Stranger things
Networking events aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, especially for those who are shy or dislike big crowds, but there are ways to make them more tolerable
The phrase ‘networking event’ is enough to put the frighteners on many people. It conjures up images of polyester suits, fake smiles and hovering by the pastries table, feeling both horribly self-conscious and totally invisible.
Let’s face it, talking to strangers at the best of times can be hard. Networking, as a definition, means not only talking to strangers, but getting them on your contacts list. Underneath that lies the implication that networking can help your career – or whatever journey you’re currently on. It sounds unpleasant, and if you’ve attended such an event, you might even have bonded with other people there who disliked the experience as much as you did.