Pin It

6/1/11

Networking: How to Overcome Shyness

In the last several months Darla, Derren and I have posted job search tips on this blog several times.  We’ve talked about how to use social networks to find a job, tips for networking in person, resume and cover letter samples, tips for making the most out of a career fair and so much more.
Did you know YouTube is one of the most popular sites to learn how to do something? I didn’t know this until last week as I listened to Jason Dorsey, The Gen Y Guy at Sodexo i-Gen Network Group National Meeting in Gaithersburg, MD.  Jason was not only hilarious he was also extremely helpful when understanding the Gen Y.  He mentioned YouTube is the site we – especially Gen Y-ers  – go to first when we want to learn how to do something.  I believe him.  I’m not a Gen Y-er (proud Gen X-er here!) and when I wanted to learn how to carve a turkey at Thanksgiving or program my daughter’s Harry Potter remote control wand my first stop was YouTube. 


Last week as I was exploring YouTube I stumbled on a series of seriously informative job search videos hosted by Tory Johnson, a leading career advisor who is also featured on Good Morning America.  I love finding great career advice to share with Sodexo candidates and I couldn’t resist featuring a few of her career advice videos.  I hope you find them as useful as I do!


First up?  Overcoming Shyness.  Very useful for all of my fellow introverts when you find yourself in a room full of strangers.





A few key take-aways?
  1. Remember you are not the only one who is nervous in networking settings. 
  2. In a social or professional setting be the first to greet another.
  3. Remember the buddy system.
  4. But don’t stand in the corner with your buddy and avoid others.
  5. Read name tags and take note of the company they work for.
  6. Approach someone who is standing by themselves.
  7. Complement someone (on their shoes?)
  8. Carry a book – books attract attention and are a good conversation starter.
  9. Remember names of those you meet by repeating their name when you are introduced.
  10. Take advantage of new networking opportunities – think of it as practice (it makes us perfect right?)

Blogger Tips - Get This Gadget

1 comments:

MikeVaughn said...

Overcoming shyness can be done methodically. By consistently breaking down psychological barriers and engaging in social activities, by taking public speaking courses for example, people could overcome shyness.