Being confident is about projecting a charismatic and engaging brand
that is compelling to other people. So, confident networkers are those
that generate more success because they are highly compelling as people.
Other professionals are more likely to listen to them, understand their
message and amplify it to others. The more your message is spread, the
easier it will be for others to think about you when new opportunities
arise.
Here are three practical strategies to help you become a confident networker:
1. Practice your message.
The more confident you are that you know your stuff and are ready to
take on the world, the easier it will be for others to see it in you.
Before you head to networking events, practice your introduction in the
mirror, to friends, and on video so that you can see exactly what other
people are seeing. This will help you tweak your message to make sure it
comes across the way you want it to.
2. Focus on your body language.
When you get into a networking situation or interview, I want you to think one word to yourself:
relax. When you focus on not appearing stiff and tense, you’ll be better able to project that you’re comfortable with yourself.
If confidence is a real issue for you, an amazing way to trick
yourself into thinking that you’re more confident than you are is to
adjust your body language. When you change your stance, you actually
change the way your brain thinks about the situation you’re going into.
TED speaker and social psychologist at the Harvard Business School Amy
Cuddy discusses just this in her popular TED talk
: Your body language changes who you are. I recommend watching it now to learn how you can fake it until you make it!
3. Visualize success.
Another amazing confidence exercise is to visualize yourself at a
time when you were at peak confidence. Think about an instance when you
were performing exceptionally well and felt sure of yourself, your
strengths, and your experience. Remember what this feels like and get
yourself in a state of confidence that will help you communicate with
impact.
4. Be aware of how you come across to other people.
The best way to make sure you’re making the right impression is to
keep tabs on the people you’re talking to, whether that’s in a
networking or interview scenario. Check in with their body language and
level of engagement. If they appear like they’re not listening, trying
to rush the conversation along, or not contributing, then it may be a
good idea to switch the subject or, if you’re in an interview, ask them
if they’d like you to clarify anything.
Learn more about Diana YK Chan
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