Mike always had the feeling whenever he was at a social gathering that everybody knew everybody else, and that he was the only "outcast." At one business gathering, he decided to eavesdrop on a few conversations. He realized that most people were either struggling to make conversation with strangers, or they were standing through the entire event talking to the people they came with.
While you may be just fine when you are talking to a prospect one-on-one, many people, even those that have been in the sales profession for many years, find crowds a bit more difficult.
Mingling successfully basically means harnessing your confidence. Overcoming shyness isn't as hard once you have a few successes and experiences under your belt.
It also means that you must realize that "Mingling" or "Networking" as some say, can be very beneficial to your sales. Group presentation opportunities, from Chambers of Commerce to Rotary Club meetings, can give you access to the community in which you live. If you give these opportunities half a chance, you'll soon realize that you are probably more ahead of the game than many other people. After all, YOU are a "Sales Executive."
Even if you've had a bad experience, that shouldn't deter you from going out to mingle some more. Your mingling prospect was probably suffering from a more acute case of anxiety or insecurity than you were.
It may help to ask an associate to accompany you to a future event. The important thing is not to use them for security to the extent that you don't venture out and meet new people on your own. Choose someone you are comfortable around who understands your shyness, and who will introduce you to a few contacts they'll no doubt meet during the event. When you do strike up a conversation, listen actively and be genuinely interested in what your speaker has to say. Take notes if it's appropriate, so that you can follow up.
The contact is just a starting point, and can be a major source of business for you.
