Networking Tips for Introverts
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Being shy and an introvert might seem like a bad combo for a business owner. However, studies have found that introverts actually make good leaders. If you can get past your shyness to be able to network with people, then you’ll be unstoppable in business. If the thought of networking with others at an event has you wanting to curl up in a ball and hide in the corner instead, then try these networking tips for introverts.
Reframe – If you’re getting ready to go to a large event and find yourself in a panic at the mere thought of it, then change your thinking. Don’t focus on the large room of people. Focus on your goals and what you would like to accomplish at the event instead.
Prepare yourself in advance – Know who’s going to be at the event and figure out who you’d like to connect with. You can email the person in advance and let them know that you’d like to connect with them and why. Do a little research on their interests as well, to give you some talking points when you do meet.
Work the event – Volunteer to help plan or set up the event. This will help you to know who the key players are in advance. You can even offer to drive someone from the airport to the event so you can have a little one-on-one time in a less intimidating environment.
Use your shyness as a strength – Introverts make really great listeners, and this is actually a great way to get people interested in you. If you can muster up the courage to start off with an ice breaker question (like asking what someone thought of the speaker) and then just do what comes naturally to you and listen, then you have marked yourself as someone who can be counted on.
Practice makes perfect – The more times you practice your elevator speech, the better and easier it will get for you. If you know that you have a really important event coming up, try attending a few other events in advance to try out your talk with others first. This helps you can your pitch down pat for the moment when it really matters.
Wrap it up – As your conversation comes to a close, make sure you get a plan in the books to meet again. Exchange business cards and jot some notes down on their card about what you discussed. The next day, send a follow-up email thanking them for the conversation and then firm up your plans for coffee and an opportunity to talk more.
Ultimately, creating a plan is the introvert’s best friend. Go in with a plan after doing plenty of research, and you’ll leave with more connections to expand your network.
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