The Introvert’s Guide To Networking
"Meeting new people is essential for finding new jobs and opportunities." "You need to build a network." "You have to be willing to put yourself out there."
If you’re over the age of 18, you’ve most likely heard these expressions at least once in your life. They’re included in the typical “career advice” package.
Networking is essential for a variety of reasons. It opens up a world of possibilities; it provides you with in-depth information on fields you previously had no knowledge of, and it gives you an advantage over others when applying for jobs because many job openings are filled through personal recommendations. Networking has limitless possibilities.
Imagine going to a dinner party tomorrow and meeting a woman who knows Oprah’s P.A’s brother-in-law’s brother. I realize it’s a long connection, but that’s how networking works sometimes. The entire globe is one large village in which everyone is interconnected in some manner. As a result, it’s important to create new relationships as often as possible and as often as necessary.
Networking, however, is not an easy task. At least not for introverts. For many introverts, approaching someone in an open environment and striking up a conversation is akin to urging a fish to walk on land.
This post is for you if you’re an introvert (or know someone who is) who has trouble meeting new people at gatherings. Here, I’ll share 5 actionable networking tips that will help you go from zero to hero in no time. (I mean it.) Let’s get started.
TIP 1: RESEARCH
An introvert’s best pals are Google, LinkedIn, and social media. Going online to obtain relevant information about the event or the individual can give you an advantage before you attend an event or network with someone new. Not only does research help in the development of efficient icebreakers, but it also helps in the identification of the most important people to approach.
Knowing who to approach before the event is crucial. This is because attempting to chat with everyone at an event with more than 50 attendees would most likely drain your social batteries.
Before you start your investigation, make a list of the kinds of people you’d like to connect with. Then, depending on the number of individuals attending the event, select at least 2 to 3 people who meet the criteria you set forth as you conduct your research. This helps you save time and direct your social energy to the right people.
Here are some questions you might want to consider while conducting your research:
What is the purpose of the event? What kind of people can you expect to see? What kinds of topics will they be interested in?
If there’s only one individual you’d like to connect with, ask questions like,
"What does she do for a living?" "What are his interests?" "What is her most significant professional achievement?"
And many more.
Researching ahead of time also allows you to connect with the people you want to network with before the event. You may start a conversation with them by sending them a message on LinkedIn or other social media networks.
This will create a sense of familiarity between you and help you feel more at ease when you meet in person for the first time.
NOTE: Don’t "over-research" or go into stalker mode. To assist you in breaking the ice while approaching people at an event, all you need is a little background knowledge. Always keep in mind that Google, LinkedIn, and social media are your best friends. Work with them.
TIP 2: PRACTICE YOUR PITCH
When meeting someone for the first time, you probably only have about 2 minutes to capture their attention and establish yourself as someone worth their time.
Write the following on a piece of paper before attending an event or meeting a new person:
What do you do (job or area of study)? Where do you work/study, and how long have you been there? One intriguing information about yourself, and one thing you admire about the person with whom you’d like to connect.
NOTE: The last point only applies if you had enough time to search up the person before the event. If you need to make an impromptu introduction, highlight something intriguing about the person’s outfit or someone else you spotted them talking to. You may highlight anything interesting about the person’s speech or presentation if they gave one at the event.
Make a 30-45 second introduction out of what you’ve written and practice it aloud until it’s second nature to you.
TIP 3: LISTEN MORE, TALK LESS
Many introverts avoid networking because they believe it entails meeting a large number of new people. This is understandable because, for an introvert, chatting to new people isn’t the most natural thing to do. However, the truth is that you are not obligated to talk.
When you approach someone for the first time at an event, all you have to say is your 30-second pitch, icebreakers, and at least two questions throughout the encounter. That’s all there is to it.
Wait for the other person to answer after you’ve finished your pitch. After you’ve listened to them, ask them some thoughtful questions that will encourage them to open up. People enjoy being listened to. Be the one who listens. Listening also provides you with additional information about the individual, which you may use the next time you encounter them.
So, listen more and speak less.
TIP 4: FIND A NETWORKING BUDDY
You could find a networking partner if you’re still new to networking.
A networking partner is someone you know and trust, who is more skilled at networking than you are. It could also be someone who knows more people at the event.
If you attend an event with a networking partner, you’ll be able to meet new people together and she’ll be able to introduce you to people she knows. This makes the process go smoothly for you, and you’ll feel more at ease because you’ll be accompanied by a familiar face.
TIP 5: RECHARGE YOUR SOCIAL BATTERY
If you’re an introvert, this is very vital. Most introverts dislike large social events because they drain their energy. It’s okay if you’ve had the same experience.
Before going to any function, you should recharge your social batteries. This will save you from becoming "socially burned out."
Identify the "alone time" activities that make you feel better to recharge your social battery.
Is it napping, reading a book, or watching a little Netflix? Whatever it is, make time for these activities before the next gathering where you’ll have to meet new people. You increase your energy levels and put yourself in the ideal mindset to meet new people when you do this.
FINAL WORDS
Dear introvert, networking is important and you can do it. Internalize these tips, put them into practice, and you’ll be the amazing networking bee you’ve always wanted to be. (No pun intended).
Follow @sisterlyhq on Instagram for more tips about networking.
Connect with Boma on Twitter (@bomapg) for more insightful conversations.
Edited by Naimah M. Akinoso
