Networking—an introverted entrepreneur’s worst nightmare. But it doesn’t have to be.

I started my digital branding and marketing business, DigiBridge Media, about the same time I moved to Murfreesboro. As a lifelong recipient of “Hey, you’re quiet. You must be weird or mean,” it didn’t sound like my idea of a good time to have a bunch of strangers stare at me while I talk about something I’d painstakingly built.

As I approach my one-year network-aversary, however, I have done a complete 180. Dare I say, I enjoy getting out and meeting new people, and getting to know them and their business and vision as they get to know mine. The connections and relationships built along the way by those initially hesitant to attend professional networking events often make those uneasy moments worth it.

I have met so many kind and helpful people here in the ’Boro.

Here are just some of them with their top tips to set you and your business up for success through networking:

“When you are at a networking event, treat it like an appointment, meaning you are not there to eat and drink if it’s provided. You are there to meet people, make connections and participate.”

“Always be very specific in your ask. [Saying you help] everybody equals [helping] nobody. If you can drill down to a specific name or position at a specific company, that’s the best! It may seem like you get less referrals by doing it that way, but you will get higher quality referrals or leads.”

— Rachel Albertson, owner of Inforule Social Media, a digital marketing company that specializes in small businesses. She runs Networking for Awesome People and is the communications coordinator for the hybrid in-person and online BNI group in Murfreesboro named the “Power Connectors.”

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“Go to events and concentrate on meeting two to three individuals that you would like to get to know more. Schedule a one-to-one with them within the week. Learn about them and how they do business, not necessarily what their business does.”

“When you’re networking, be the connector, not the seller. When you meet someone, and they have a need and you know a third party to help, make that introduction for them. They’ll remember you for it.”

— Jim Africano, owner of Affi Pest and Wildlife, a pest control and wildlife removal company, and Prohibition Home Brewing in Murfreesboro, a home brewing supply and cigar shop. He started a networking group at his business called C3 Networking.

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“When you scout the room over and you see two people facing face to face, don’t approach them because it’s a closed conversation . . . but if someone’s open that means you’re allowed to become part of the conversation.”

“Don’t try to sell your products and services at a networking event or at a one-to-one. Only announce what you’re looking for and how you can help them.”

“Have business cards there, but don’t always use a business card. Use something that’s a QR code maybe, not on your phone. There’s a lot of companies out there that you can get a card (like Dot. Cards). Then that way people can not only follow you and get your contact information, but you can put your social media on there.”

— Ron Young, owner of Eagle Communications, a provider of customized telecommunication and IT Solutions. He is on the Murfreesboro Technology Council board, which hosts networking and tech-related educational events each month.

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“Do more listening than talking. Approach the situation as a ‘how can I help?’ versus ‘how can they help me?’”

“Ask for their info so you can be in charge of the follow-up process and not leave it to chance that they will contact you.”

— Leslie McCain, owner of Allegra Printing and Mail, a full-service marketing and print communications company based in Brentwood, and the facilitator of the Murfreesboro Networking Today International chapter. She’s also on the board of the American Marketing Association in Nashville.

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“Just handing out business cards is a complete waste of time. You have to actually schedule one-to-ones to get to know people. Pick one or two networking groups that you like and keep going regularly. People want to see you over and over again. Networking isn’t a one-day game . . . I don’t recommend anybody unless I know [them].”

“When you do the one-to-ones, don’t go and sell to people. Just go and talk to them and get to know them. Go into and walk away from the meeting with ‘how do I help this person?’”

— Sean Moran, owner of Red Barn Financial, a financial advisory company, who runs Business And Professional Events for Networking. He also helps facilitate Connect Murfreesboro and is on the advisory board for Living Sent Ministries.

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Professional Networking Opportunities in Murfreesboro:

Connect Murfreesboro
Mondays from 9 to 10 a.m.
BoomBozz Craft Pizza & Taphouse
2839 Medical Center Pkwy., Murfreesboro
Free
More info: connectnashvillenetworking.com

Nashville Association of Sales Professionals (NASP)
Second and fourth Mondays of the month at 11 a.m.
Burger Bar in The Doubletree by Hilton
1850 Old Fort Pkwy., Murfreesboro
Free
More info: nashville-nasp.org

Rutherford Independent Networking Group (RING)
Tuesdays at 8 a.m.
Stones River Church of Christ
1607 Hamilton Dr., Murfreesboro
Attend two meetings for free, then a $35 application fee; dues are $35 per calendar quarter
More info: networkingrutherford.com

Business and Professional Events for Networking (BAPEN) [Pictured at top]
Every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Steak ’n Shake
2091 Old Fort Pkwy., Murfreesboro
Free
More info: Join the “Rutherford BAPEN” Facebook group.

Murfreesboro Technology Council
Last Tuesday of the month from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Location varies
Free
For more info, location, and to RSVP: murfreesborotechnology.com

Networking for Awesome People
Wednesdays from 9 to 10 a.m.
Tristar Veteran Resource Center
439 Rice St., Murfreesboro
Free
More info: Join the “Networking For Awesome People” Facebook group

Living Sent Ministries
Second Wednesday of the month from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Experience Church
521 Old Salem Rd., Murfreesboro
Free
More info: livingsentministries.org

Believers in Business
Thursdays at 7:30 a.m.
Cedar Glade Brewery
906 Ridgely Rd., Murfreesboro
Guests may attend two meetings for free with no obligation; annual dues total $400
More info: facebook.com/bibrutherfordco

Rutherford Business Builders
First and third Thursday of the month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Parthenon Grille
1962 S. Church St., Murfreesboro
$100 application fee (or $75 if you sign up at the first meeting), then $25 per month
More info: rutherfordbusinessbuilders.com

The Connection
Third Thursday of the month from 5 to 7 p.m.
Champy’s
1290 NW Broad St., Murfreesboro
Free
More info: Follow the Murfreesboro Pulse on Facebook

Brew Business Murfreesboro
First Thursday of the month from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Mayday Brewery
521 Old Salem Rd., Murfreesboro
Free
More info: Search “Brew Business Murfreesboro” on Facebook

Tennessee Christian Chamber of Commerce
Fourth Thursday of the month from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant
114 N. Church St., Murfreesboro
Free for members, $10 for guests after their first visit
More info on membership levels and organization: tnchristianchamber.org

Networking Today International (NTI)
Fridays from 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Bell & Alexander Title Services
1639 Medical Center Pkwy., Ste. 201, Murfreesboro
Three free visits, then $25 per month
More info: networkingtodayintl.com

C3 Networking
Fridays from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Prohibition Home Brewing
906 Ridgely Rd., Murfreesboro
Free
More info: Follow “Prohibition Home Brewing” on Facebook

Super Friday
On a Friday from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
Embassy Suites
1200 Conference Center Blvd., Murfreesboro
Free
For dates and more info: Follow the “Super Friday” page on Facebook

Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce
Business After Hours
Second Tuesday of the month from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
location varies
$15 for members, $25 for future members
For more information on local ribbon-cuttings, chamber orientations and other Chamber of Commerce programs, visit web.rutherfordchamber.org/events

Murfreesboro Young Professionals
$120 annually
For membership and event information, infomurfreesboroyp.org

Tennessee Women Connect
For membership and event information, visit tnwomenconnect.com

Rutherford Cable
For membership and event information, visit rutherfordcable.org

Business Network International
There are several BNI chapters in Murfreesboro
For membership and chapter information, visit bni.com

Local Service Organizations
Murfreesboro Breakfast and Noon Rotary Clubs, the Smyrna Rotary Club, Kiwanis, Exchange Club and Lions Club can also make quality professional networking opportunities.