When you’re in those first time networking situations it’s great to have a list of conversation starters and topics that are linked back to you and your business.

To get started, here are some questions to ask yourself.

1. Collect great stories - ask your best advocates and customers why they buy from you?

Then go on and ask them what they would like both more of and less of in your work? This is a great research tool for your business to help you get clarity on what you should be focusing on. Come networking time – replaying the success or delight of your customers is a great way to create a message that people feel comfortable sharing.

2. How do you stand out from the crowd?

What is unique about your work? Create some sound bites (10 – 30 second statements) about what makes you different from other people in your space and be remembered.

3. What are your soap box topics?

What is it that you stand for and are saying with your work and how you operate. Collect a series of topics that you can con into short or long conversation on.

“Oh by the way - I hate speaking – how do I get more confident?”

My recommendation for people who don’t like public speaking is simple. Start with a story about one of your happiest customers. If you do not get excited about telling their story, you are in the wrong business.

Even the most nervous person calms down, and gets in the moment. It’s a basic human condition - think of them, what they got from you, both theirs and your excitement with what you delivered. This should calm you down and get you into the “zone”.

Why are you in this game? Start with that – it’s amazing to see people’s body language change when I ask them to speak on this topic.

As unfortunate as it is, you will not succeed in business unless your get your message out there. So if you are that freaked out by broadcasting your message, find a partner or revert your business to being a hobby (something you’re good at and are passionate about).

Find a good toastmasters group and go practice. In my experience these weekly sessions are quite inspirational and help you practice in a safe environment.

Also prepare by having a list of sound bites up your sleeve. Work with someone else to critique them and then practice, practice, practice.