Networking with People: If you’re an introvert who has been told that you need to network more, the advice is likely to have fallen on deaf ears. It’s not that you don’t want to make connections; it’s just that it feels impossible. Networking is a challenge for everyone, but introverts face extra hurdles when making new friends and professional connections.
Networking with people you know.
Ask your friends and family how to network with people.
Networking can be a smooth process, especially if you’re more of an introvert. It can be as simple as asking a friend or family member who knows someone in your desired field of work or interest to introduce you.
This will allow them to tell their friend about the kind of person they are, which allows them to get a first impression before meeting in person. You’ll also build relationships with those who are familiar with each other, so even if it takes time for them all to meet up, no one will feel uncomfortable around each other due to a lack of knowledge about one another’s personalities and interests.
Attend events for networking with people.
- For networking with people Attend events that are likely to be attended by people who are likely to be interested in your products or services.
- Attend events where you can make a connection. You never know who you’ll meet at these things. Even if you’re not interested in the event yourself, attend anyway and take the opportunity to the importance of networking and making connections with others who can help grow your business about networking.
- Attend events where you can learn about trends and new technologies. In addition to learning tips on how to grow your own business, attending trade shows is an excellent way of keeping up-to-date on trends in both technology and marketing strategies as they relate directly back to what kinds of jobs/projects/opportunities there will be available in coming years down the road.
- Attend events where you can meet potential clients!
Introduce yourself to someone new at each networking event.
Feel free to introduce yourself to someone new at each networking event. You won’t run out of things to say, and you don’t have to worry about being rejected or turning anyone off. You can use your introverted ways as a strength when it comes to making connections:
- Ask questions. People love talking about themselves and discussing their interests.
- Let others know that you are new this time (or in general). If someone has been doing this for years, they will appreciate your honesty and give you some great tips on how they’ve seen the industry evolve!
Ask questions and listen carefully to the answers.
While it may seem like a no-brainer, you’re asking questions if you don’t understand what someone said or want more information on something. For example, if someone talks about their job, ask them what they do in a day or how they got into it. You can also ask how their business is doing these days or their favorite thing about their job.
Introverts can be successful networkers if they are strategic about their approach.
Introverts can be successful networkers if they are strategic about their approach. Before you go to a networking event, ask yourself what you want to get out of it. If your goal is to meet new people and has fun, great! But if your goal is a job or career change, think about using the experience to further that end.
Conclusion
Networking can be hard for introverts, but it’s a necessary part of the business. If you can develop a strategy about how to network plan and stick to it, you’ll be able to make connections that will help your career grow. Remember that networking is about listening and asking questions, not just talking to people until they get bored with you. And don’t forget that it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming; plenty of other introverts share your struggles.
