9 Effective Networking Tips for Introverts

You know the value of networking and the benefits it can have on your career success but you avoid it because you are an introvert. Maybe, you think networking is something only extroverts are good at. However, the truth is networking isn’t just for extroverts, anyone can get good at it including you.

Yes, the rules might be different but you can still succeed at networking without pretending to be someone else. In this article, I will share some practical and effective tips to help you network better even as an introvert.

Why is Networking Important even as an Introvert?

Whether you are in the corporate or creative scene, you’ve probably heard many times about how important networking is and how much it can impact your career. While there are a lots of benefits to networking, here are 3 major reasons why you shouldn’t avoid networking even though you are an introvert:

1. Access to Opportunities

There are conversations and opportunities you would never hear of or have access to unless you are in certain rooms. And networking is a way for you to intentionally position yourself and gain access to those opportunities.

Sometimes, your next job, promotion, collaboration, mentorship, etc could just be a connection away. So, you need to start taking networking seriously.

2. Gain Visibility

You may have heard the statement that attention is currency and that is true. Being visible is no longer a case of maybe, it’s a must.

Gone are the days of just putting your head down and working hard. You also need to also show up and get seen. Whether you are an employee, an employer, a business owner, etc., visibility will help you attract opportunities, resources, sales, promotions, etc.

3. Build Genuine Connection

As the saying goes, ‘your network is your net worth.’ Networking will give you the opportunity to connect with colleagues, collaborators, potential mentors, industry insiders and like-minded people.

It is also an opportunity to learn from others and stay updated on trends and updates in your industry. No matter how smart or experienced you are, you can’t know it all.  So, networking can help you stay informed.

9 Effective Networking Tips for Introverts

1. Prepare a Few Questions and Icebreakers

Before attending a networking event, you can prepare 2-3 questions or ice breakers that will help you to start conversations and reduce awkwardness. For example, you can prepare questions like:

• What brought you to this event?
• What do you do and how did you get into it?
• Have you attended this event before?

This will also help you not run out of things to talk about. Also, try to prepare a simple elevator pitch i.e a short and clear introduction of what you do and the value you offer.

With all these preparations, you can connect with others without freezing up.

2. Show Genuine Interest in People

If you go to a networking event with the sole purpose of getting a deal, an opportunity, etc, you will get overwhelmed quickly and present an image of desperation. Instead, shift your focus to others.

Be genuinely interested in the people you are talking to. Ask questions about them and listen (a major strength of an introvert). Switch off your phone and show interest in people. When people see you are genuinely interested in them, they will reciprocate it back to you. So, focus on not what they can do for you but what you can do for them.

3. Talk to One Person at a Time

If you are a quiet person, talking to a whole group of people can feel overwhelming and that is okay. So, start small and talk to one person at a time. Find someone who is alone and talk to the person. This will be easier and less stressful for you. And as you get more comfortable, you can talk to more people.

4. Dress Comfortably

When attending a networking event, maybe a conference or seminar, dress comfortably. Yes, you want to match the theme of the event but you can still balance that with comfort.

When you feel good in what you are wearing, you’ll naturally feel more relaxed and open to meeting people. But, if you are constantly adjusting your clothes, you will be too distracted and nervous to engage with others.

5. Take Breaks When Needed

In a networking event, the conversations can sometimes get too much for you. In that moment, it is okay to take a break. You can excuse yourself politely, go back to your seat or just step outside briefly. And when you come back, you will be more refreshed and ready to connect again.

Also Read: How to Achieve Work-life balance for Long-Term Career Success

6. Be Less Self-Conscious and Get out of Your Head

One thing about networking is that it is going to be awkward at first but it gets easier. If you are too conscious about how people are thinking of you, you will never step out of your comfort zone.

The truth is, people aren’t thinking about you as much as you think they are. Everyone is there to meet new people and are more worried about how they are coming across to others. So, don’t be afraid to engage and connect.

7. Set a Goal of the Number of Persons You want to Network with

One way to make networking easy for you and less overwhelming is to set a realistic goal of how many people you want to connect with. For example, you can decide to engage with just 4 people at an event. This will reduce your anxiety and make you feel less pressured.

8. Go with a Friend

If you are not comfortable going to a networking event alone, go with a friend. It will make you less nervous and more comfortable. They can also help you start conversations, introduce you to other people, and even encourage you.

9. Use Social Media to Connect

If you are not comfortable having long in-person conversations, you can ask for their social media handle like LinkedIn and follow up there.

Connecting on social media will give you the chance to continue the conversation at your own pace. Not only will you find things to chat about from their profile, but you can also stay in touch and build a relationship over time.

How to Network Online as an Introvert

If you are a quiet person and not one for in-person networking but you still want to enjoy the benefits of networking, you can start online.

Social media has made it easy to connect with people in your field or industry no matter who they are or where they live. Here are some steps on you can network online as an introvert:

1. Choose the Social Media Platform of Your Choice

You need to first choose the channel you want to use in connecting and engaging with others. It can be X, Instagram, Facebook but the most common social media for networking is LinkedIn. Through LinkedIn, you can connect with people in your industry and have meaningful conversations without in-person meetings.

2. Start Building a Personal Brand

In simple terms, a personal brand is what people think of when your name comes up even when you are not in the room. As an introvert who wants to connect and network with others, you can start building a personal brand that can get people to come to you instead.

To do this:

a. Start by Creating and Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile

On your LinkedIn profile, make sure that your heading, banner, cover image, about section, etc., reflect who you are, what you do and how you want to be perceived.

b. Start Posting Content Related to Your Work or Audience

Talk about what you do, how you do it, etc. Share your values, tips, stories, lessons, achievements, etc.

c. Engage Other People in Your Industry

Follow people in your Industry. Engage with their posts. Start genuine conversations in their DMs, etc. With time, you will start to attract people who resonate with you and your values/work, and that is networking on your own terms. Also, it doesn’t have to be LinkedIn. It could be X, Instagram, etc.

3. Join Online Groups in Your Industry

There are so many online communities where people in your industry gather to share ideas, ask questions, and support one another. You can join these groups and get active there by commenting, asking questions, etc. Examples of these groups are LinkedIn groups, Facebook groups, Slack communities, WhatsApp channels/groups, Telegram groups, forums, etc.

4. Attend Virtual Events

You don’t have to show up physically to build your network. Virtual events can work too. Make it a goal to attend one or two webinars, masterclasses, or virtual conferences in your industry each year.

These could be a very great networking opportunity. Make sure to ask questions and drop thoughtful comments. You can even go further and reach out to the speakers or other attendees to continue the conversation.

Conclusion

As an introvert, networking isn’t easy but as you attend more events and connect with people, whether online or offline, you will become more confident and good at it. The first step is to start small and stay consistent at it. With time, it will get easier and less overwhelming.