How to Make Networking Work for You (Even If You’re an Introvert)
Networking as an introvert is difficult.
It takes a lot of energy to connect with people.
For introverts, networking feels like being back in high school, navigating social clicks, and trying to prove our worth.
And yet, you know that making the right connections can make or break your business.
For more than a decade as an entrepreneur, I avoided building, maintaining, and (therefore) benefitting from quality connections.
I knew I was costing myself valuable opportunities that could skyrocket my career, but I didn’t know how to make it feel natural. So I avoided it
Fast forward to today, and I hear my name associated with the title of the super-connector. My network delivers high-quality connections that turn into clients, podcast interviews, paid speaking opportunities, and more.
So what changed? I learned how to make networking feel authentic based on my strengths.
Here are three things I’ve learned that can help my fellow introverts.
1) Introverts are Curious Observers
As introverts, we tend to be good listeners. One of our superpowers when making connections is our curiosity. Focus on connecting and following up with people who genuinely pique your curiosity. Ask a lot of questions. Everyone’s favorite topic is themselves, whether they are conscious of that.
By asking questions, you give people a chance to talk about what makes them tick. Introverts are good listeners. Active listening is vital to creating meaningful connections.
2) Focus on the People Who Genuinely Interest You
When networking, it feels like we “should” focus on connections based on who they are, who they know, and their social clout. This can lead to feeling like we are supposed to connect with people if we don’t resonate with them.
This isn’t about being “snobby” about who is deserving of your time. This is about being judicious about your energy. Social interactions take up a lot of energy for introverts. By focusing on people you genuinely want to get to know, you mitigate the energy drain and focus on what feels natural to you when connecting with others.
3) Create the Space You Want to Be In
Many of the spaces available for connection aren’t well-fashioned for introverts. Introverts like to go deep. Extroverts like to talk to as many people as possible. As an introvert, you know what other introverts want. Being an introvert doesn’t mean you can’t create and facilitate opportunities for others to connect.
Two years ago, I started organizing networking events focusing on depth instead of breadth, not because it’s a better approach for everyone, but because it was an approach that I learned worked for me and other introverts like me. I focused on helping others make one or two connections where I felt deep resonance.
One of the best things you can do is create the kind of space you wish existed to help introverts like you make meaningful connections.
