Networking is always a popular professional topic, and the reason is simple: the people you meet and the people who know you will have a huge influence on your personal and professional success. If you’re an introvert and the mere thought of networking makes you want to plunge down the nearest rabbit hole, that statement can be panic-inducing. But keep breathing, because networking doesn’t have to be painful, even for introverts. How is that? First let’s look at why networking is important and then we’ll look at how introverts can get in on the game.
Why should you network?
People hire, employ, and buy from other people they know, like, and trust. Networking allows people to meet others and see what they’re all about, with essentially no strings attached. Networking is No the process of going somewhere armed with business cards, ready to pounce on the first person you meet to get your business or get a job. That’s the kind of behavior that gives networks a bad name and makes nice people everywhere fear you.
Instead, a good network involves building relationships. It is the process by which you meet someone, learn about him, his job, his interests, his family, what he needs and wants, etc. It is developing an acquaintance that may one day generate benefits for you or someone you know. Sometimes the benefits are immediate: occasionally networking will reveal an immediate need that you can fill or lead you to an as yet undiscovered opportunity. More often, they are simply the beginning stages of a relationship that will mature over time.
How can introverts network?
One option reduces stress for introverts and self-styled shy people: structured networking events. Structured events, like “quick networking,” connect attendees and prescribe a set amount of time for the conversation, so you don’t have to worry about breaking into groups of people to introduce yourself, knowing how and when to end a conversation. Without the pressure of figuring out how to start and end contact, you can focus on listening to your partner and sharing what you’d like them to know about you.
Another option is to recognize the daily networking opportunities that come your way every time you meet someone. When you meet someone at the gym, it’s a networking opportunity. Attending a party is an opportunity to network. Even attending your child’s minor league game can be a networking opportunity. Through “social media”, you meet people with whom you already have some connection. You can and should network every time you meet someone, but you should network to build relationships and not to get a job or a business or anything else. The best networking occurs when the person you’re networking with has no idea you’re networking. It’s social behavior at its best.
How can you excel in networking conversations?
The bottom line is that you should look to meet other people, look for opportunities to be useful to them, to be other-focused. First of all, and most importantly, this is an honorable way to behave in any setting. Second, people like to talk about themselves and their businesses, but few people like to listen carefully. That’s where introverts can shine. You will distinguish yourself by focusing on the person you are conversing with. She will appreciate your attention and will especially appreciate anything you can do to help her. A great way to follow up with a networking contact is to submit an article that is of interest to your contact. It shows that you were paying attention and it will show your desire to help that person. Your contact will be flattered by the attention, and she will reciprocate because she will be curious about the person who is so nice and so interested in her and her business or personal interests. That’s a first step in building a strong connection.
Keep these tips in mind, and while you may not enjoy networking right away, you will begin to find your comfort level.
