2. Have a strategy for networking events

As much as you might want to avoid attending networking events with large groups of people, they’re still a great way to make business connections, Allen says.

To ease your stress, ask a close work friend to come along so you can help each other navigate the event — or even approach strangers together if that’s more comfortable, Allen suggests. Try to schedule networking events when you’ll have enough energy to do something that doesn’t come naturally to you. Consider avoiding events right after work, when you might be too tired to put forth your best effort.

Allen also recommends creating specific goals to help you make the most of attending. That might mean staying at the venue for at least one hour or getting contact information from at least two people before the event ends.