By going step-by-step, practising and preparing beforehand. You can start by attending online events first in your company, then online events outside your company where you can connect by chatting. You could attend smaller events where you can turn on your camera and talk with people directly. Once you feel comfortable, you can sign up for a local in-person event and go with a colleague or a friend; you never have to stay for the entire event; you can leave when it becomes overwhelming, and next time, try to stay longer and shake hands.

For those new to networking or feeling anxious the first step doesn’t have to be about making connections. Sometimes just showing up is a win. Encourage them to attend with the simple goal of observing and getting comfortable in the environment without the pressure to meet anyone. By listening and observing they can learn how people interact, greet each other, and the kinds of things people talk about. They can then use that experience, or several, to help prepare and gain the comfort they need to push ahead. Then make a small goal to chat with just one person or whatever they are comfortable with. These small, incremental steps gradually build confidence making each new interaction feel less overwhelming and more manageable.

Acknowledge their feelings and break down the process into manageable steps. Encourage them to begin with low-pressure environments, such as small networking events or one-on-one meetings. Role-play common networking scenarios to help them practice introductions and conversations. Suggest preparing a few talking points or questions in advance to ease the pressure of thinking on the spot. Utilize online networking platforms like LinkedIn to start building connections virtually, where they might feel more comfortable. Remind them that networking is about genuine connection, not perfection, and every small step is progress.

To help a client struggling with social anxiety build confidence in their interactions, start by encouraging them to set small, achievable social goals to gradually increase their comfort level. Teach them relaxation techniques and coping strategies, such as deep breathing or mindfulness, to manage anxiety in social situations. Role-playing or practicing social scenarios can also be beneficial for building confidence. Offer positive reinforcement and support as they make progress. Additionally, guide them in focusing on their strengths and achievements to boost self-esteem and encourage them to seek professional therapy if needed for further support.