I focus on quality, not quantity. When I attend a networking event, I set a goal of connecting with FIVE people. I first engage in simple conversation - how they learned about the event. I keep their interest by having them talk about themselves - their business, success stories, struggles, and PERSONAL life. Afterwards, I share my information and we follow each other on a few social channels. Lastly, we pass over business cards. These connections are deeper and since we engaged in a longer conversation, the chances of those people remembering you are much higher. Also, they feel like they were seen and heard, not just "pitched" to - so there's trust built there!
Certainly! Embracing my introversion, I've honed in on one-on-one conversations. These deep dives create stronger connections than superficial mingling. Here's a tip for fellow introverts: Leverage online platforms. Initiate dialogue in digital spaces where you're comfortable. Then, when you do step into face-to-face settings, there's already a sense of familiarity and rapport. And remember, listening is our superpower. People love feeling heard. Use that. It's not about the quantity of contacts; it's the quality that counts. Let your authenticity shine—one meaningful conversation at a time.
As an introvert, one approach that really helped me with networking is focusing on quality rather than quantity. I think this is solid advice for anyone trying to network, but it's especially useful for introverts. Deciding to build just a few meaningful connections at a networking event is a lot more doable and often more rewarding than attempting to meet every single person there. Instead of putting pressure on yourself to 'mingle' with everyone, concentrate on really enjoying the conversations you have with the few people you do interact with. Simply adopting this mindset of preferring quality over quantity can totally transform your experience of networking!
Navigating the worlds of technology, business, and entrepreneurship as an introvert comes with its unique set of hurdles. In these fields, being actively engaged in community building, public speaking, and attending events is often seen as crucial for success. As someone who identifies as an introvert, I've faced various emotional and personal challenges while trying to excel at networking. One of the toughest obstacles I've encountered is summoning the energy needed to blend into different environments and assert myself amidst the expectations of social interactions. This struggle is amplified by gender dynamics, with women often feeling pressured to always be warm, approachable, and fully engaged, adding more strain to our already taxed introverted energies. In grappling with these challenges, I've come to realize that many introverts, including myself, engage in mental preparation before social gatherings. We rehearse potential conversations and speeches in our minds as a way to cope and empower ourselves, drawing strength from our innate capacity for introspection. My journey of self-reflection has led me to share my insights with others through writing. In my upcoming book, "Behind an Introverted Eye," rooted in analytical psychology, I seek to demystify introversion and shed light on the rich inner world of introverts. It's not just about explaining the differences between introversion and extroversion; it's also about fostering empathy among extroverts and providing practical guidance for interacting with introverts more effectively. Throughout this personal journey, one mantra has guided me: "fake it till you make it." This principle, while simple, holds a profound truth—outward confidence can shape perceptions and opportunities. By projecting confidence, even in moments of uncertainty, introverts can build trust and open doors to broader networking horizons. From my own experiences, individuals like Emma Watson, Elon Musk, and Bill Gates have served as inspirations. Their success shows that being introverted doesn't hinder networking or career advancement. It's about making the choice to push beyond your comfort zone and seize opportunities, rather than regretting missed chances later on.
Set an achievable micro-goal before you reach When going to a networking event, I set a small, achievable goal for myself before I reach the event. It could be as simple as "I will say hi to atleast 2 people before I give up" or "I will stay there atleast for 30 minutes without taking out my phone even if I am not able to gather the courage to approach anyone". Setting and hitting these micro-goals has helped me gradually feel less terrified.
As millennials enter the executive sector, I'm noticing more introverts in the mix. Call it a result of online culture, but they're less likely to pick up the phone or book an in-person meeting, even if that means losing out on a career connection. As a recruiter, this used to frustrate me, but I've actually embraced it as of late. That's because I've accepted that online communication is the way of the future; if anything, millennials are ahead of the game. The techniques they've developed for networking are actually far more efficient than those used previously. Whereas I thought they were missing out, once I visited the online communities they frequent, I realized the opposite: they were able to link up with a dozen people while I was still dialing the phone. Now, I advise introvert candidates to lean it. Don't fight it, but instead, utilize the avenues your fellow introverts have created. You'll achieve more accepting your nature than revolting against it. Travis Hann Partner, Pender & Howe https://penderhowe.com/toronto-executive-search/
As an introvert, I've discovered that connecting with people who share common affiliations, such as professional groups, alumni networks, and community organizations, provides a comfortable foundation for networking. Actively participating and even taking leadership roles within these communities, whether it's Toastmasters, mentoring programs, or faith-based groups, has significantly enhanced my networking capabilities. Rather than remaining a passive member, I recommend introverts to take the initiative, reach out, and cultivate meaningful connections within their community networks. This approach not only facilitates genuine interactions but also opens doors to valuable opportunities for professional and personal growth.
The absolute BEST strategy I've ever found to help put myself out there is to focus my attention on the other person, or on the information I'm sharing. So often we shy away from networking or speaking because we don't want to put ourselves "in the spotlight". But I have found if you think of yourself *as the spotlight* shining a light on the other person, or the value you're sharing with them, this helps to put your ego aside and breaks you free from needing to impress. You can literally step out of your discomfort, as you detach yourself from it. This is so liberating.
As an introvert, I usually break the ice at networking events by trying to make the other person comfortable. “Do you find these things as awkward as I do?” is a great question for doing that. It takes the pressure off them and off you. Networking gets a lot easier for once you realize that it’s not about you, it’s about the person you’re talking to. The secret of effective networking is that it’s all about asking questions and finding out about the other person. Most people: 1) talk too much; 2) listen too little; 3) ask for help much too soon. As I said, networking is not about you, It’s about finding out about the other person, perhaps even what you can do for them. In other words it’s about building some sort of relationship, even if it’s a quick and very short-term relationship, before asking for any kind of help. Without that relationship, you’re not networking, you’re cold calling, and there’s no more reason for that person to help you than any other stranger they might come across on the street. Author, consultant, speaker, Barry Maher, www.barrymaher.com, has appeared on the Today Show, NBC Nightly News, CBS, CNBC, and he’s frequently featured in publications like the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the London Times, Business Week and USA Today. His client list includes organizations like ABC, the American Management Association, Budget Rent a Car, Canon, Cessna, Fox Cable Television, Fuji, Hewlett-Packard, Lufthansa Airlines, Merck, the National Lottery of Ireland, the Small Business Administration, the U.S. Government, Verizon and Wells Fargo. His books include Filling the Glass, which has been cited as “[One of] The Seven Essential Popular Business Books,” by Today’s Librarian along with books like The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and The One Minute Manager. If you’d like to discuss this further, please feel free to contact me at any time. All the Very Best, Barry Maher Barry Maher & Associates Santa Barbara, CA Cell: 760-962-9872 www.barrymaher.com barry@barrymaher.com
As an introvert, I've found that preparing thoughtful questions in advance is key to excelling in networking situations. This strategy allows me to engage in meaningful conversations without feeling pressured to dominate the dialogue. My advice to introverts wanting to network is to focus on quality over quantity. Seek out connections that align with your interests or professional goals, and use your listening skills to build deeper, more meaningful relationships. Leveraging online platforms can also be a less intimidating way to initiate connections before meeting in person.
Being an introvert, I have been able to get over most of my fears dealing with networking. I did this by attending events throughout the year of things that I am either an expert at, or very much enjoy doing. It is much easier to talk to people about it when there is some sort of interest or expertise. I use them as sort of a warm-up. These experiences then help me when attending other events where networking is almost a requirement, and where I might not be interested or have in-depth knowledge of the topic for that event.
Overcoming shyness requires a transformation of perspective. As an introvert, I was always focused on the negative aspects of networking. I was afraid, to put it simply. The more I put off the task, the worse my fears about messing up grew. I would run through worst case scenarios in which I turned off a potential client or embarrassed myself publicly. Willpower didn't help. The harder I pushed myself to perform, the more my anxieties deepened. But a therapist helped me look at it another way: What was I missing out on by skipping those networking events? I made a list and found that the consequences of sitting out were huge. This didn't mean my fear disappeared, rather, it dwarfed in relation to a new concern: the possibility of failure as a businesswoman. Try this technique today. Chances are, speaking to strangers isn't your biggest phobia, so put it to paper and compare.
As a CEO and an introvert, my 'networking secret' has been leveraging the power of digital platforms and written communication. I found it easier to express my thoughts, values and aspirations comprehensively via emails and social media engagements, without any overwhelming face-to-face encounters. For introverts trying to break into networking, don't underestimate the power of a well-crafted message or thoughtful social media interaction as a means to break the ice and forge meaningful connections. Our quiet demeanor can often lead to a powerful voice in written communication.
You can pick the communication channel that you're most comfortable with. If you'd prefer to use email or make a post on a social media network, you can still build a network that way if you don't want to go to a conference and talk to your colleagues in person.
I've found that offering to help or provide value first is a powerful networking strategy. It creates a positive initial impression and lays the groundwork for reciprocal support. My advice to introverts is to leverage your listening skills. Being a good listener naturally attracts people and can lead to deeper, more meaningful professional relationships. It turns networking from a task into an opportunity to learn and help.
As an introvert, I've found that preparing thoughtful questions in advance helps me engage more comfortably in networking situations, making conversations more meaningful and less overwhelming. My advice to fellow introverts is to focus on quality over quantity; seek out smaller, more intimate gatherings where you can have deeper conversations with a few people, rather than trying to connect with everyone. This approach allows you to build genuine connections that can be more valuable in the long run.