I love to network and make new business connections. It was the main reason behind starting the DARE To Be Phenomenal Women’s Only Networking Events. I wanted a place where women could meet and build long lasting connections that would help to grow their businesses.

But for some, networking conjures up all sorts of negative thoughts and anxieties. Will I know anyone there? What if no one talks to me? I’m no good at these events; I never know what to say. And the list goes on and on.

So what’s a gal to do who hates to network? Follow these 9 simple tips to gain more confidence and you too can be a networking diva in no time flat!

1. Networking is about meeting, building and sustaining quality relationships. Be genuine and authentic. Don’t immediately try to pitch your product or service, which by the way is a real turn-off. Instead, listen for how you might be able to help the other person. Extending yourself goes a long way in building long lasting business relationships.
2. Know your goal. Not all networking opportunities are the same. Some focus on service like Rotary Club, while others focus primarily on making business connections…think BNI and Chamber of Commerce. Identify your target market and then focus your efforts on attending those events where your potential clients would be.
3. Visit as many events as possible in order to get a feel for what group will best support your efforts. Look to see that members are friendly, supportive and interested in helping each other grow their businesses. Get a feel for the members and trust your intuition! If a group doesn’t feel right, find one that does.
4. Be prepared to answer the question, “How can I help you?” Although it is important to be mindful of how you can be helpful to others, it is just as necessary to know how others may be of service to you.
5. Always ask open-ended questions in networking conversations. This means questions that ask who, what, where, when, and how as opposed to those that can be answered with a simple yes or no. Using this form of questioning opens up the discussion and shows listeners that you are interested in them.
6. Develop and practice your elevator speech. Use simple language that talks specifically about what someone receives as a result of using your services.
7. Be the go to gal. Be the person that others turn to for referrals, suggestions, and ideas. When you are known as a strong resource, you remain visible and on people’s radar screen.
8. Follow up quickly with all referrals that are given to you. Nothing is more damaging to your reputation than when you neglect or forget to contact the referral that a business colleague has gone out of their way to give you. When people give you referrals, your actions are a reflection on them. Respect and honor that and your referrals will grow.
9. Follow up with the people that you meet. Send a simple note expressing how much you enjoyed meeting them. Schedule a time where you can meet for coffee and learn more about each other. You will be hard to forget if you take the time to follow up and continue to build those solid business relationships that will help your business grow.