going
  
  
• setting personal challenges, such as making five new contacts before you leave the room
  
  
• initially focusing on people you already know, while you adjust to the surroundings
  
  
• nurturing a few good clients and contacts rather than spreading the net more widely
  
  
• asking questions to let others do the talking
  
  
• looking out for those who are not part of larger discussions and latching on to them
  
  
• offering to facilitate small workshops or group discussions - this can give you a clear role and the opportunity to be visible without having to resort to social chit-chat
  
  
• carefully controlling the amount of time spent in networking situations and recognising that you do not have to be ‘there’ for the whole time
  
  
• explaining in advance that you will have to leave early
  
  
• simply choosing not to go to dinners.