Networking for introverts

One of the joys of mentoring others is sometimes you get asked a question that really gets you to think. I experienced one of those moments when I was asked for advice about how to develop a network, and more specifically how would you do this as an introverted person? This “simple” question started me off on an afternoon of productive procrastination, mining Google and YouTube for relevant sources of information, because I did not have an effective answer. This process has also made me consider the methods that I use to network as an individual who identifies as an introvert, and whether my networking skills are effective.

To start, let’s look at some definitions. Networking is defined as “the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts”.

In the work setting, networking is important because this activity helps us to build professional relationships, it can open doors to new opportunities, and it allows people to exchange ideas and best practises. Therefore, networking can aid career development personal growth and success. As the old proverb says “no man (or woman) is an island”.

However, for an introverted person, the prospect of having to sidle up to a stranger, to start a conversation and exchange ideas with them, can be overwhelming. This is where the usual networking mantra of “get yourself out there”, to talk to every person and their dog at the “must attend conference”, might not be a desirable, or even an achievable, task.

Some people can be overcome this by using online networking platforms, as these can allow you to communicate at your own pace, revise and edit your thoughts before you share them in writing. But for some people, even this thought can be daunting. So, what can you do?

Start by figuring out why you want to network. Is it to advance in your career, find a mentor, or discover new opportunities? Having clear objectives can provide motivation and direction, and can help shape the best approaches.

Start Small and ease into networking gradually. Make use of the people you already know. Ask them to introduce you to people in their network.  It might take a little longer, but you can build a network one friend at a time.

When connecting with someone new, work to find common ground. Look for shared interests or experiences that can serve as a foundation for your conversations. This helps build rapport and makes networking interactions more enjoyable.

Listen Actively. Apparently introverts are naturally very observant, thoughtful and often excel at listening. If this is you, use this strength to your advantage. Show genuine interest in others by asking open-ended questions and actively listening to their responses.

Follow up and repay connections. After meeting someone, follow up with a personalized message or email to express your gratitude for the conversation and continue building the relationship. This is where introverts often excel, as they can craft thoughtful messages. Be generous in connecting others, and this can help you connect make new connections as well.

Set Realistic Expectations. Understand that networking isn’t about collecting as many contacts as possible. Rather, it is about building meaningful relationships. Quality matters more than quantity.

Practice Self-Care. Networking can be draining for introverts. Make sure to schedule downtime to recharge after social interactions, and don’t push yourself too hard. It’s okay to decline invitations if you need some alone time.

Remember that the more you practice networking, the more comfortable you will become. Gradually pushing your boundaries to challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone, can lead to personal growth and development. Also remember, that being introverted doesn’t mean you can’t be an effective networker. It’s about finding networking strategies that align with your personality and comfort level.

The most informative endpoint from my searches was probably this video or this website.