Networking, Love it or leave it?
The most common form of social phobia is a fear of public speaking. In some cases, social phobias can cause people to avoid social situations including school and work, which can have a major impact on the individual’s well-being and ability to function.
People with this phobia fear being watched or humiliated in front of others. Even ordinary, everyday tasks such as eating a meal can be anxiety-provoking. The American Psychiatric Association reports that social phobias often develop during puberty and can last throughout life unless they are treated.
Social Phobia involves the fear of social situations and can be quite debilitating, leading to marked fear and symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and breathlessness — Full blown anxiety attack.
In many cases, these phobias can become so severe that people avoid events, places, and people who are likely to trigger an anxiety attack.
So why do we put ourselves through this misery? It’s simple. We cannot change the world alone.
Networking is a necessary means to an end. There is an old African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Let’s tackle this challenge by first defining a purpose and then using the catch and release technique.
1. Purpose
Define an objective or goal for attending the event. Is it personal or business? Looking for resources or opportunities? Specific project in mind or expanding your network for future? Then have a predefined specific call to action (exchange emails, social media info, etc.)
2. Catch
Have a tailored introduction, prepared and practiced, based on the room or the specific goal you have for attending. You might have 3 businesses and be an expert in a lot of areas, but you don’t have to muddy the introduction with your whole resume in your introduction.
3. Release
Have a tailored close, prepared and practiced, based on the room, the defined objective and call to action. Once the CTA has been completed, then release the person to allowing both of you to achieve your objectives with other people in the room.
Now your are ready to take massive action and fall in love with Networking to take your life and business to the next level.
