You're shy and want to build your network. What's the best way to do it?

Don't be afraid of outcomes. Be yourself, talk to people. When you talk to people without the fear of rejection of getting judged, you can actually have great conversations. And in the process you will be able to build great networks :)

I used to be incredibly shy, just like you might be feeling now. Joining the GDG Community was a turning point for me. GDG became my springboard. Seeing others' work sparked my growth. Here's what helped me: 1. Start small: I began by engaging with teammates, one conversation at a time. Those small interactions built confidence. 2. Focus: I actively listened to others, absorbing their knowledge and experiences. This not only helped me grow but also showed genuine interest. 3. Offer help: I discovered that offering my assistance, even in small ways, fostered connections and built trust. While I'm not a social media person, LinkedIn (my only platform) proved to be a powerful tool. Sharing my successes there helped solidify my personal brand.

If a person is shy and wants to build a network, the first step is to find a good mentor. This mentor is get their BE(ing) fixed. Then, Begin, begin with small steps, join groups like Toastmasters or similar groups. Attend events, exhibitions. Practise with a script, speak in front of mirror and see the confidence rise. Leverage the power of LinkedIn, join relevant groups, share thoughts, views and connect with industry community. Open up, talk to people, build up network, seek assistance wherever required, do not be afraid to ask for help. Everyone needs help to grow.

Antes de qualquer coisa, auto-conhecimento. Seria o primeiro passo para vencer a timidez, entender o que te leva a ser uma pessoa introspectiva, esse primeiro passo seria como um suporte para as dores que serão causadas com o resultado do enfrentamento as situações aversivas, as quais vai ser exposto para construir a rede.

One of the simplest ways to build your network is by leveraging your existing connections. Reach out to your friends, friends of friends and acquaintances who work in fields of your interest or share common goals and talk to them genuinely about your thoughts, goals and opinions in the field of interest. You will discover that people are often more interested to talk to those with a similar mindset.

As a professional, leverage your existing contacts to build your network effectively. You already have a circle of individuals who know and trust you, including friends, family, colleagues, classmates, and mentors. These individuals can serve as valuable allies and advocates in expanding your network. Take the time to connect with them regularly, demonstrating genuine interest in their lives and work, and offering your support and value. Don't hesitate to ask if they know anyone who aligns with your goals, skills, or services, and if they can facilitate introductions. By nurturing these existing relationships, you can cultivate a strong and supportive network to further your professional endeavors.

Good news, there are plenty of books and resources to help you overcome your own fears and hesitations. Some professionals have tried and true systems for making this easier. That being said if you relegate yourself to not even making an effort the answer is already no.

Start small and within your network. Our first clients are sometimes people we know. Attend networking events -it sounds scary, especially if you're an introvert, so, feel free to bring some friends along. Build networking relationships with like-minded professionals through online platforms like LinkedIn. It couldn't hurt to volunteer at some local events or even host your own and have the people come to you. Stay positive and keep an open-mind.

You should be curious, not needy. Show you are genuinely interested. Ask for their guidance and expertise. Carry business cards and give them to the people you want to meet again. Follow up a conversation with an email.

Building your network can be intimidating, especially if you're shy; however, there are mindful ways to build meaningful connections: 1. Begin by attending small networking events or joining groups with shared interests to make the experience more comfortable. 2. Focus on Quality, Not Quantity 3. Practice active listening during conversations. Show genuine interest in what others have to say, ask thoughtful questions, and make an effort to understand their perspectives. 4. Share your experiences and interests authentically. 5. After meeting someone, follow up with a personalized message. By approaching networking with mindfulness, you can gradually build your network.

Find the platform/ tool that you are most comfortable with and invest in it.  I understand that you might need to do some tests and auto-analysis exercises to understand the environment that best suits you. Once you find it, invest on that one. Do not pressure yourself to be everywhere. Choose quality over quantity, and work on your excellence.  If you do not get the expected results right away, ask for feedback. Adjust your plans and try again.

Imagine yourself standing alone in the middle of an in-person networking event. It can be quite scary, right? It can be even more awkward if you find yourself lost in the conversation and don't know what to say, resulting in you just smiling shyly. In such cases, online platform is a good option and feel more comfortable. You can join webinars and online conference in your field and chat with people through text conversations. I had a great experience to e-meet with professionals from around the world without fear of language barriers or awkward silences. LinkedIn is a good platform for this purpose, and even sharing your thoughts on social media can be a good way to interact with like-minded peers!

