Not everyone is cut out to walk up to a stranger and start a conversation. I’m probably not one of those people. Although, I have several best friends that are that kind of person. One of my best friends got a job interview with Ralph Lauren while working at Home Depot. He started a conversation with a guy at Home Depot, and went the extra mile. He delivered some stuff to the guy’s house one day after he got off of work, and they started talking about his career path. He said he’d like to be in management, and the guy offered him an interview for a management trainee program at a Ralph Lauren distribution plant.

While doing an inspectin for my job, I’ve met several key people. I met one woman who is a production manager for NBC Sports. I’d LOVE to get involved with what she is doing! She’s going to the Olympics next year, she’s friends with Tim Tebow, and she goes to most of the big sporting events that NBC covers!

So, you just never know who you’re going to run into these days. But like I said, not everyone is good at striking up conversations and networking their way to a different career path. Here are few ways to network without being outgoing:

• Facebook and Myspace: These social networking sites are great places to meet important young people. It’s easy to be bold on the internet, so use it to your advantage! I am sure that Ryan Healy from Employee Evolution can atest to this. He got hooked up with Penelope Trunk from Brazen Careerist and now they are starting a business together.
• Join a professional organization: There are many organizations you can join in your community. I like the JAYCE’S is a great organization to join if you want to get to know other young professionals and entrepreneurs. Find an organization heavy with entrepreneurs. They usually have the most wisdom about how to do business. Usually these organizations will set up functions for you to meet people. All you have to do is show up and start chatting with people about sports and the weather. Don’t forget your business cards.
• Carry your business card with you at all times. You just don’t know whom you’ll strike up a casual conversation, so make sure you have your card with you that has all of your contact information. You may not be a go-getter, but usually during the course of a week, you run into someone that could be a potential business partner or resource for you to change your career.

If you want to change your career, start a business, or further your current career, you’ll have to network with other people at some point. Why do you think every career blog stresses the importance of networking? Because you can’t live in a box in the business world. As much as you think you can do it all on your own, you need quality people surrounding you. Put your pride in the closet, throw your shy hat out the window, and start talking to people!