June 2005 | Issue 10

Working a Room:
Guide for the Introverted

by Judy Austin

As a self proclaimed introvert – I relate to your pain and anxiety. 

We are all confronted with the daunting challenge of entering a room filled with hundreds of strangers yapping and shaking hands. We want to be like them, the carefree and confident, those that seem to smile and waive to everyone – they just walk by and are drawn into a new conversation. 

Before you leave you try to convince yourself you have more work and your time is best served staying in the office, but damn you RSVPed!  While you drive to the venue you are already dreading the experience; thinking you can still go back to the office. By the time you  park and are walking to your destination your heart beats faster, you start to think how short you can make your cameo appearance and leave. Does this saga sound familiar? 

As you enter you are overwhelmed by the crowd, your hands are clammy – so you wipe them off in case you have to actually shake someone’s hand.  You have no clue where to go first – then off in the distance like an oasis rising from the Sahara desert you spot the safety net of the buffet and bar!  

First of all most people in this world as just like you – Introverted!  Second – being introverted is fabulous and don’t ever think anything less!  We need our own theme song!  So recognize who you are and be proud.   

We cannot change our DNA, but here are some techniques to ease the anxiety level and make group networking experiences more manageable & comfortable. (click here to read the rest)

FEATURED EVENT

The Nashville Business Journal presents:
Network NOW! Tuesday, June 28, 5:30 - 8:00pm                 @ Nashville City Club - SunTrust Bank Building, 201 4th Ave. North
              All Professions & All Industries  Invited   

        Decision Makers -  Executives -  Influencers -  Professionals          Register NOW!
Sponsors: 5th 3rd Bank, Alfred Williams Co, Byrd Proctor & Mills, GoodRover.com, Advisant 

NETWORKING TIPS

Body Language - BE OPEN:  Before you even open your mouth or shake hands your body language tacitly speaks volumes.  In fact communication is only 7% verbal and 93% body language, tone of voice, speed and facial expressions. Strive to exhibit open and welcoming signals.  Point your heart towards those you with whom you are conversing.  Uncrossed arms and legs, leaning forward, standing/sitting erect, good eye contact, smiling and generally a relaxed demeanor - all say "world I am open for business".  

Making A Request  - We build networks so we can leverage the resources and collective knowledge of such a web of contacts.  Asking the people in your network for help, contacts, advice etc., must be done with professionalism and sincerity. Be concise, clear and respectful.  Offer sufficient information but careful to overload with extraneous data so they may respond timely. Never keep score of how many times you have helped someone or responded to requests. Make sure you request and never demand.  

TESTIMONIAL

"I really LOVED your event.  It far exceeded my expectations:)  Will be your "poster child"!  Have called several folks and said DO IT!!!!"  Tonya Jones - President Mark IV Enterprises, Inc.

UPCOMING EVENTS

 Marketing - Media -

Advertising - PR 

How can SBN work for you?

We provide opportunities for professionals to connect with the RIGHT people, cultivate the RIGHT relationships and ultimately achieve SUCCESS in their career and community. 

Our training seminars empower you with the essential tools and techniques to forge & maintain key relationships.  Maximize your networking effort, energy and outcomes!!

Our events provide you with unique opportunities to engage in meaningful one-on-one dialogues with leading professionals.

Our online resources include current articles, tips and information to continually advance your networking knowledge and skills.

Please click here for our calendar.

Contact details

Adam H. Small - CEO              
615-319-9393                                           
Adam@strategicbusinessnetwork.com  

Brian Poile - COO                                                           615-957-6666             Brian@strategicbusinessnetwork.com
                   

Terrie Young - Director Client Services
Terrie@strategicbusinessnetwork.com