Top 5 Networking Tips for Introverts
Posted: 12.07.2015
An Article by Ross Macpherson, President, Career Quest
Networking is very easy for extroverts, but for introverts the prospect of “meeting and greeting” is just like root canal without the drugs, only less desirable. Here are a few tips to help get you introverts out there into the networking game:
(by the way, contrary to popular belief, I am actually an introvert myself, so I’m not just blowing smoke here)
Introvert Tip #1: Change the name
Don’t think of it as “networking” – that word has a scary connotation. Think of it as gathering information. In your job, if you needed to gather information from somewhere, you very often have to get in touch with someone. So, to begin your networking, treat it like a research project, simply contact those people who have the information you need, and keep in touch every so often.
Introvert Tip #2: Go with a buddy
Going alone to a networking or business event can be intimidating, and even if you gather the nerves to go on your own, chances are you’ll hang out by the cheese platter most of the time trying not to look as awkward and uncomfortable as you feel. Go with a buddy and work as a team – it works.
Introvert Tip #3: Get the other person talking
If you don’t know how to get talking, ask open–ended questions that get the other person talking about themselves. “So, what brings you here?” “How did you get started in this field?” “Tell me what you do”. People love to talk about themselves, and provided you show genuine interest in their response, they’ll think you’re a great conversationalist.
Introvert Tip #4: Join a networking group
Sometimes the scary part of networking is that it’s perceived as a social activity without any “structure” – a wide open space where you have to make contacts yourself. There are formal networking groups out there that have the structure introverts need. Many allow you to join small dedicated groups that meet regularly, allowing you to take the time you need to get comfortable with everyone. Others, on a bigger scale, hold networking events where you are assigned a table, they give you a task (speak to 2 people at your table), and then rotate tables. By the end of the meeting, you’ve met 5 or 6 people.
Introvert Tip #5: Passive networking options
Trust me, the last thing I want to tell an introvert is that networking can be done alone in front of the computer, but honestly there are more “passive” options out there that can help expand your network (I said ”expand” your network, not “be” your network). For example, options include sending an email to the author of an article, writing an article yourself (gets your name out there as a start), joining a Usenet group, or joining some of the online e-networking sites such as Ryze.com or Yahoo! Groups.com. Add these more passive strategies to your networking plan and your network is on its way!
© 2005 Ross Macpherson
About the Author
Ross Macpherson is the President of Career Quest, a Certified Professional Resume Writer, and a Career Success Coach who has helped thousands of motivated professionals advance their careers. To receive more valuable career advice, sign up to join his monthly newsletter "Career Accelerator" by visiting www.yourcareerquest.com.
Networking is very easy for extroverts, but for introverts the prospect of “meeting and greeting” is just like root canal without the drugs, only less desirable. Here are a few tips to help get you introverts out there into the networking game:
(by the way, contrary to popular belief, I am actually an introvert myself, so I’m not just blowing smoke here)
Introvert Tip #1: Change the name
Don’t think of it as “networking” – that word has a scary connotation. Think of it as gathering information. In your job, if you needed to gather information from somewhere, you very often have to get in touch with someone. So, to begin your networking, treat it like a research project, simply contact those people who have the information you need, and keep in touch every so often.
Introvert Tip #2: Go with a buddy
Going alone to a networking or business event can be intimidating, and even if you gather the nerves to go on your own, chances are you’ll hang out by the cheese platter most of the time trying not to look as awkward and uncomfortable as you feel. Go with a buddy and work as a team – it works.
Introvert Tip #3: Get the other person talking
If you don’t know how to get talking, ask open–ended questions that get the other person talking about themselves. “So, what brings you here?” “How did you get started in this field?” “Tell me what you do”. People love to talk about themselves, and provided you show genuine interest in their response, they’ll think you’re a great conversationalist.
Introvert Tip #4: Join a networking group
Sometimes the scary part of networking is that it’s perceived as a social activity without any “structure” – a wide open space where you have to make contacts yourself. There are formal networking groups out there that have the structure introverts need. Many allow you to join small dedicated groups that meet regularly, allowing you to take the time you need to get comfortable with everyone. Others, on a bigger scale, hold networking events where you are assigned a table, they give you a task (speak to 2 people at your table), and then rotate tables. By the end of the meeting, you’ve met 5 or 6 people.
Introvert Tip #5: Passive networking options
Trust me, the last thing I want to tell an introvert is that networking can be done alone in front of the computer, but honestly there are more “passive” options out there that can help expand your network (I said ”expand” your network, not “be” your network). For example, options include sending an email to the author of an article, writing an article yourself (gets your name out there as a start), joining a Usenet group, or joining some of the online e-networking sites such as Ryze.com or Yahoo! Groups.com. Add these more passive strategies to your networking plan and your network is on its way!
© 2005 Ross Macpherson
About the Author
Ross Macpherson is the President of Career Quest, a Certified Professional Resume Writer, and a Career Success Coach who has helped thousands of motivated professionals advance their careers. To receive more valuable career advice, sign up to join his monthly newsletter "Career Accelerator" by visiting www.yourcareerquest.com.
