If the thought of networking fills you with dread, you’re not alone. Networking for introverts might feel like cannibalism for vegetarians. Not a sentence I anticipated typing today, but here we are…
Networking might conjure up images of big rooms filled with people you feel pressured to talk to. Does the thought of awkward silences and self-promotion make your skin crawl?
If you’re an introvert (hi, me too!) then you’ll probably want to run for the hills at the mention of networking.
The good news is that not all networking needs to make you feel like that.
This article will talk you through how to feel comfortable taking your first steps into networking.
What is networking?
Networking might sound like it will drain your social battery, but at its heart, it’s simple. Networking is about interacting and building relationships with people.
It doesn’t need to mean approaching strangers and making small talk until you leave with a sale. In fact, it will work better if this isn’t your goal.
Here are a few examples of manageable networking for introverts:
- Commenting on someone’s LinkedIn post.
- Messaging a contact to find out more about their job/project.
- Reconnecting with former colleagues.
- Attending an industry talk.
Introverts are more likely to feel comfortable with small, genuine connections, so start there.
In fact, introverts are well suited to networking. We are often good listeners, preferring it to being the centre of attention. We often build more meaningful connections too. Taking time to communicate in a thoughtful and attentive way builds trust.
First steps into networking
If you’re an introvert starting to think networking might be achievable after all, here’s where you start…
1. Online networking
These days it is easy to start building connections online. For business, one of the main social media sites is LinkedIn, so start there.
Read, and comment on, posts from people in your industry. Share insights and build connections with people who have common ground with you. If you don’t already have a LinkedIn profile, you can find my tips on setting one up here.
The key is to be thoughtful and genuine in your comments and posts. Generic interactions won’t create any interest in sparking a conversation.
LinkedIn is also a good place to find people with common interests. Look for groups in your specialism and start interacting with posts. Follow industry leaders and comment on posts, adding to the conversation. Connect with your peers and look at their posts. The topics they discuss might be a good starting point for your own posts.
All this networking, without leaving the safety of your laptop!
2. Prepare some conversation starters
If you are dipping your toe into more ‘traditional’ networking events, start small. Find those informal ‘coffee chats’ or virtual networking sessions. These tend to be smaller groups so may suit introverts more than larger events.
As you prepare for these sessions, plan a few questions you could ask.
For example:
- How did you get started in this industry?
- What do you most enjoy about your job?
- What advice would you give someone starting out?
Having some questions up your sleeve will ease anxiety over awkward silences. If you know who you might be talking with, you can also make your questions more specific and meaningful.
The other side of this, is that people are likely to ask you questions too! As a minimum, have an answer to ‘so what do you do?’ prepared in advance.
In a nutshell, explain what your work is and who you help. This only needs to be a few sentences, but it should succinctly sum up the value you add in your industry.
3. Set a goal
If you find yourself at a formal networking event, set yourself an achievable and manageable goal. Trying to speak to everyone at the event is likely to feel overwhelming, but you don’t need to do that.
Setting a goal like ‘speak to two new people’ is much more achievable. And you can congratulate yourself when you do it.
Similarly, set yourself goals for networking online. Could you make 4 new connections this week, or message two ex-colleagues to reconnect?
Whatever your goals, celebrate the small wins.
4. The follow-up
After a networking event, remember to follow up. This helps to establish the beginnings of a relationship that you can foster over time.
If you find someone with shared interests, follow (or connect with) them on LinkedIn. Remember to personalise your connection request by highlighting what you have in common.
Alternatively, if there was someone at a networking event that you wished you had spoken to, why not send them a LinkedIn message? Written communication is often a ‘safe space’ for introverts, so use that to your advantage.
5. Play to your strengths
The key to networking as an introvert, is to play to your strengths. If you feel more comfortable one-to-one or in smaller groups, find networking opportunities to suit that. If you struggle with in-person events, get started online.
Your listening skills and ability to connect on an individual level are a big advantage. This is where you establish solid relationships. These types of conversations build trust, and lead to the most effective networking.
Remember, networking is not about being the most outgoing person in the room.
Networking kickstart challenge
Networking for introverts doesn’t need to be overwhelming or daunting. Hopefully you have seen that we can all be comfortable with networking. The key is to find ways to do it that play to your strengths in listening and relationship-building.
Ready for more? Get started with networking by jumping straight into this challenge:
- Today: Connect with me on LinkedIn (I’ll be your safety net to get started)
- Tomorrow: Leave one thoughtful comment on a LinkedIn post.
- This week: Plan an answer to ‘What do you do?’.
Above all else, remember that you’ve got this.
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