
Networking is the business equivalent of small talk; a powerful tool that requires you to talk to complete strangers. While asking about their hobbies, or their children’s sports teams may seem like an easy task, it can be paralyzing for someone who is used to communicating in front of a screen.
So how do you get back the power of small talk? Prepare a list of generic questions that you can ask anyone. Knowing that you have something to say will ease your anxiety. If you know who will be at the event, do some research ahead of time and think of questions you want to ask specific people. Being familiar with a person, even over the Internet, will give you more confidence when talking to them face-to-face.