Many people have the assumption that introverts and networking just don’t mix. The popular image of an introvert is someone who doesn’t like socializing and squirrels themselves away from others with solitary pursuits that don’t involve interaction.
But if you’re reading this article, it’s likely that you yourself are an introvert, and know this is a misconception!
Even so, society may have given you the impression that networking is something only extroverts do. Well, guess what? Networking is a vital part of anyone’s career—and introverts need to network too!
In fact, many introverts can actually be good at networking if they know their energy style and choose the right events.
Networking events are a fantastic way to meet new people and build relationships. But sometimes, they can be overwhelming for introverts. That’s why our team at CV Whizz has compiled this complete introvert’s guide to networking to help you prepare and land contacts that will boost your career!
Can introverts be good at networking?
Yes, it is entirely possible for introverts to network, and be good at it!
Introverts are often thought of as antisocial, but that’s not the case. They just need to be in an environment that’s a right fit for them. Also, networking is a skill that can be learned and practiced by anyone, whether they’re an introvert or extrovert.
The key is to identify your strengths and deploy them accordingly. It’s not about being the life of the party—it’s about making yourself visible and accessible to others in a warm and friendly way. As long as you do that, you’re well on your way to networking success!
Top networking tips for introverts
While it’s perfectly acceptable to network professionally online (and many people do, though platforms like LinkedIn) the best connections are often made at in-person networking events.
These types of events are great opportunities for introverts because they allow you to meet people without having to go out of your comfort zone too much—you don’t have to speak unless you want to!
If you’re reading this article, the chances are you have already found yourself at a networking event and are blaming your introversion for a ‘bad’ outcome . Maybe you felt embarrassed and unfulfilled by your effort, and decided that it’s something you’re just not skilled at.
The good news is that it is possible for introverts to become good at this activity with practice. The following networking tips for introverts will help you on your way!
1. Know your energy style
Introverts often have a lower energy level than extroverts, and often need time alone to boost their motivation. Knowing your energy style will help you understand how to recharge before and after networking events.
2. Choose the right events
When you’re choosing events, pick ones that are relevant to your field. For example, if you’re in sales and on a job search, don’t go to an event where there’s no other people who work in sales.
Try to pick events that are small and intimate. If the event is crowded and loud, it can be difficult even for extroverts!
Choose events that are held at quiet locations rather than noisy bars or clubs. Smaller venues tend to have calmer atmospheres.
3. Recharge your batteries before
Recharging before an event is essential for introverts. It’s a good idea to recharge your batteries the night before and set aside a little time on the day to get mentally prepared.
Good activities to recharge your introvert batteries include:
- Going for a walk
- Listening to music
- Reading a book or magazine
- Yoga or meditation/mindfulness exercises
Of course all introverts have their own activities which help them recenter – you will likely already be very familiar with yours!
4. Fuel up and hydrate
Eat before you go, even if you know there will be food and beverages served at the event. Try to eat something healthy and robust to keep your energy up. Avoid drinking too much caffeine beforehand as this will likely only add to any anxiety you’re feeling.
If alcohol is being served at the event, try to keep your drinking moderated. It’s fine to have one or two glasses of wine, but you don’t want to overdo it as this can make you look unprofessional and can sometimes only add to anxiety about your performance.
You should also make sure that you drink plenty of water throughout the event to stay hydrated and on top of your game!
5. Keep your expectations in check
It’s important to keep your expectations in check. Don’t expect networking to come naturally at first. It takes time, effort and practice before you feel totally comfortable talking with people about yourself and your business/career.
You won’t be an instant expert at networking after just one event—and that’s okay! You can always improve over time by learning from other introverts who are better than you, take classes on how to network effectively, and practice what works best for you personally when meeting someone new.
6. Give yourself a minimum time limit
Set a minimum time limit for how long you’ll stay at any given function. This will help to ensure that your introvert’s networking unease won’t get the better of you and help you resist running for the exits!
Saying that, If at any point during the event or a conversation, you start feeling overwhelmed or anxious, just make your excuses and leave! There are no hard feelings here—everyone has their limits.
Just remember that networking is about meeting people who could become valuable connections in your life down the road. If you don’t meet them now, another opportunity will pop up somewhere down the line!
7. Come prepared with icebreakers!
Another way of beating introvert’s networking anxiety is to prepare a few icebreakers to use during the event so that you are ready to start conversations if they arise.
Have a few topics prepared you can talk about and think about questions you would like to ask people that can lead to an interesting discussion. These could include ‘What do you like best about working for X?” or “What is your favorite thing about this industry/company?”
This will help you make connections with others and build rapport more easily. Plus, it shows that you’re interested in what others have to say.
8. Ask for introductions
If you’re not particularly good at approaching strangers and the thought of doing so at a networking event fills you with dread, you shouldn’t be embarrassed to ask others to make some introductions.
This is a common tactic at networking events – even for extroverts! If you know anyone at the event, ask them to accompany you when approaching other groups or individuals if you’re not feeling confident. Alternatively, ask the organiser (s) to introduce you to key players – they will be well aware of who’s who!
9. Put your phone away
If you want to be successful at networking, you need to put your phone away. Don’t check it every five minutes, don’t check it in front of other people and definitely don’t check it while talking with someone.
Not only can this be rude, but it also gives the impression that you are not present for the conversation and more interested in other matters. Put on your phone or silent or store it away somewhere hard to reach so you can focus on the person in front of you!
10. Train yourself to listen more
If you’re having a conversation with someone, remember to listen to them! This may sound like a basic communication skill, but some people end up endlessly talking about themselves without letting the other person get a word in!
If you listen intently and ask questions if anything is unclear, it’ll make the conversation more enjoyable for everyone involved. Not only will this make the other person feel valued but it’ll also give you time to think about how best to respond.
11. Control your inner critic
One common personality trait among introverts is self-criticism, which can be a good thing if it helps us improve ourselves. However, if we allow our inner critic to take over (or even worse, become our main voice), then it will stop us from reaching out and making new connections with others.
Our inner critic can often be particularly loud during a networking event. To beat the critic, recognise that these thoughts don’t always reflect reality so much as our own fears and perceptions – which means they aren’t necessarily true!
Try to focus on your positive aspects rather than dwelling on what could go wrong or if people have a negative perception of you. They likely don’t and are appreciating what you are bringing to the conversation!
12. Prepare for some awkwardness
It’s time to get out there, start talking to people, and making connections. You may feel awkward at first, but don’t worry—you won’t be alone in feeling this way. Even the most talented networkers with good interpersonal skills have moments of discomfort when meeting new people for the first time.
If you’re like most introverts, you’ll probably feel uncomfortable before or during your networking experience. That’s normal! Just remember that networking isn’t always comfortable or easy for anyone, even extroverts!
13. Reach out to valued contacts afterwards
If you meet people you connect with at a networking event and feel like you could have a good professional relationship in the future, don’t forget to reach out to them and follow up on the conversation afterwards!
If attendees you connect with are exchanging business cards or Linkedin profiles, get in on the action and put your name out there! The worst that can happen is you or the other party forget to get in touch or ultimately aren’t interested – but that’s part of the risk (and why you should try to make various contacts at the same time!)
We hope this article has been helpful in highlighting some of the key introvert’s networking obstacles and how to overcome them!
Remember that these networking tips for introverts tips are first and foremost designed to help you feel more confident and empowered in your own skin. So don’t stress too much if things don’t go perfectly at first. With practice, we can all become better at networking!
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