Get yourself out there! 8 great networking tips for introverts
Business is all about being seen by other people that might need your product or service. For those who are introverted, that can sometimes be difficult … but it doesn’t have to be.
Success is largely determined by an ability to play to your strengths. If you happen to be shy or introverted, you probably already know you don’t have to limit your dreams or count yourself out just because you don’t fit the traditional image of an entrepreneur.
But, it’s also no secret that networking events tend to be designed for a particular personality — the ‘work hard, play hard, never-met-a-stranger’ type.
Rooms filled with crowds of people — not to mention the pressure to be interesting and likeable — is enough to give most introverts sweaty palms.
While visibility is a natural part of networking, it doesn’t mean you have to be the centre of attention. Rather than approaching networking like an extrovert, introverts should relax, plan ahead and let their true personalities shine through.
Here are eight networking tips for introverts for doing just that:
1. Manage expectations
If networking events make you nervous, don’t psych yourself out with unrealistic expectations. You may not meet 20 new contacts or impress others with your best joke — and that’s okay. One quality conversation is more beneficial than 20 superficial ones.
2. Prepare
Plan ahead and prepare some icebreakers. Open-ended questions spur interesting conversations. Most people love to talk about themselves, their work and their hobbies. Ask questions like, “How long have you been a member of the host organisation?” or “What’s your favourite part of your job?”.
3. Set a time limit
When you decide ahead of time how long you’ll stay at an event, it makes the commitment finite and much less intimidating. At a minimum, give yourself 20 minutes to get your name tag, grab a drink and meet at least one new person. Often, all you need are a few minutes to adjust to the environment. You may be surprised at how often you’ll stay longer than planned.
4. Ask for an introduction
If there’s a particular person you’d like to meet, try to find a common connection and request an introduction (LinkedIn makes this very easy). And if that doesn’t work, approach the event’s host. You’ll get much further with an introduction from a common acquaintance than approaching someone out of the blue.
5. Practice empathetic listening
Introverts are usually fully-engaged and fantastic listeners. Because most people are better at talking than listening, this means you’ll stand out as someone who values others.
6. Share your personal stories
Challenge yourself to open up. If you ask consecutive questions without sharing information about yourself, it can start to feel like an interrogation. Participating in the conversation will help it to flow more naturally.
7. Practice
If you’re still extremely nervous or unsure, challenge yourself with low or no-risk situations. Drive to a networking event in the next town over where you likely won’t know anyone and experiment with new conversation-starters or stories. That way, even if you make a complete fool of yourself, it won’t matter.
8. Take small steps
With increased practice, you’ll become more comfortable in social situations and with sharing your true personality. Make it a habit to take advantage of everyday opportunities to network. At the office, take small breaks to walk around and casually socialise with your colleagues. Once a week, invite a colleague to join you for lunch or coffee.
Before you know it you’ll be, if not a master-networker, then a very competent networker in no time!
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