People believe that they can connect with an influential person to find a job. I'd say this works as a strategy 5% of the time if you're lucky. They don't know you, aren't invested in any way, and frankly won't spend the time - unless you're lucky. While you can't download your contacts to track your progress, you can create an Influence Networking list with a strategy to reconnect with those who know you. Our clients find new roles in 5-9 weeks connecting with people who know them. Bob Britz - Founder CareerCOACH Services

As a professional, leveraging online platforms is a valuable strategy for expanding your network while staying within your comfort zone. Social media, blogs, podcasts, webinars, and online communities offer opportunities to connect with individuals who share your interests and expertise. Platforms like LinkedIn, Meetup, and Eventbrite enable you to discover and engage with relevant groups, events, and courses. Online networking facilitates learning, showcases your work, and initiates meaningful conversations. Moreover, it allows you to maintain connections with contacts you meet offline and stay engaged with them over time.

As a professional, effective networking can be challenging, especially for those who tend to be shy. That's why preparation and practice are essential. Before attending any networking event, take the time to research the host, speakers, attendees, and topics to initiate meaningful conversations. Prepare some questions or comments to break the ice, demonstrate interest, or contribute value to discussions. Additionally, craft a concise introduction highlighting your background and goals. Practicing your introduction and conversation skills with a trusted individual or in front of a mirror can boost your confidence and ensure smoother interactions.

Before I go to events, I always do research on the event, and if there is a guest list, I like to look people up on LinkedIn to get more information on them. I also talk with my colleagues at work and run through talking points. I also find that going with another team member is helpful for me and makes me feel more relaxed and talkative.

Es importante para los profesionales relacionarse con personas de su campo, no necesariamente deben entablar una conversación en el instante que hacen la conexión, pero debes asegurarte que las personas que tienes en tu red estén alineadas con tus campos de interés. LinkedIn es una plataforma que te abre muchas oportunidades laborales pero así mismo una buena administración de la herramienta puede abrirte puertas o una mala administración cerrarlas. Recuerda que tú eres el promedio de las 5 personas más cercanas a ti.

As a Professional, prioritizing quality over quantity is key when it comes to networking. It's not about gathering a plethora of business cards or engaging in superficial conversations with every individual in the room. Rather, it's about cultivating genuine, long-lasting connections with those who can contribute to your growth and success. Instead of aiming to make an impression on everyone, concentrate on establishing meaningful relationships with a select few who resonate with your vision, values, or obstacles. Practice active listening, ask insightful questions, and demonstrate empathy and respect. After the event, follow up with your contacts and sustain the dialogue to nurture those connections over time.

Yes - challenge yourself, but be mindful of chunking the challenge into manageable pieces. Make SMART goals: Specific, Measureable, ACHIEVABLE, Relevant, and Time-Bound. You've got the same amount of time and available energy as the most successful person you know. So what did they do when they were in your shoes? You've gotta start somewhere.

As a professional, challenging yourself is key to personal and career growth. While networking may feel daunting for those who are shy, it can also be incredibly rewarding. To overcome any fears and enhance your networking skills, it's essential to step out of your comfort zone. Start by setting realistic goals, such as attending one event per month or reaching out to one new contact each week. Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small, and embrace learning from any setbacks. Remember, networking is a skill that can be learned and refined over time, and your unique contributions are valuable.

How may challenging yourself look? Start with low-risk activities and events. Instead of a large networking event, participate in a short online conference. Instead of a large social media presence, join industry-related groups and add your comments to the posts of others. When someone finds your contributions helpful and reaches out, use that as an opportunity to learn about them more, practice your communication skills and ultimately expand your network.

Attend industry events. Prepare: Research the event and set achievable goals. Arrive Early: Beat the crowds to ease into networking. Engage in Small Groups: Seek out smaller settings for more intimate conversations. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Start dialogues with questions that encourage discussion. Find Common Ground: Look for shared interests to bond over. Take Breaks: Don't hesitate to step away if you feel overwhelmed. Listen Actively: Focus on listening rather than worrying about what to say. Set Time Limits: Give yourself boundaries to manage anxiety. Follow Up: Connect with people afterward to continue the conversation. Be Patient: Building a network takes time, so be kind to yourself throughout the process.

As a highly sensitive person and one that was quite shy, the first step would be to know yourself well and play your strengths. Bringing a different perspective and style is great and should be welcomed, especially when it may appear you are surrounded by extroverts. Know that your own unique style is your superpower and that you don't need to pretend to be someone you're not. Do what you can by slowly starting to take up more space and moving more confidently. You got this!