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Networking can be daunting for introverts, but it doesn't have to be! Learn tailored strategies that help you build and maintain valuable connections without the overwhelm. Understand the differences between introverts and extroverts, and adopt techniques like planning, active listening, and thoughtful engagement. Discover how to approach new people, conduct meaningful conversations, and make exits gracefully. This guide will empower you to network on your terms while creating lasting relationships, all while staying true to your introverted nature.
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Networking for the Introverted Mark Zhang
What is Networking? • Expanding the circle of people you know. • Building and maintaining connections for shared positive outcome.
Why Network? • Think of a Big Goal • Networking will help you get there
Hold on a Minute! • Networking is boring and painful! • Networking makes me feel awkward and exhausted. • Networking never works. • Extroverts are better at networking.
The Wrong Advice • A lot of traditional networking advice goes like this: • Always put yourself out there. • “Never eat alone” • Promote yourself constantly • More contacts = more success
The Wrong Advice • A lot of traditional networking advice goes like this: • Always put yourself out there. • “Never eat alone” • Promote yourself constantly • More contacts = more success • This is extrovert-centered advice! It was never intended for introverts. • Introverts need a different approach.
What is an Introvert? • Introverts • Think to talk • Go deep • Energize alone • Extroverts • Talk to think • Go wide • Energize with others
Self-Assessment • For each pair of choices, assign 3 points between each pair based on your point of view. • For example: • A = 3, B = 0 • A = 1, B = 2
Self-Assessment 1. A) An ideal day off includes time on my own. B) An ideal day off is spent with others. 2. A) People may consider me a private person B) People may think I talk too much. 3. A) When networking, I am good at circulating the room. B) When networking, I usually focus on one or two people. 4. A) I prefer working independently. B) I prefer working as part of a team. 5. A) Ideas come to me by thinking things over. B) Ideas come to me by talking things through. • 6. A) I prefer being with a group of people at lunch. • B) I prefer one-on-one or alone time at lunch. • 7. A) I am uncomfortable making small talk. • B) I am a natural conversationalist. • 8. A) I make friends wherever I go. • B) I have few true friends. • 9. A) I I often feel misunderstood. • B) I am easily understood. • 10. A) Colleagues get to know me easily. • B) Most colleagues do not know me well. Source: “Networking for People who Hate Networking”, Devora Zack
Self-Assessment • Extrovert • B • B • A • B • B • A • B • A • B • A • Introvert • A • A • B • A • A • B • A • B • A • B
Results • 26 – 30Strong preference for dominant style • 21 – 25Preference • 16 – 20 Slight preference
How to Network as an Introvert • General Tips • Plan ahead • Listen and process • Take breaks
Meeting New People • Plan ahead • Approaching Someone • Making Small Talk • Making an Exit • Write it Down • Taking Breaks
Plan ahead • What are you comfortable sharing about yourself? • Prepare meaty answers to questions like “How are you? Where are you from?” • Prepare questions. What are you interested in in the people you meet? • Plan who you want to talk to and focus on them. You are about to network with each other. Take a few minutes to prepare.
Approaching People • Ask an offhand question • “Have you ever been to one of these before?” • “What kind of cheese is this?” • Note unusual style, accessories, etc. and compliment • Smile • Make eye contact
Making Small Talk • Focus on others. • Ask them questions about themselves • Listen and be interested in what they say • Continue asking insightful questions • Be prepared to answer the questions you ask Get up and meet 1 or 2 people
How to Make an Exit • Plan your exit ahead of time • Be gracious and warm. • “It was really nice talking with you.” • “I’m going to get some fresh air.” • “I’m going to walk around some more.” • “I don’t want to stop you from meeting other people, but maybe we can add each other on FB and continue the conversation there.”
Practice • Meet at least 3 people
Write it Down • Name (with pronunciation hints) • Event location, date • Personal Facts (family, birthday, interests,…) • Brief conversation summary • Intended follow-up
Take breaks • If you’re at a networking event or a party, it’s okay to take breaks! • It’s also okay to take the night off (refuse the evening events at a conference, etc). • If you are exhausted, you will NOT make a good impression.
Building Lasting Relationships • This is where introverts can really shine. Two parts: • Follow up • Keep in touch
Follow up • Reference something specific in the conversation you enjoyed hearing about. • Ask how a new project is progressing. • Ask how their kid is doing • If you really want to impress, send a handwritten letter. • Be thoughtful and sincere. (introverts are good at this)
Keep in Touch • It’s tough! Here are some ideas: • Get lunch if you’re in the area. • Send them relevant articles. • Ask if they’d like a referral. • Refer someone to them (ask them first) • Ask for help! • Go out of your way to help them.
Summary • Introvert-centered Networking • Think to talk • Go deep • Energize alone • Plan ahead • Listen and process • Take breaks
Life is one big networking opportunity • Recommended Reading: • Networking for People Who Hate Networking Devora Zack
