A good network leads to career growth, a strong support network, increased visibility, and a better reputation in your industry. Still, as an introvert, it can be easier to ignore those benefits in favor of staying home.
Thankfully there are ways to grow and maintain a strong network without stepping outside your introverted comfort zone. In this article, we will share our tips on networking as an introvert without acting like an extrovert.
Why is networking so important?
Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, networking is a vital skill. Networking can help open the door to new opportunities, offer advice throughout your career, lead to long-lasting business relationships, boost the exchange of information, and improve your reputation within your field.
What does it mean to be an introvert?
Often introverts are associated with shyness, but it’s essential to know the difference. Introverts feel more comfortable focusing inwardly and usually prefer smaller social groups and quieter settings, while shy people tend to align more with extroverted personality traits. However, they experience anxiety in social settings.
Learning to network as a shy person requires warming up to social situations and practicing becoming more comfortable with new social situations. This is different from the recommended approach to networking for introverts. Keep reading to learn how introverts should start networking.
How to network as an introvert
Most networking advice comes from people who excel at the extroverted ways of networking, and as an Introvert, that can feel like maybe networking just isn’t designed for you. Thankfully, that’s not the case. Anyone can network, and everyone should, just not necessarily in the same ways that are most commonly presented.
1. Skip the small talk
Networking is often associated with small talk, a big red flag for most introverts. Fortunately, for introverts who aren’t fans of chitchat, you can skip this portion of the conversation.
Instead of dwelling on idle conversation after the introductions have passed, start asking questions and focus on a deeper conversation. Try planning a few ice breaker questions that can facilitate getting to know them better.
2. Don’t go in alone
As an introvert, attending a networking event with so many new people can be extremely draining. Try bringing a friend who can help alleviate the burden to lessen the load. Use them as a base to take a break from networking and regroup as needed.
3. Leverage the power of your network
Whether you’ve got one connection or hundreds, you should never overlook the power of the people you already know. Reach out to your current connections and see if they are willing to make an introduction for you.
4. Pick a niche
It can quickly become mentally draining to carry on conversations that don’t interest you or aren’t associated with your industry. Instead of heading into general networking events where you’re sure to run into quite a few of these conversations, pick events associated with your industry or a niche that interests you.
5. Spend more time listening
For many introverts, the amount of talking that networking can require is overwhelming. Instead of viewing this as a negative, focus on your ability to listen. Introverts are often much more skilled at active listening than those who prefer to talk, so why not use those skills to your advantage?
6. Focus on a smaller circle
There is often pressure to continue making more connections, but for introverts, that isn’t always the best goal. Instead, focus on deepening your relationships within a smaller circle.
7. Don’t overdo it
Burning out can happen quickly when networking as an introvert. Start by setting achievable goals that fit into your schedule and allow time for you to recharge. Planning for long-term success is essential when networking as an introvert.
8. Connect 1:1
Large networking groups quickly become overwhelming and end with introverts choosing to leave. Rather than setting yourself up for failure, focus on planning one-on-one outreach. Connect on social media, via email, over video chat, or over coffee.
One-on-one exchanges are often shorter and easier to manage, making it easier to swallow for introverts.
9. Don’t try to be an extrovert
It might seem like it’s easier to walk into a room and be high energy for an hour or two and then go home, but you should never try to be something you’re not. This only makes networking feel like even more of a drain and leads to the point of failure.
10. Take notes
Leveraging the power of your listening skills is incredible, but it will only take you so far if your memory isn’t perfect, and for most of us, that isn’t the case. Everything you hear could be the key to deepening that relationship, but remembering even the tiny details is vital.
Instead of putting the pressure on yourself, use notes to track crucial information and store it along with their contact information in a smart address book, so it never gets lost.
11. Try an elevator pitch
Having to create a conversation for every new interaction can get old and tiring quickly. Instead, try crafting a strong elevator pitch. This is the perfect way to introduce yourself and guide the conversation in your desired direction.
12. Follow up on your terms
You’ve worked to make this connection, don’t waste it by forgetting to follow up. Craft a follow-up plan that works for you. Reach out via email, text, or social media on a set timeline so you can always stay up to date with your connections without feeling overwhelmed.
As an introvert, how you network may look different than the picture of networking that many people have in mind, but it’s just as important. However, your network should work for you.
Main photo by Jason Goodman on Unsplash
