Comments on: How an introvert learns to network http://www.errantranter.com/2007/06/05/how-an-introvert-learns-to-network/ A few words about life. Ok, maybe more than a few words. Fri, 21 Nov 2008 03:26:54 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2 By: Sherc http://www.errantranter.com/2007/06/05/how-an-introvert-learns-to-network/#comment-4 Sherc Fri, 08 Jun 2007 10:26:51 +0000 http://www.errantranter.com/2007/06/05/how-an-introvert-learns-to-network/#comment-4 I have same problems as you, and I think it's made worse in Asian context where people are generally more reserved, and if start a conversation, people might think you strange. How I overcame my initial shyness nowadays is to just plunge right into it, do it a cold turkey way. The first initial hellos may lead to nowhere, but after a while, it would usually work itself out. I would meet people who from there would lead me to other contacts, and eventually some would even be great friends. But it's the first 2 that are the hardest. I think also because I'm a woman, it's less threatening when I speak up first. I think this is especially helpful when I speak up to another woman (where you can visibly see the expression of relief flashing across her face) or another guy. Also I learnt to back away when the conversation is leading nowhere. So anyway, network away! treat it as it's another party at someone's house? LOL I have same problems as you, and I think it’s made worse in Asian context where people are generally more reserved, and if start a conversation, people might think you strange.

How I overcame my initial shyness nowadays is to just plunge right into it, do it a cold turkey way. The first initial hellos may lead to nowhere, but after a while, it would usually work itself out. I would meet people who from there would lead me to other contacts, and eventually some would even be great friends. But it’s the first 2 that are the hardest. I think also because I’m a woman, it’s less threatening when I speak up first. I think this is especially helpful when I speak up to another woman (where you can visibly see the expression of relief flashing across her face) or another guy. Also I learnt to back away when the conversation is leading nowhere.

So anyway, network away! treat it as it’s another party at someone’s house? LOL

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