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Marty Hamre, Maine International Trade Center
Updated: May 29, 2025
How To
Networking 101: How to ease anxiety when entering a room full of strangers
By Marty Hamre, Maine International Trade Center
As someone who often attends networking events around Maine, I’ve periodically been labeled a professional networker.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to engage with my community through many conferences, trade shows and networking events. With that experience, I’ve come to realize there are some simple tools that anyone can use to help ease any anxiety or awkward feelings that may bubble up when entering a room of strangers.
Breaking into or starting a conversation: There are a couple of ways you can approach this.
- Ask the nice people at the check-in table if there is anyone that they could introduce you to. It’s their event, so they’ll know most of the attendees.
- Put that nametag on, take a breath, and walk up to a small group conversation and simply say, “May I join you?” The answer will always be “yes.” Everyone is there to network and meet new people, so this gives the group the opportunity to introduce themselves and you to them.
Creating meaningful engagement: Once you’ve all introduced yourselves, asking the right questions will keep the conversation flowing. Feel free to ask follow-up questions to learn more and gain a deeper understanding about their company as well as their individual role. Ask what they like most about their role or how their career path led them to this position. Ask what drew them to this event or what they’re hoping to gain from it. Hopefully you’ll find some common nuggets that you can share to build the foundation of a new relationship.
Exit stage left: How do you move on? This can be the trickiest part of networking, because walking away can sometimes feel abrupt or rude. Again, everyone is there to meet lots of people so it’s ok to move on. When you feel like the conversation has run its course, simply say, “Do you have a business card?” After you’ve exchanged cards, you simply shake hands and say, “It’s been a pleasure to meet you, Ralph, and I look forward to following up with you and/or connecting on LinkedIn.” Then you walk to the next group and do it again.
Before long, your network will begin to grow, and you’ll have a solid group of connections who can begin to introduce you to their networks too.
If you want to practice, come join our networking events both virtually and in-person at Maine International Trade Center. I look forward to meeting you!
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