We get it! Networking events can be quite intimidating – a hall full of people you don’t know passing business cards in every direction; formed in circle groups of people, who seem to be engaged in the most remarkable conversation, making it even more intimidating to join them; the clique of investors standing in the VIP section of the venue, trying to have at least one cup of coffee without an entrepreneur to shovel in their face a business plan.

Wait a minute, isn’t that picture too exaggerated! Many entrepreneurs, who hate networking, tend to picture every event in such dreadful colors. The truth is networking events are not just fruitful for the business, but also a lot of fun if you bring the right attitude with you. How to do so when you really, really dislike to network? These quick tips will help you not just survive but actually enjoy the next networking event you go to!

Just give it a try, it won’t hurt!

Have an agenda – Networking events with a lot of attendees give the opportunity to connect with so many people. Many entrepreneurs find this intimidating as they believe that they should network with everyone. This makes the whole experience so stressful.

The solution is to have an agenda and prepare for every event you attend. For the next event, create a list of three people you would like to connect to. Being prepared will give you confidence and a well-defined reason to go.

Show up early – being one of the first attendees is a great way to start strong with the networking. When people arrive they tend to look for others to talk to. With fewer people around, it is much easier to start a conversation. Walking in a bit later when most of the people have settled in comfortable surroundings makes it more difficult to join a conversation.

Follow up – After spending hours networking, leaving the event with a bunch of business cards is not enough. What counts actually is to make the effort to follow up. You have connected with the people and probably had a nice conversation, but if you want to build a fruitful relationship, you need to continue the dialogue.

It is very likely to run into the same people at another event. So why not plan it? If you really clicked with someone, why not arrange to attend another event together? Going with somebody else will definitely ease the pain.