Networking for introverts.
I have got to be honest with you, I'm one of the biggest introverts I know!
While I'm comfortable sitting behind a screen and talking to large audiences through social media and via my business, when it comes to face to face stuff I always used to clam up. I'm in no way shy, I just find too much social contact really quite tiring so I get to a point where I just have to remove myself from the situation.
I'm much better than I used to be a few years ago because I know the success of my business depends on me being out there and 'networking' with other local businesses. While it's not my favourite thing to do, and I'll always get out of it if I can, I've learnt a few ways to get in and out of a networking event and get the most out of it in the short time I'm there. Wonder if anyone else has anything to share on how they've dealt with networking over the years? These are a few things I do quite religiously when I HAVE to show my face!
1) Pick events that I need to go to.
Many events in my industry are pretty showy and I know I won't get anything out of them - people showing off their new business cards and not really interested in what you have to say definitely aren't my thing. There are a couple of regular ones which I attended a few times but now I just don't bother. If you know that they're not for you (from experience) don't keep putting yourself through the pain of trying 'just in case' The discomfort you'll feel will far outweigh anything positive that can come from the event.
2) Plan in advance.
A lot of networking events are organised through social media these days or at least have a page that guests can follow. If you're lucky, the guest list will be displayed either on Facebook or LinkedIn so you can have a look at who else will be attending. I don't recommend stalking at all (imagine your opening line 'how's your mum, I saw on Facebook she'd been unwell!) but it's good to have an idea of who will be in the room with you so you can prepare some conversation starters. Not least, at least by the time you get there they wont feel like complete strangers.
3) Stand out.
As an introvert this goes against everything we believe in but I do it anyway and it works. Most of my events are corporate occasions so I need to be in a suit but I always wear a brightly coloured and snappy tie. It's eye catching and it gives something to talk about from the word go which is better than 'so where do you work?' Wearing something brightly coloured or something that is a bit of a talking point has taken away all of those awkward standing around moments waiting for someone to come and talk to you. Admittedly this is a lot easier for the women in the group, but men can pull it off too.
4) Ask questions.
The thought of talking about myself really does bring me out in a cold sweat so I always have a handful of questions prepared which I work my way through. I am much better at listening than talking and I find that a lot of people at these events do like to talk about themselves so it works quite well in that regard.
5) Have a drink.
DON'T overdo it!! But I'll always have the beer or wine on arrival to take the edge off and give me something to do with my hands until people start to arrive and conversation starts to flow.
I am never going to like these things but I know they're a really important part of making a successful business so in the meantime I just have to grin and bear it.
Love to hear how other introverts endure the ordeal!
While I'm comfortable sitting behind a screen and talking to large audiences through social media and via my business, when it comes to face to face stuff I always used to clam up. I'm in no way shy, I just find too much social contact really quite tiring so I get to a point where I just have to remove myself from the situation.
I'm much better than I used to be a few years ago because I know the success of my business depends on me being out there and 'networking' with other local businesses. While it's not my favourite thing to do, and I'll always get out of it if I can, I've learnt a few ways to get in and out of a networking event and get the most out of it in the short time I'm there. Wonder if anyone else has anything to share on how they've dealt with networking over the years? These are a few things I do quite religiously when I HAVE to show my face!
1) Pick events that I need to go to.
Many events in my industry are pretty showy and I know I won't get anything out of them - people showing off their new business cards and not really interested in what you have to say definitely aren't my thing. There are a couple of regular ones which I attended a few times but now I just don't bother. If you know that they're not for you (from experience) don't keep putting yourself through the pain of trying 'just in case' The discomfort you'll feel will far outweigh anything positive that can come from the event.
2) Plan in advance.
A lot of networking events are organised through social media these days or at least have a page that guests can follow. If you're lucky, the guest list will be displayed either on Facebook or LinkedIn so you can have a look at who else will be attending. I don't recommend stalking at all (imagine your opening line 'how's your mum, I saw on Facebook she'd been unwell!) but it's good to have an idea of who will be in the room with you so you can prepare some conversation starters. Not least, at least by the time you get there they wont feel like complete strangers.
3) Stand out.
As an introvert this goes against everything we believe in but I do it anyway and it works. Most of my events are corporate occasions so I need to be in a suit but I always wear a brightly coloured and snappy tie. It's eye catching and it gives something to talk about from the word go which is better than 'so where do you work?' Wearing something brightly coloured or something that is a bit of a talking point has taken away all of those awkward standing around moments waiting for someone to come and talk to you. Admittedly this is a lot easier for the women in the group, but men can pull it off too.
4) Ask questions.
The thought of talking about myself really does bring me out in a cold sweat so I always have a handful of questions prepared which I work my way through. I am much better at listening than talking and I find that a lot of people at these events do like to talk about themselves so it works quite well in that regard.
5) Have a drink.
DON'T overdo it!! But I'll always have the beer or wine on arrival to take the edge off and give me something to do with my hands until people start to arrive and conversation starts to flow.
I am never going to like these things but I know they're a really important part of making a successful business so in the meantime I just have to grin and bear it.
Love to hear how other introverts endure the ordeal!
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mattsuth -
Thanks
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