Networking is a crucial part of career development. Connecting with the right people can help you nab opportunities you otherwise wouldn’t know about or get by yourself.
These include gaining access to more online job opportunities, learning new skills, and building your brand.
However, what if you’re an introvert? Are you still capable of cultivating an excellent professional network, then?
Of course you can!
By leveraging your strengths (and modern technologies), you can develop online networking strategies to help you expand your horizons.
To help you out, here’s a guide to successful networking for introverts.
Treat Your Introversion as a Strength, Not a Weakness
The first step is to work with, not against, your introversion.
Unlike extroverts, who recharge their social batteries by interacting with people, introverts need to spend some quiet time alone.
Though it may sound like a disadvantage, it allows introverts to form stronger one-on-one relationships with others. Additionally, introverts are often skilled in active listening, allowing them to provide thoughtful insights when talking to others.
So, instead of engaging with a large group at once, focus on making meaningful connections with one person at a time. Doing this allows you to conserve your social battery and establish better relationships.
Set Clear Goals When Networking
Before going to a networking event, define your goals first. Are you looking for a mentor? Or are you looking to find your dream job?
Doing this will guide your actions throughout the event and help you boost your self-confidence while avoiding aimless interactions.
Utilize the Power of Social Media
Today, meeting in person isn’t the only way to expand your network.
Thanks to social media apps like LinkedIn and Facebook, networking for introverts has become a lot easier. It helps them reach out to others and hold better conversations without exhausting themselves.
So, where do you start looking for connections in these apps? You can begin by joining LinkedIn and Facebook groups related to your field. Aside from these, you can also connect with your friends and former classmates.
Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out
One of the biggest networking hurdles for introverts is initiating conversations with strangers. They’re concerned that they may look awkward or that the other person will ignore them.
However, you won’t achieve anything if you wait for others to talk to you. Yes, taking that leap is a nerve-wracking experience, but doing so creates opportunities to meet new people and learn new lessons.
If you’re having trouble reaching out during physical or online networking events, consider asking a mutual friend for help. This helps break the ice between you, allowing you to form a connection with them.
Rest Between Interactions
As an introvert, interacting with large groups of people for a long time is physically, mentally, and emotionally taxing.
Thus, remember to take breaks after interacting with others to regain your strength and focus. Doing this allows you to bring your best self the next time you attend a networking event.
Practice Being a Good Listener
Good relations are built on excellent communication. One advantage introverts have, as mentioned above, is that they’re skilled in active listening.
To do this, face the speaker and maintain eye contact with them while they’re speaking. Don’t just use your ears to “listen,” take note of their body language and other non-verbal cues.
Finally, keep your opinions private and avoid forming hasty conclusions and interrupting them while they’re still talking.
Ensure You Follow-Up on Your Connections
It’s easy to think that cultivating an excellent professional network ends once a networking event does. However, sending a personalized email to the people you’ve talked to helps you make a more lasting impression.
Don’t worry; it doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Keep it brief, but don’t forget to mention something specific you’ve discussed during the event and express your interest in communicating again.
Networking as an Introvert? It’s Easier Than You Think!
Contrary to what some introverts believe, networking isn’t an insurmountable hurdle for advancing their careers.
An introvert’s unique strengths, such as listening well to others and offering thoughtful advice, allow them to form stronger connections that can lead to a very formidable network.
By following the points highlighted in this guide, introverts will have an easier time successful networking.
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