Many people tell me that they're just uncomfortable at networking events. Especially large happy hours or mixers where the feel intimidated when it seems that everyone is already talking with someone else.

For these folks, and for anyone else for that matter, I recommend the networking event buddy system. Here's how it works:

Find a business friend. This could be on of your clients, someone in a complimentary business whom you frequently work with, or just someone you've been networking with for a while. Ideally it's someone who has worked with you for a while and can effectively brag on you... This system doesn't work nearly as well if you implementy this system with a co-worker.

Bring your new networking buddy to those events that you're intimidated by. Now, whenever you meet someone new introduce your buddy to that person, and allow them to introduce you. The beauty of this is that you essentially never have to introduce yourself, and your buddy can brag on you in ways that would send people screaming from the building if you tried saying them about yourself.

Once you've gotten comfortable with a few opening conversations it's time to divide and conquer. Split up and start engaging in your own conversations. This happens more naturally once you've gotten into the swing of the event as one conversation winds down and your introduced to someone new.

If you ever feel like you've been isolated you can always walk back over to your buddy who can introduce you again to the person you've just met.

You can do this through the entire event and have a blast meeting new people with your built-in third party testimonial/endorsement.

Give it a try and let me know how you like it.

Happy Networking!

-Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com