Networking/Socializing Improvement
I’m a 20 y/o currently in my second year of a summer internship at a boutique commercial real estate brokerage in CO. I have been studying for my real estate license for 2 months now and I’m looking to take the test in about 2 weeks. 

Looking forward, once I get my license I will be thrown into the real world and will be attempting to close my first deal with the help of some experienced brokers. One of my biggest weaknesses currently is my ability to socialize/network confidently and leave a good impression on the people I meet, rather then have them forget about me 2 seconds after they walk away. I realize how important this is in a sales position and I’m looking to improve on these aspects of my personality.

When I return to school in late August I will be joining toast masters and will attend every week. Do you guys have any advice on other avenues I could explore to further build my confidence in socializing?

I wasn’t always as introverted as I am now. I believe some experiences from my childhood have encumbered my ability to make connections with others (this is not an excuse however, I am 20 and entirely in charge of my life now). I realize a large part of this is actively making changes in my life to build confidence (reading, consistent exercise, meditation etc.) but it would be great if I could get some perspectives from people currently in the industry. Considering I haven’t always been like this I have hope I can make the necessary changes to have success in this business.

Thanks for your time reading this and I appreciate any responses no matter how bleak.
[{"id": "etu0gfu", "text": "Here are some tips: 1) If you can do research on other attendees/meeting participants, do that and use it as points of discussion, but don't creep them out. 2) Realize that half the people in the room feel the same way that you do 3) Don't care so much and everything will go better.", "replies": [{"id": "etv6nma", "text": "These are great ideas, thanks for taking the time to write this!", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "etu2qsb", "text": "Hey man, good luck on your exam!\n\nLearning about the industry and being aware of what's going on at a higher level can help you relate to others during conversations for starters. You don't have to be an expert, but if you have an opinion on policy or market trends or even big sales/projects in your area or deals that have closed, you'll have something to talk about with people. Press releases from real estate pages online, reading the paper, blogs about cool projects in your area will help.\n\nI'm the same way, definitely an introvert but this is an industry that thrives on the relationships you've built, so the best way to do that is to be able to find common ground with people you'll potentially work with. If you have something interesting to say about a subject you're both familiar with, you can always segway into other topics after the ice is broken, just my two cents.\n\nI suggest looking into local ULI events, swap business cards with people, connect with them on LinkedIn,thank them for the connection you've made IRL, ask grab coffee with people who are 5-10 years ahead of you and ask for advice on how to improve your business as well. These things may all culminate and help create an interim solution for the issue you're experiencing.", "replies": [{"id": "etv7i3k", "text": "This is great advice, I will definitely make sure to stay updated on any major Commerical real estate policy, trends &amp; sales in my market. Thanks for taking the time to write this out!", "replies": [{"id": "etvzi4i", "text": "No problem brother, good luck!", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}]