You may be an introvert and feel uncomfortable about networking, but that doesn’t mean you can’t network effectively. In fact, studies have shown that many effective business leaders are introverts. It is just a matter of understanding the way your brain works and developing strategies to overcome challenges. Follow these steps to start networking more effectively:
Introverts are more than just shy.
Introverts are often misunderstood, and many people assume introversion is the same thing as shyness. However, these two personality traits are very different. Introverts may be outgoing and friendly – but they enjoy spending time alone more than most extroverts do. They also tend to be more sensitive to external stimulation (such as noise and bright lights), which means that they need quiet environments in order to recharge their batteries after socializing or interacting with others for long periods of time.
Introverts often have a different way of thinking than extroverts do: instead of jumping from topic-to-topic quickly, introverts prefer depth over breadth when it comes to conversation topics; this makes them excellent listeners! Introverted people also tend toward creativity–the ability to come up with new ideas–which means that if you’re looking for someone who can brainstorm solutions for your next project at work or school then an introvert may be just what you need!
Introverts adopt different strategies to overcome challenges.
Introverts have different ways of communicating, and they are more comfortable with one-on-one conversations. Introverts are more likely to listen and think before they speak, which makes them great listeners. They also tend to be in the background at networking events because they aren’t as likely to be outgoing or assertive.
Networking is a skill that can be learned and developed.
Networking is a skill that can be learned and developed. It’s not just about talking to people; networking is a process of sharing information, building relationships and creating opportunities. You will get better at it over time as you practice more often.
Taking a deep breath allows you to network when you are an introvert
Taking a deep breath is not a waste of time.
Taking a deep breath can help you calm down and think more clearly, which will make it easier for you to speak slowly and clearly. It will also help you be more confident and assertive in networking situations, which may make people want to talk with you more often because they feel comfortable around someone who seems confident and assertive (even if they don’t know why).
Small talk is not small at all.
Small talk is not small at all. Small talk is the foundation for building relationships and trust, and it’s one of the most important skills you can develop to network when you are an introvert.
Small talk is not just about making conversation; it’s about finding common ground with someone you don’t know well yet. When we ask questions that reveal something personal about ourselves (like our interests) or tell stories from our lives, we’re sharing vulnerability with each other–and that makes us feel closer! It also helps us decide if we want to get to know this person better, because we’ll see whether they seem trustworthy or not based on how they respond to our disclosures.
In other words: small talk isn’t just about talking–it’s also about listening! And when combined with great listening skills (which are another thing introverts tend to be good at), being able to engage in meaningful interactions becomes easier than ever before–even though these interactions still require some effort from both parties involved
Practice makes perfect and practice means doing it regularly.
The best way to get better at networking is by doing it. If you’re an introvert and don’t like meeting new people, the thought of networking might make your stomach churn. However, if you practice in small doses and keep at it over time, then eventually the process will become easier and more natural–you’ll even begin to enjoy it!
Practice can be broken down into manageable steps:
- Set aside time each day/week/month for this purpose (e.g., “My goal is to meet with one person every other week.”). You might find that setting aside specific times helps make sure that your practice doesn’t get pushed aside or forgotten about because other things come up in life.
- Start small by asking someone from work out for coffee or tea; then build up from there as confidence grows (“I’m going to reach out via LinkedIn today!”). It all counts as learning to network when you are an introvert
You can network effectively if you understand yourself and the way your brain works
Understanding yourself and the way your brain works is the first step to being successful at networking.
You can learn to network effectively if you understand:
- How introverts think, feel, and behave in social situations
- The importance of practice as well as small talk and taking deep breaths (even if they’re not natural for you)
- That authenticity is key when meeting new people
In the end, you have to be comfortable with who you are. You can’t change who you are or how your brain works, but you can learn to work with it and use it for your advantage. The most important thing is that you practice networking regularly so that it becomes second nature for when an opportunity arises.