Let’s be honest: Networking events can suck. Yes, they’re a necessary part of growing a business or expanding your professional reach, but are they really anyone’s idea of an ideal time? You could be comfortably joking around with friends who already love you; instead, you’re awkwardly dancing through conversations with strangers who may or may not just want to sell you boat insurance.

If the idea of exchanging business cards makes your neck hair crawl, I wanted you to know that you’re not alone. I asked members of the DYP executive team to share their biggest networking fears. See if you relate to their answers.

What fears have you had going into a networking event?

Nervousness - not knowing what to say. Ending up by myself in a corner lol
That I wouldn't know anyone and would revert to standing aside and scrolling through my phone.
People who just hand you a business card and walk away.
People not taking me seriously due to my age/gender.
I used to be scared of going alone to networking events.
Not knowing anyone or having to walk up to a group of people.

What "type" of person or behavior annoys you at a networking event?

The person that automatically signs you up for their company's newsletter without asking you.
People who stick only with the people they came to the event with and are not open to others joining in conversations.
The Suit - or the pushy salesperson.
People who oversell themselves or don't allow for dialogue.
The type of people who hang in cliques of the same people and don't welcome you.

What's a bad experience you've had at a networking event?

People who are dismissive when you try to network with them. For example, if someone asks "what do you do?" and it’s not up to par with them.
Being at the wrong networking event--not in my industry.
Being stuck in a conversation.
No format to spur collaboration and communication.
Saying congratulations to a woman who wasn't pregnant.

So yeah, we sympathize.

But we also wanted to do something about it, so our next event, Networking 101: The Art of Relationship-Building, will be an exploration of how to make you a better communicator in these challenging situations. Join us and get practical advice from experienced instructors with Dale Carnegie Training, which has been teaching on this subject for more than a century.

The event will be on Wednesday, March 8th from 6-8 p.m. at the new WeWork office at 1247 Woodward. Discounted tickets for DYP members. Click the link above for more information or to sign up!