The Mindset Shift That Makes Networking Easier
There’s no getting around it: networking is often, to some degree, uncomfortable.
You’re meeting new people. You’re worried about first impressions. You’re trying to ask thoughtful questions AND give a concise elevator pitch about who you are and what you do. Even the most extraverted among us will be putting out a lot of energy. And the more introverted among us? They might be RSVPing “no” before the event even starts!
But despite these challenges, networking is a vital part of modern leadership. It’s what leads to great business relationships and fruitful collaborations. You never know — your next best client, business partner, mentor or even treasured professional friend could be waiting for you at the next happy hour, industry conference, or community gala.
Luckily, we’ve identified one simple action you can take to make walking into a networking event easier. It’s called an appreciative mindset.
What is an appreciative mindset?
An appreciative mindset is a state of mind where you feel connected to your most competent, confident self. It’s a way of calling up your own inherent worth and value so that you remember just how much you have to offer others.
To cultivate an appreciative mindset, take a few minutes before the networking event to call to mind some of the people who have helped you get to where you are. You might think of:
Your parents or guardians
Your past teachers
Your past sports coaches
Your close friends or family members
Current or former co-workers
Current or former mentors & team leaders
The goal is to think of people who have recognized and encouraged the unique, special value you bring. You might even recall a favorite memory or encouraging words these people have shared in the past.
Have those words in your mind? Awesome. Sit with them for at least a full minute. Focus on the gifts these people see in you and the contributions they know you can make to the world. By doing this, you’re shifting your attention away from nervousness and toward competence and confidence.
How does an appreciative mindset help with networking?
An appreciative mindset helps you remember the value you are bringing to your networking event. At the end of the day, the goal of networking events is not to do or say everything perfectly — it’s to make meaningful connections with other professionals who might be able to benefit from your work. Getting into an appreciative mindset can help you focus less on your performance and more on the contributions you have to make to others.
The next time you’re dreading a networking event, remember this: there might be someone in that room who needs to meet you. By getting into an appreciative mindset, you can minimize your worry and maximize your mingling — making it easier for others to recognize and connect with the value, talent and skillls you bring to the table.
Want more tips like this?
Follow The Work Well Group on LinkedIn! We share practical and transformational tools that help emerging and seasoned leaders step up their soft skills. For more about the work we do, check out our services page.
