I used to have a really hard time going to an event on my own, mostly because I was worried who I would talk to at an event. One of the best things I did for myself was to start my own networking group, I know not everyone can do this but it forced me to open up.

I am not shy, nor have I ever been, but the awkwardness of business networking can be a tough hurdle to overcome. What do you say? How do you approach someone? Do I listen or talk about myself? These are all questions that run through your head in these situations.

I’m glad to see that you have made it a goal to attend more events and get better at it. It is better to throw yourself into more of those situations, than to avoid them.

That being said, you should probably make it to a TCTHH event soon, what better opportunity to practice? (shameless plug, it’s very easy to meet people at these events)

-Jeff

Great thinking, and hook. I have often said that WMFTMA (what my Fraternity taught me about) was HR management. As president of a house with 100 men, some of whom didn’t exactly share the love as “brothers”. Managing egos, conflict, and drama was something that I have tried to remind myself of throughout my career.

If I could do it with 20-something, often times inebriated males, then a professional environment should be nothin’.

Oh, and there may have been some applicable rules of crisis management too.

So, no matter how many books you read, it’s the experiences that likely teach you the most.

Blois

For me, the biggest hurdle is #2. Once you give your elevator pitch and the other person does, how do you transition into a conversation without the “so…..”

As a fellow Greek, I look forward to this series.