How to Become A Networking Introvert

For better or worst, networking is the key to making things happen today. It makes the world go around. This is true for all business. A request from a friend or acquaintance gets more attention than one from a stranger. Getting to know people and have a strong network can reduce research time and take away headaches by 10%. If you are a business owner, entrepreneur, or executive of a business you know the importance of having the people with the right skill set around you. If you are not networking, you will find yourself in a sticky situation and not know who to go to for help. Worse, you may not even have a clue where to start looking for help. For the Introvert, networking can be a dreaded and painful experience. Introverts may not be shy or afraid of being in the public, but when it comes to chitchat, they seem to lack finesse. Social events drain the Introvert. They prefer to sit in a corner and watch the action from the sidelines. Is this you? Well, you are in luck, here are a few pointers to get you out and feeling good about it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Willingness
• Desire
• Motivation
• Opportunity

1. Many Introverts view networking as a nuisance. This outlook regarding networking is incorrect. Networking is an investment in your future, career and life. Imagine you can get exactly what you need with just a phone call. How much different would your life be.
   
   In simple terms well networked people don’t have to waste time buying leads, sending emails that are considered spam, or calling countless people only to get no where. They do not have to look through countless resumes for the right person. By putting in the time to build a good network, you will save time and energy when it is important to get the job done. So, put in the effort and say to yourself, I am providing for my future successes. Ask yourself do you want to put in the effort and time to meet the right people now or search countless leads and run in circles later?
2. You may have embraced the network option but you are finding that it is not paying off. At first, you may have to pick events at random to practice your technique. Your approach is everything. You must kiss a few frogs before you come across the prince of networking. However, when you have found what works for you, make it work overtime.
   If done right, those that you are networking with will begin to pull you into the “Know”, this means that they will begin to introduce you around to their network and you are just there for the ride. Now the one introducing you does the embracing chitchat and you need only be your charming self. You will only have to talk about your product, company, or concern because they will want to know more about you and your “project’.
   
   Always remember have your business cards easily assessable at all times. Shake their hand and as you tell them who you are and your company, follow it with the words, “here’s my card, do you have a card too?” Not only does this show that you want to continue contact with them, you are willing to make yourself available to them in return.
   Once you have gone to a few events, you will begin to meet people that you will like and will become invaluable to your projects.
3. All this socializing will be a bit warring, so take it slow. Do not wear yourself out. This may cause you to dread the next event, resulting in a graceful bow out. Instead set limitations for yourself, you may only want to do 1-2 events a month.
   
   Remember quality in networking is better than quantity when starting out. Focus on a few groups over a long period, rather than several groups in a sprint against time. As you become more familiar with the process, you can always step up your game.
4. Introverts normally do not like to talk about themselves, so have your ideas well rehearsed to recite them in different versions for different types of settings. There is the 1-minute introduction, the 30-second new flash and the marathon session. Each version has its place. Know which one is appropriate.
   
   You can also talk about things you have accomplished, but do not brag. No one likes a show off. Make sure at least one extrovert is listening to you and make your topics relevant to conversations at hand. This will cause the extrovert to spread your excitement to others for you. This also helps with credibility. We all want to be accepted for what we think and know. In our world, however we are measured by what we do and whom we know.
5. If you have a good conversation with someone at an event, also close the conversation with, “Let’s do lunch.” This may be uncomfortable for you but remember the time you put in now means less time later. If you are talking to introvert, they will not do the inviting and this could result in losing a viable connection.
6. Here is something that is good for all personality types. Do things that bring you joy often. Go to events that you like, most likely you will find people you have things in common with. In reality, you may have to go to an event month after month before you begin to make a real connection. It will be was to walk in a room sit in the back and leave as soon as it over. Try hanging around to be noticed by someone. When People say Hi, give them your full attention and say hello back. Before you know it, you will be in conversations and feeling apart.
7. Analyze your results. Introverts tend to be intuitive and analytical. This is good for reflection. What is working for you? What is not working? Where are you getting the most bang for your buck? Where are you just letting time slip away? Use your Natural abilities to perfect the art of networking.
8. A common mistake people make in networking is they look for a title. For example, if I am a business owner struggling with marketing, I may think I need to find a good advertising guru. Wrong! I need to find a person that knows many marketing and advertising people. See the difference. Now I have their network to choose from and someone to champion my need to others.
   
   You can look for other introverts that are in jobs that require them to be well known by all types of professional people. It also is good to find one extrovert that has one of your core passions. Now you have a press agent that will chat for you in every circle they happen upon. Remember it is all about making the right connections.
   
   Maintaining 10 relationships is better than trying to manage 100 different ones. Now you take a breather and retreat without feeling that you are letting yourself down.
9. It is also important to understand why you are networking. Networking for the sake of networking can tire any one. When networking, focus on building relationships that are best fits for you. Focusing on meeting people will cause you to take on more than you want to swallow.
   The hardest part will be the first few events, you may feel you do not have the right words or even know how to start a conversation. Many would just prefer someone to approach them and just starting talking about issues, topics and ideas. This may occur a few times but you will find that you will have to take the initiative at some point. The great thing is networking is a great key to unlocking your own potential.
   The old saying “the majority rules” is a very true statement. Since extroverts seem to be a higher percentage than introverts are, they are paving the way for you just follow their lead. More players are becoming involved in a game. Get in a network and make your dreams come true. Otherwise, you can sit on the sidelines and complain about how your great ideas are not being realized. You cannot get anyone to help point you in the right direction or make it fall together. There is help out there for you to launch into your future. Just say hi and let it begin.