I'm kind of an introvert, and until I moved from ...

I'm kind of an introvert, and until I moved from Wyoming to the Washington D.C. area, I didn't attend many large social events.  There is one coming up that would be very beneficial for me to attend to help me meet new people in my career field.  It's kind of a new world for me.  I usually do okay with small types of networking like the one-on-one brief conversation and exchange of business card type. 


I know myself though and how I would walk into an event like this and feel swallowed up and speechless in the crowd. 


I need some tips on how to break the ice and navigate my way.  I usually find one person I know and talk to them for most of the event or sequester myself in a corner with a glass of wine or a crudités. 


1) What would you suggest to help me get more comfortable? 

2) I'd also like to know some unique or easy ways to break the ice and get to know others; plus, any other helpful info you've learned along the way -- anything from what you'd wear to subjects you'd have in mind.


Many thanks!

Share Send to a friend Watch Report
 
 

Posted Answers

Order by
 
4 thumbs up

be prepared.  discomfort comes with uncertainty.  if you prepare what you're going to say, anticipating common situations and preparing your own scripts, you'll have something concrete to focus on, and not on something or abstract you can't fight.  some say scripting is unnatural.  the most natural socializers i've seen say the same things over and over again to new people.  just they do it very well.

 btw, i'm from dc too.  best wishes!


Posted 2 years ago ( permalink )
Rated as
#1 out of 3
0
0

Helpful?

line
line
line



 
dtg
Friendships are for eternity

I would suggest that you ask a friend to go with you and work as a team, introducing you to other persons. Another way to avoid ending up in a corner is to call people who might be interested in attending and make an appointment. If none of the above are possible, stay close to the entrance. That way, you will be able to watch all people as they come in.

Also, I would recommend writing down your "elevator speech" (a brief 2 minute description of who you are, what you do, and how that helps your customers). Practice it... in front of a mirror, and build up confidence.

On the other hand, I don´t think icebreakers should be rehearsed or prefabricated. If you have the latest news on the field, and current events, it would come natural to come up with an interesting question or remark. I regard icebreakers as very context-specific, depending on the event, guests, mood, the crowd´s culture and your networking motives and objectives. So, how do you come up with appropriate icebreakers? By doing. Eventually, they will flow.


Posted 2 years ago ( permalink )
dtg was invited by Yedda to answer this question.

Rated as
#2 out of 3
0
0

Helpful?

line
line
line



 
2161 thumbs up

The journey to an improved lifestyle begins with the first step.

Confident Lifestyle 

Confident Lifestyle Blog 

Tiptop Server 

 

Here is a link to many free confidence building courses , articles and e books.  confidentlifestyle.com

 

Best wishes,

JD 


Posted 1 year ago ( permalink )
Rated as
#3 out of 3
0
0

Helpful?

line
line
line



Sign in to participate

Got an answer for Ecrivaine32? Would you like to comment on the posted answers, or vote for the one which you think is the best?

Sign up for a free account, or sign in (if you're already a member).

Explore Related Questions

Other people asked questions on similar topics, check out the answers they received:


Money for Small LLC

I have an LLC that I own and operate by myself. I train and mentor athletes in H.S and College sports from Arizona. I have been ...
Submitted by timhow24@aol.com 2 months ago
  • viewed 80 times

Last answer posted 2 months ago by Rachael24


I'm worried that my cousin's buisness will fail ...

I'm worried that my cousin's buisness will fail because he has no money for a payroll, yet wants to hire people and pay them later ...
Submitted by DutchessCattails 23 days ago
  • viewed 63 times

Last answer posted 23 days ago by JayR


Recommending a friend to be recruited

I recommended a friend of mine, to be recruited. My boss is very satisfied with him. Should I get a bonus for the successful ...
Submitted by dion 7 months ago
  • viewed 476 times

Last answer posted 3 months ago by erikko



» More...

Explore Related Posts in Forums

3rd Australian Muslims Professional, Business, Students Dinner

Acting - A Confidence Game

What do you think a PGA golf Professional should shoot?

Contemplating New Business

Ron Paul: "Some Big Events Are About To Occur" Pos

Business Plan Fees for Raising Finance

Resources on building client base in professional services?

Starting a very small business?

Business Boosting Tip : Take A Stand

Powered by