The public relations industry is generally made up of outgoing, personable and confident individuals. Standing out from a crowd of these types of personalities can be difficult, especially if you consider yourself an introvert.
Here are some tips that can help battle your shyness and nerves, making it easier to make new connections and polish your networking skills.
Before the Event:
- Research the event as well as the professional who may be speaking that night or attending the event – if you have access to the guest list.
- Dress in business attire but make sure you feel comfortable with what you are wearing. Not only do you want to look professional but you also want to feel confident in your outfit.
- Look up recent news stories that you can refer to and discuss in conversation. This will display you as informed and provide you with a topic to fill any lulls in the conversation.
During the Event:
- Once you arrive, search for a familiar face. Networking is daunting when you are alone so finding someone you know will help put you at ease and they may also introduce you to key individuals at the event.
- Make the most of your time at the event. You’ve made it this far so if you don’t know anyone at all, try introducing yourself to at least one person and go from there.
- Hand out your business cards. Business cards are helpful to identify who you are and will also set you a part if you are a student.
After the Event:
- The following day, reach out to those you made connections with through social media. Follow them on Twitter and connect with them on LinkedIn.
- Pro Tip: When you send out the invitation to connect on LinkedIn, personalize the default message. Mention how you were happy to have met them and be sure to recall something you discussed during your conversation with them. This builds credible, meaningful and professional relationships.
- Plan for the next event you are attending. Go to as many as you can because soon enough you will be one of those familiar faces.
Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, networking is an important part of a PR student’s professional development. A great way to start is by attending the upcoming events CPRS Toronto is hosting where PR professionals and students are invited to learn from one another and make valuable connections. (Click here to see a list of upcoming networking events).
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Charzie Abendanio is the CPRS Toronto Student Steering Committee President and is in her last year at Humber College’s Bachelors of Public Relations Program.