How to survive for introvert people

For shy people, the mere thought of having to make small talk with total strangers at a large business event is often enough to bring on heart palpitations. But if you’re really serious about finding referrals, getting job leads or advancing your career goals, you know there’s no way out of attending such gatherings. And while you may never become a social butterfly or the life of the party, you don’t have to be the perennial square peg or wallflower either. What’s more, even if it will always be more chore than cheer for you, the results of working the crowd will definitely make it worth your while. Yes, it’s not mission impossible to acquire networking skills-you may even find yourself starting to enjoy socializing once you finally get the hang of it. Ready to network?

1. Before the event, volunteer to join a committee that will force you to actively deal with people, such as manning the reception desk or ushering conference participants.
2. Practice holding conversations, whether with a friend or before the mirror. When you’re actually there, your rehearsals will make it easier to recall what you had planned to say.
3. Wear your nametag where it can be clearly viewed. People will find it easier to connect with you when they can see who they are talking to.
4. To ease your jitters, see if you can attend a conference or business function with a more outgoing colleague to introduce you around.
5. To maximize your dialog time, give yourself a goal beyond engaging in chitchat. Strive, for instance, to meet five new associates who might be helpful in your job search.
6. Bring along enough business cards to hand out freely. And get business cards in return, asking the owners if you can follow up in the next few days by sending your resume or making a business call.
7. If you recognize some people, stand near their circle, within sight of your acquaintances. This is a common signal to them to introduce you and invite you into the group.
8. Stand near the registration table and exchange pleasantries with the registrants. Start off with friendly chatter such as, "Seems to be a well-attended affair, isn’t it?"
9. Or stand near the buffet table and strike up a conversation with those lining up. For instance, you might comment, "Um, that steak looks delicious!"
10. But don’t cling to your new best pal either. After some time, make your exit using the three B’s of graceful leave-taking: bathroom, bar and buffet excuses: "Would you know where the restrooms are?" "I think I’m going to get more juice." "I'm hungry. Mind if I get something to eat?”
11. If your friend decides to tag along, you can introduce him or her to colleagues who have similar interests. This matchmaking will keep you actively mixing and moving around as planned.
12. Learn the art of asking others feel-good questions such as, "Can you tell me more about your business?" or "What do you enjoy most about what you do?" to draw them out. This way, you won’t need to speak so much if you’re tongue-tied, and you’ll impress others more than if you talked about your lack of job or need to close more sales.