Introvert Networking tips are a really tough gig particularly if you are attempting to make connections face to face at a networking occasion or a work function. It is mostly seen as the domain of confident extroverts who know how to work a room and love nothing more than to talk about themselves and their accomplishments. But, the reality is that is not what networking is all about.
This in fact takes quite a bit of time and happens over some stages not all of which need face to face contact such as networking events. So how do you network efficiently if you’re an introvert?
We run though a sequences of introvert networking tips below which we actually hope will assist you, but the key thing to remember is do not try to be an extrovert. It is not who you are, it is way outside your comfort zone and it is not going to work. Rather, concentrate on using to your advantage the many great qualities introverts tend to have. Introverts tend to be:
- Astonishingly self aware
- Good listeners
- Very thoughtful
- Great with details
- Excellent at learning by observing
Four Introvert Networking Tips You Require Knowing
Connect Online First
When you are an introvert, there is nothing more horrible than walking into a room complete of strangers and attempting to strike up a conversation. That is why we suggest taking the 1st networking step online.
First, find out as much as you can about the occasion and get hold of an attendee and speaker list.
Use LinkedIn and Twitter account to connect with as many individuals as you feel essential from the attendee and speaker lists.
Make a list of 2-3 individuals you would really like to speak to at the upcoming occasion.
Think about sending a message to one of these people with a personal comment saying you look forward to meeting them and discussing more/finding out more about.
1st step done
Prepare for Introvert Networking Tips
The networking preparation process should be a relatively convenient one for most introverts. It includes thorough research and fine tuning of basic material that can be utilized at the actual networking occasion.
Go back to the attendee and speaker list. Research the individuals you would like to link with by checking all their social assets and Googling their name.
Observe if you can develop anything you might have in common with them.
Make a very short introduction and practice it.
Practice your introduction until it feels natural.
Target Friendly Groups for Introvert Networking Tips
At any networking occasion, the hardest part for introverts and extroverts too is communicating yourself into an developed group or starting a conversation. If this terrifies you, try the following tactics:
Arrive early – there is a much better opportunity people who step into a relatively empty room will come over and begin a conversation with you. If the room is full when you arrive and discussions are already in place, it is up to you to integrate yourself into these conversations which are much tougher for an introvert to do.
Look for others like you – If you observe someone alone in a corner that looks like they want the earth would swallow them up then go discuss to them. They are possibly an introvert too and would be grateful that someone else made the 1st move. You never know who they know or how they can assist you, it is not merely the confident extroverts that make great networking contacts.
Look at body language – Target minor groups and those who are in pairs. Seek out for friendly, open body language such as smiles, arms not crossed, leaning in and elbows away from the body.
Listen
As an introvert, you’re a good listener and very emotionally wise. However it may appear to be counterintuitive, you require using these qualities to your advantage at every networking occasion.
Begin by asking those open ended queries you prepared before the occasion. You can use opening lines such as:
How did you get started in….
What do you do at ….
What do you love most about….
Tell me more about your position at….
Once they begin talking, sit back and listen. Extroverts in specific love to talk about themselves.
Draw on any facts you learnt from your research to inject occasionally into the discussion.
Consider about the ways you could assist these individuals or if there are any people you know who could assist them. Helping others makes you memorable and is a good networking tool.
Yes, networking for introverts is at the very least an uncomfortable procedure. The thing to remember is that networking at occasions is merely one part of the networking procedure. The preparation and the follow up can all be implemented online which is much less risky.