Networking for Introverts

Shy Maiden by Michael Drummond

This past weekend was spent researching agencies I would like to work with, stuffing envelopes, and going out for lunch with a friend. Today, I walked to the post office to mail off my submissions, did general housekeeping, updated my paperwork, and worked on my monologues for an audition tomorrow.

In addition to that audition, I'm attending a networking event with industry folk tomorrow evening. I'm rather nervous about the prospect. Despite my passion for acting, I'm an introvert. I'd rather sit at home reading a book or tormenting my cat with a laser pointer than go out. I'm not good at the bar scene and have never been to a networking event. So, I enlisted the help of my best friend, who happens to be a master at events like these. (I tried to talk her into starting her own blog or becoming a career coach or something, but she declined.)

Some of her tips and my action plan for tomorrow evening:

1. Know what you want to get out of attending the event. (Super important. Don't go in there without knowing why you're there).

2. Confidence is key. Fake it if you must.

3. Scan the room immediately, look for people that suit your purpose for attending the event.

4. Spot an interesting person? Go up and introduce yourself. (Just like that, good heavens).

5. Small talk. (Yikes)

6. Exchange information.

7. Repeat.

8. Follow-up.

Her plan was much more detailed and eloquent, but I'll save that for when I've finally convinced her to start a blog helping those like me.