For professionals to succeed, visibility is the key. For those of you who are shy or reticent, and with busy lives we all lead, it is getting more difficult to develop connections with other people. The workplace has many obstacles to those who are shy, to the point that they prefer solitary work than working on projects with others.

For shy or introverted professionals, networking is a survival skill with which they need to cope. Shyness can become a barrier if you let it. However, networking is a skill you can learn.

The following tips can make dealing with your shyness easier, and take you and your business to the next level.

1. Take Small Steps.

Do not expect to master networking overnight. It takes time. Many introverts think they will wake up one day and become a powerhouse networker but this is usually not the case.

Just enter the world of networking one small step at a time. Add something new, such as one question to ask (discussed later in this article), at each subsequent event. Over time, it will become much easier.

2. Set Clear Goals.

Think first about what you want to accomplish in your life and your business. Then consider the alternative: What do you think would happen if you allow your shyness to continue and stop you from pursuing your dreams? Take the time to define your goals and write them down.

3. Prepare and Practice.

A key step to overcoming shyness is preparation and practice. Write down in advance some questions you think will stimulate and sustain a conversation. If you find yourself somewhat nervous when meeting someone new, try practicing what you are going to say with another person or even to yourself in the mirror. Then practice in an environment where you won