Are you scared of in-person business networking? It’s a common fear across many business owners, intensified by the pandemic and the rise in online networking. Although you know it could be great for your business growth, you’re yet to venture out.

Being in a room full of people can be an overwhelming thought, especially if you’re used to the comfort of your own home (and maybe even your PJ’s!)… 

My name is Meghan. I’m here to share my personal tips to turn your business networking experience from fear-inducing to fun…

Business networking after relocating to Scotland

Moving from England last summer, I didn’t know anyone in the local community. When relocating, it’s nerve-wracking meeting new people and starting over. As a business owner, I knew the importance of getting myself out there.

I was a previous BNI member in England, but the meetings were all online. When looking for a new local chapter, I was nervous to visit Nexus as it’s a larger group than I was used to – and it’s face-to-face.

From the moment I stepped into the Nexus meeting, I was taken aback by the buzz and atmosphere (yes, even early in the morning!). I’ve not looked back since and have found it much easier to build relationships in-person.

Business networking has been instrumental to my copywriting business. There’s no better way to gain trusted clients than from a referral network. Having a local community is also great for pushing your own business forward by learning from others, so networking is a no-brainer to me.

I know what feeling the fear of business networking is like. That’s why I’m here to help you get prepared, so you can beat it and stop feeling scared.

How to prepare for in-person business networking

If you’re scared of networking and haven’t been to an in-person event before, here are my 5 top tips.

1. Prepare a short pitch to explain who you are, what you do, and who you help

Most business networking groups give you an opportunity to introduce yourself to the room for 30-60 seconds. Don’t be caught out by not having something prepared!

Practising a short introductory pitch will make your first in-person networking event much less scary. Use real examples of how you help your clients to help explain your services and think about who would make a great new customer for you.

2. Check the location details and travel time in advance

To avoid on the day jitters, check your travel plans and leave enough time to arrive without rushing. There’s nothing worse than getting lost and feeling stressed about arriving late. It only makes you more flustered.

For the Nexus group, there’s ample parking at the venue and we recommend arriving between 15-30 minutes early. This gives you enough time for our visitor hosts to welcome you. They will also give you a call before the day to check you have everything you need, so it’s a familiar face straight away.

Arriving early also gives you time to grab a coffee and your breakfast, easing into the meeting before it starts.

3. Research the regular members before the day

Another great way to feel less nervous about in-person networking is to understand what others do in the room. That way, you will get a good grasp on the variety of businesses, and it will feel less like walking into a room of strangers.

Look at the full list of Nexus members here.

4. Allow time after the meeting to carry on the conversation

Don’t schedule another appointment straight after the networking meeting. There’s usually time to carry on a casual conversation, swap details, and book in follow-up calls. Taking this extra time afterwards means you can get the most out of your visit and feel less anxious about rushing off.

Also, have your details ready to share. Whether that’s a printed business card or a QR code to a digital one, it’s important to have some way of sharing your contact information.

5. Do your best to make a good first impression

The best way to make a good first impression is to have a smile on your face, be relaxed, and look presentable. 

There’s no dress code when you attend our business networking event, but it’s important to feel comfortable and smart. That way, you’ll feel more confident in yourself, which helps to overcome your fear of business networking. If it’s appropriate to your business, you may decide to wear branded clothing to boost your first impression.

Visit Nexus – in-person business networking in Glasgow

I hope you’re now feeling less scared about in-person business networking events. Once you’re in the room, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it! 

Overcome your fear of business networking by visiting one of the friendliest groups in Glasgow. It would be great to see you at a Nexus meeting. You can register to visit here.