Networking for extroverts

If you’re an extrovert, you may feel networking is your natural environment. But beware the pitfalls…

Extroverts get their energy through others and use group gatherings to recharge their batteries. So a room full of strangers, all wanting to meet and talk, holds few fears for an extrovert.

But these professional networking tips can help extroverts to maximise the benefits they gain – and minimise the number of introverts they unknowingly upset!

Using the natural strengths of an extrovert
1. Sociable

Introducing themselves to unknown people is relatively easy for an extrovert. They are comfortable enough to walk up to someone, stretch out a hand and introduce themselves.
This is a real asset and can help others to feel at ease. But extroverts need to be wary of talking over a quieter person or dominating a conversation. Make sure to include others in the chat and look out for opportunities to draw others into the circle. Be sociable and enthusiastic – but beware of being loud and domineering.

2. Action-orientated

Extroverts are often people who love to get things done. They spend less time considering and more time doing – which is great for keeping the ball rolling and means they will make that introduction they promised, or arrange that 1-2-1. But it can result in hasty decisions that haven’t been thought through, which can lead to time wasting.

Extrovert networkers can benefit from slowing down and considering the action they are tempted to leap into – is it valuable, is it a good use of time?

3. Curious

Extrovert networkers will be asking lots of questions – they are sociable personalities so love getting involved. There’s rarely a quiet moment with an extrovert networker, which is great for avoiding awkward silences and for keeping the conversation flowing.

But don’t forget to listen to the answers! People may be opening up, or there may be some useful information if you read between the lines. Make sure you pay attention to the replies people give to your questions.

Networking strategies for extroverts

If you are an extrovert, you probably love being in a networking situation. But like everyone, you’ll benefit from a plan to get the most out of the opportunity.

1. Prepare

Preparation is the key to networking success for everyone, but important for an extrovert as it keeps you on track.

• Know what you want out of each meeting. What are you looking for? Don’t get distracted from your objective

• Is there a particular person you want to meet? Have a look at the attendee list before you go and identify who you want to talk to. It’s easy for extroverts to get side-tracked, so a target list will help you stay focussed

• Extroverts can benefit from checking out attendee’s profiles on LinkedIn beforehand. This will give them a focus for discussion and a way to draw other people into a conversation, rather than dominating the conversation with their own news.

2. Engage

Don’t just chat – really engage. Use your natural curiosity to find out about people and how you can both help each other. Extroverts can appear distracted because they are looking at the whole room, so make sure you stay focussed.

3. Make your pitch work

If public speaking holds no fears, you probably love the pitch. But preparation is as important for extroverts as it os for anyone else

• Practise, practise, practise. If you can deliver it with minimal use of notes, this will make it more natural and it will keep you on track. Don’t be tempted to go over time – you may feel you have lots to share but it’s annoying for everyone!

• Make it memorable. Extrovert networkers will feel more comfortable delivering something a bit different, so use your confidence to enhance your pitch. Employ a prop, tell a story, sing a song – whatever is appropriate for the meeting and the group. I heard a story about a building surveyor who took his step ladder to every networking meeting and delivered his pitch from the top step. Highly memorable!

Extroverts make excellent networkers and can be pivotal in getting the meeting going and keeping people talking. And by managing their natural exuberance and enthusiasm, they can make the most of every opportunity and be a real asset to the group.
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At the Your Business Matters networking groups we pride ourselves on making everyone feel welcome and comfortable. The formats give everyone an equal opportunity to talk and the agenda format keeps everyone on track.

Find out details about your nearest group and how it works, contact Barbara Hodgson at barbara@yourbusinesdev.wpenginepowered.com