Networking does not come naturally to everyone. Some people extremely dislike it and others just want to avoid it. However, networking is very valuable for one’s career and can put a competitive edge on your business success. Who you know is important for career growth and development.

Here are 7 Networking Tips for People Who Dislike Networking:

1. Be Self-Aware & Start Small. “As a self-proclaimed introverted dietitian, networking can be intimidating for me. Self-awareness is the biggest first step. ‘How do networking events make me feel?’ If you're like me, try starting small. For example, choose one person per event to talk to, and increase as you hit your goal consistently,” advises Jess Serdikoff, RDN, CPT, Empowering Dietitians, Instagram: @empowering.dietitians.
2. Be a Good Listener. Enter the networking event with a few open-ended questions to ask. Spend most of the time listening to what others tell you. You learn about them and you don’t necessarily have to focus on you, which can be uncomfortable for those who don’t enjoy having a spotlight on themselves.
3. Give Yourself De-Compression Time. “After an event, give yourself plenty of decompressing ‘chill’ time to recharge,” notes Serdikoff. Allow yourself to relax alone in order to find the balance from being around a lot of people.
4. Join a Committee or Professional Group. “Joining a committee, volunteering for an organization in your field, or joining a professional group allows connections to be made in a natural and authentic way, without having to make uncomfortable small talk or forced connections,” informs Diana Orenstein, MS, RD, Fresh Start Women’s Nutrition, Facebook: @fswomensnutrition.
5. Host a Dinner Party. “I have hosted potluck-style dinners with two to three dietitians at my house. It is an easy and comfortable way to meet and mingle. The dinners have now grown to eleven people!” updates Diana Dugan Richards, RDN, Nutrition Therapist, Certified IFS Practitioner, Namaste Nutrition.
6. Leave Materials About What You Do. “I'm just getting started in private practice and I find that local service providers such as hairdressers, spas, chiropractors, massage therapists, PT/OT, speech therapists, and doctor's offices are great places to network. I put a few flyers and business cards in a folder and leave it there for them. I let them know my business is new in town and I would appreciate any referrals,” notifies Jennifer Smart, MS, RD, LDN, CLT, Smart Nutrition, LLC, Instagram: @jsmartnutrition.
7. Follow-Up. After any event or situation where you meet people or leave your contact information, always follow-up. An easy follow-up is through email. Send a quick note to keep the relationship going.

Remember, building relationships is the main goal of networking. Find your strengths. Start small. Continue to meet people. And you will grow your friendships and networking community.

For more related articles, check out:

The Truth About the Importance of Communication as a Dietetic Professional

10 Ways to Use Networking to Successfully Grow Your Dietetic Business

16 Dietetic Networking Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make

Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian and Sports Nutritionist specializing in Weight Management and Sports Nutrition for youth and adults. She writes articles for multiple publications, provides customized nutrition coaching, and is a brand spokesperson. She is founder of Family. Food. Fiesta. and MIJA. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn.