Articles : Extrovert or Introvert: Your Guide to Networking

By Lynda Margaret, Senior Career Consultant & Strategist, Graham Management Group

Self-described introverts often says, "It's so easy for extroverts to network. They are not shy about approaching someone they don't know or introducing themselves at social functions." In fact, while that may be how things appear, many extroverts have their own set of challenges. By understanding the pitfalls that one another faces - and understanding how those can turn into opportunities - both introverts and extroverts can learn from each other.

The Pitfall: Creating relationships that become social, but not business, successes.

• The extrovert's opportunity: Beginning now, make a commitment to segue to business in your conversations. You are likely someone who openly demonstrates a friendly and approachable manner, and has helped many others over the years. You know that most people love to assist someone else, especially when it's a person with whom they have a relationship. Your contacts can only help you if they know about your career goals.
• The introvert's opportunity: Use your innate think-before-you-speak style to learn about someone you don't know very well. This week, listen to people around you and pose one work-related question to at least one person. Something as simple as "What are some of the changes going on at work these days?" will do. When you ask people about things that matter to them, you appear to be very interesting yourself. That is a good first step in building a relationship.

The Pitfall: Waiting for LinkedIn to do its magic.

• The extrovert's opportunity: Start recommending other people that you know. Don't wait for the recommendations to come to you. Remember, while LinkedIn is a necessary tool in your career evolution program, so many people have access to the same openings and the same huge pool of candidates that proactive networking becomes even more crucial than in the past.
• The introvert's opportunity: Ensure you have a LinkedIn presence with a clear, concise profile that highlights your strengths. Once there, research groups on LinkedIn that have interests or expertise aligned with your own. Often, the name of the Executive Director or Principal appears when you mouse-over a group or company name. Use that contact information to make more specific email inquiries and join those to which you can contribute or that may enhance your connections.

The Pitfall: Spending too little time face-to-face and relying on the internet for job leads.

• The extrovert's opportunity: Get moving on real connections with those you have found interesting. If you have joined groups that have meetings in your area, connect with someone in the group to talk in more detail about the next meeting. Explain your interest and ask for other names of people who may be able to give you more first-hand impressions of the association. When you attend the next meeting, your name will already be familiar to some of the members.
• The introvert's opportunity: You are likely someone who thrives on learning. Perhaps you can build upon your internet activity to set the stage for an in-person connection. Web-based workshops in your region, for instance, will allow you to network with peers, and to do some career exploration and transition approaches in a safe environment. Once you make e-connections, you will find it easier to suggest that some of you meet and discuss a certain topic at a local coffee shop. Remember, too, that mentoring is a great networking strategy!

The Pitfall: Not taking regular action on the strategies in your career development plan.

• The extrovert's opportunity: Pick up the phone right now. Call someone you've been meaning to contact for some time. Let them know that you are calling for assistance because you respect and value their opinion and knowledge. Be sure to mention that you hope you can also provide them with some help at the same time. Make arrangements to set up an appointment to meet within the next week. Make a contract with yourself to set up regular calendar entries for appointments or other networking activities.
• The introvert's opportunity:  Take a long hard look at your networking plan. Be sure you have multiple approaches listed along with due dates, follow-up dates, and resource information. Ensure that your plan has multiple distinct actions for you to take every day. Pick the least stressful and do it today. Tomorrow, target one that is less simple yet, perhaps, more valuable. You know that eventually, you will have to attend a luncheon, a golf event, or a Chamber of Commerce mixer. By having your plan, doing research, and taking steps every day, you will gradually find networking less threatening.

Whether an extrovert or introvert, there are strategies you should be embracing to make sure that your efforts will result in valued business connections. The actions that you select and implement need to be about doing what it takes to make others want to get to know you as a person and as a professional. Networking is all about building relationships - where all parties benefit through knowledge sharing and mutual support. If you don't start now, you are missing out! As Wayne Gretzky says "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."

Lynda Margaret is an award-winning, master certified resume strategist and career consultant. As senior consultant for Graham Management Group, Lynda assists executives, managers, and six-figure professionals; leveraging extensive experience spanning resume writing, human resource consulting, coaching, and training. You can contact Lynda and find further information and articles directly at www.GrahamManagement.com.