I'm a very introverted guy who goes to a lot of networking events that are facilitated by my school, ULI, or local (North Texas) CRE industry groups. I work hard to become a better networker, but I'm not making much progress. I'm at a higher-end non-target that has an incredible CRE alumni network, so I'm wasting a lot of time and money if I can't take advantage of it.
For other monkeys who are/were introverts and learned to become successful networkers, I'd really like to hear your stories and some things that helped you go from the guy who stood to the side to the guy who worked the room.
Hit the gym/get in shape is important--it drastically improves self confidence. Eat right too. You'll have more energy. Play the student card--it is an incredible time for you do to so as you won't be looked as an employed guy trying to change jobs. Ask questions and be genuinely interested. Prepare before meetings so you're not asking things you could look up online in 2 mins time. Make it a point to remember people's names. Take interest in what they do at work, but also outside of work. Lastly, a teacher of mine told me that it's 'who knows you' rather than 'who you know.' I completely agree with this--it's one thing to get 100 business cards at a networking event, but what are the odds any of those people will remember you a month later if you email them? Spend time perfecting your 30 second elevator pitch--I'm sure threads on here about interviewing can help you out if you've never heard of this. Lastly, set small goals each day and work towards them. Tell yourself that you are going to start a conversation with 'X' strangers tomorrow, and then add 1 the next day, and so on. Soon, you'll build a habit of talking to strangers and find that it comes even easier when you're talking about a fun subject (real estate).
I'll echo quality over quantity. LinkedIn accounts with 1600 connections are great and all, but they are worthless if nobody will actually make the introduction for you/be your reference when you need it.
My advice is to find a friend to go to events with and use him/her as a wing person. Don't be anti social and walk around the entire event the whole time together, but say the event is an hour long, break it up into 4 smaller networking sessions. Spend the first 10 minutes together surveying the room (see who you know and who you don't). Then split off on your own and go talk to people. Come back half way through and compare notes for 10 min. Then split off again - go find the people that each other talked to that sounded interesting. You can use each other as a reference, "my friend John met you earlier and mentioned...something you found interesting that somewhat applies to me so I came over to talk to you." That way you have a warm intro and reinforce your friend's network. Win-win.
Or if you don't want to split off again at the end, you can decide who you want to reintroduce each other to and go do that. Like you met an Associate from XYZ and he met a VP from QXY. You both are interested in those other shops so you cross introduce.
You will be surprised how many times this will make for an after event drink invite, which is where you really get to know people.
Note: if you steal my technique and I see you using it on me, while I approve, I reserve the right to not fall for it ;)
Networking isn't about being Mr. Popular at the party. You're really just talking shop with people who are in the same industry as you. In the beginning, you are just trying to know the players. As your relationships develop you can start benefiting each other (sharing information, referring deals, etc).
I'd start out going to industry events. Make sure you always have business cards. If you meet someone you think might be a good connection, hand them your card and connect on linkedin.
IMO, good networking is about helping people and seeing how things interconnect. I literally have LinkedIn up all day at work, send out thank you notes to everyone I meet and put them in outlook for later. You are building a network that will be invaluable as you get older so don't rush it.
let The Liquor do the thinking