What do you do if you're an introverted sports manager looking to improve your networking skills?

Here are some strategies: - Leverage your listening skills: introverts are often excellent listener - Prepare and plan: before attending networking events, prepare some topics of conversation related to the sports industry - Seek a networking buddy: pair up with a colleague or acquaintance who is more extroverted - Focus on quality over quantity: rather than trying to meet as many people as possible, focus on forming a few meaningful connections - Use your unique perspective: introverts often bring unique perspectives and ideas

In your journey to improve networking skills as an introverted sports manager, start small, set achievable goals, and prepare thoroughly. Utilize open-ended questions and active listening to foster meaningful connections. Look for common ground and leverage online platforms for networking. Prioritize self-care and seek support from mentors. Embrace networking as a growth opportunity and approach each interaction with authenticity and resilience. With patience and determination, you can navigate the networking landscape and advance your career in the sports industry.

If you think as an introvert you don't belong I challenge you to spend time with a bullpen of college or semi-pro pitchers. This group is weird and dynamic, and has some of the most valuable minds the world has to offer. Embrace your skills always and if introversion is your skill maximize its quiet moments to observe and see things others don't. Then create your message in or on a platform that makes sense for your communication skills. Quiet and/or reserved are not negative skills.

I am a proponent of creating painful experiences for our hardest challenges. Adversity is a stepping stone and setting goals may actually be a roadblock. If you want to improve your networking skills avoid frameworks and goals. Instead, go unprepared and just start talking. Networking is built on removing the barriers to engagement so don't start will rules.

Preparation is a key skill but the most successful networkers aren't prepared, they are passionate about their knowledge. That passion leads to a continuous improvement mentality and a constant thirst for learning. These skills remove preparation from networking and instead put people in a position to share their knowledge as a more comfortable version of themselves.

The internet has created a boundless environment for growth. Today's environment means you can successfully connect to almost any part of the world. If you choose you can take on any persona on your preferred channel i.e., voice, text, video, etc. Let your freak fly.

Use your technology to capture leads and follow up. By properly prepping your environment for success you'll automate a successful path forward.