Networking for introverts

As an introvert, you may feel networking is not for you. Think again, because introverts have many natural networking skills.

The term ‘introvert’ is typically used to describe someone who is quiet and prefers to take a back seat, rather than push themselves to the front. But this is not strictly true.
Introvert and extrovert actually refers to the way people prefer to focus and gain their energy. Extroverts get their energy through others and use social situations and large group gatherings to recharge their batteries. Introverts recharge by themselves and like time to reflect, preferring smaller group situations.

Using the natural strengths of an introvert
Introverts may come across as quieter and more reserved than others but they’ve got a whole host of strengths that can make networking work for them;

1. Listening and observation

As people who naturally listen and observe, networking with introverts can be more meaningful. They aren’t listening to others speak purely to find a pause so they can begin talking. Introverts are really hearing what others say. This means they establish quickly whether there is value developing a relationship and can identify opportunities that may exist.
Everyone likes to feel valued and heard. So introverts have a natural head-start over extroverts because they really listen, putting them in everyone’s good books.

2. Reflecting
Introverts don’t rush into hasty decisions, quick responses and knee-jerk reactions. Their natural approach is to reflect on what they’ve heard and seen before taking any action.
This is an asset in networking because it leads to valuable relationships with people who have been carefully considered. Introverts will go away and reflect on who they’ve met and how a strategic partnership might work. So while it may take longer to develop a relationship, it is likely to become a long-term partnership rather than a flash in the pan.

3. Quality over quantity

Introverts feel more comfortable and operate more effectively when they are in smaller groups or one-to-one. Combined with the strengths already mentioned, this tends to lead to quality relationships rather than a high volume of superficial relationships.
Introverts get to know their connections well, so they understand their needs and challenges. This makes them well-placed to make further introductions across their network, facilitating new introductions for their contacts.

Networking strategies for introverts

If you are an introvert, it can feel uncomfortable being in a networking situation. Outside your comfort zone and often surrounded by extroverts, 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 especially important for an introvert as it gives a sense of control.

• Know what you want out of each meeting. What do you want to say about your business? What are you looking for?

• 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.

• Check out people’s information on LinkedIn before you go and try to find a link. It might be a shared contact or hobby – but if you can find common ground, you’ll immediately have something to talk about when you meet.

• Have your own ice-breaker prepared. Think about what you can say to others in the room when you first meet them. It can be as simple as “Hi, I’m Barbara from Connections Club. I don’t think we’ve met before.” Or you might prefer something more specific, like “I’d love to know more about your business – what projects are you working on at the moment?”. Whatever you say, if you’ve planned it you’ll feel more comfortable.

2. Engage

You may be tempted to hide behind your phone or keep to the periphery of the room but that defeats the purpose of networking. Remember, everyone else is there for the same reason – to meet people – so they want to talk to you.

If introducing yourself to people feels too daunting, ask the facilitator to introduce you to someone, or find someone else who is on their own and strike up conversation with them.

3. Make your pitch work

For anyone who dislikes public speaking or large groups, the moment when you have to deliver your pitch can be daunting. I met someone who wouldn’t attend morning networking meetings because she would lose sleep the night before, worrying about her pitch.

So how can introverts make their networking pitch less stressful?

• Practise, practise, practise. Once the words become familiar to you, they become easier to deliver. And you won’t worry about going over time or forgetting what to say

• Go first. Either volunteer or ask the facilitator beforehand if you can be the first to speak. Then it’s out of the way and you can relax and listen to everyone else

• Use a prop. This will help to make you memorable, it will illustrate your point and it will help you to feel less exposed. It might be a tool of your trade, a photo of a job you’ve completed or an item of clothing. Bill Gates memorably released some (malaria-free) mosquitos into the audience at his ‘Mosquitos, Malaria and Education’ TED talk, saying that malaria shouldn’t only be experienced by poor people – it got the audience’s attention!

So don’t be put off networking if you’re an introvert. You may think that an introvert’s guide to networking is an oxymoron, but with the right preparation and strategy an introvert can get as much from networking as anyone else.

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At the Business Room and Connections Club networking groups we pride ourselves on making everyone feel welcome and comfortable. Introverts and extroverts are all welcome!

For details about your nearest group and how it works, contact Barbara Hodgson at barbara@yourbusinesdev.wpenginepowered.com.uk 07504946585/ 01933 652884 or visit www.yourbusinesdev.wpenginepowered.com to sign up for news on our events