How can an introvert build a professional network?

Early in my career, I would do anything to avoid a networking event. All I saw was a large group of strangers, engaging in meaningless small talk and self-promotion. It wasn't until much later that I shifted my mindset and approached networking as helping others. Instead of "how many people do I have to try to make like me?" it became "how can I help?" That made all the difference.

I have found online events very effective for dipping my toe in the networking arena. I can listen quietly from afar and have time to formulate my perspectives. Even if I don't feel like making a direct comment in the chat box, I follow the conversations and make notes about the most interesting contributors. I then follow up via linked in to one or two people who have made comments that resonated and send a note with a build from my perspective. I have made several important and long lasting business connections this way, and not once was I selling anything. I was just me, curious and listening.

As an introvert, I've learned to create a meaningful network based on the value of human connections. In my view, no significant achievement in human history was accomplished by an individual without others' support. Collaboration and social integration are vital for a meaningful life. It's important to understand our value as introverts and appreciate extroverts' value. I've never felt intimidated by extroverted networking norms, but I've realized the importance of voicing my perspective to build valuable relationships. Diversity, equity, and inclusion mean creating a safe work environment where both introverts and extroverts can be themselves, respecting each other.

The most important thing in networking that you - as an introvert - to remember that it is not about you. It is about how you are curious to get to understand the person in front of you more.

I had avoided networking events for years, because the idea of walking into a room full of strangers was so intimidating to me. Here is what I have learned along the way: Many of the people attending networking events may be just as nervous as you are. Admit if you are new to networking, and you will either find a) fellow colleagues who are ALSO new and will find comradery in this journey with you, or b) seasoned networkers who are happy to introduce you and connect you to others. Networking isn't just meeting people, it is finding ways to build a community by being helpful and providing assistance and resources. Ask for help when you need it, and pay it forward when you can.

Can you describe what you do and the value you provide in one breath? This is about how much time you have to catch someone’s attention. Practice your personal introduction so that it sounds natural and feels right to you. Your intro will evolve over time as you get more comfortable talking to people with different backgrounds and levels of experience.

Start small. It does not need to be a full hour meeting or lunch. It can be a small talk during a coffee break. Start with the people that you feel most comfortable to talk with. There you go. One person at a time.

One of the major "mistakes" I have seen is that participants don't prepare for whom they want to meet. The list of attendees can be very helpful, but is not always spontaneously shared by the organization. Surprisingly, the main reason is that they often don't think of doing this amidst everything else that needs to be taken care of. So, if you reach out to them and ask for the list without the contact details (just names, roles and companies), chances are very high that they will send it to you. This is a great tip for both introverts and extraverts. For introverts this helps to focus on individuals they want to meet (because this is where they thrive), not on just random connections on large groups.

Planning ahead certainly helps. As an introvert, I've also learned that being open to connecting with new people requires openness and flexibility. New opportunities to learn and grow appear on our daily path, and we can't always plan for that. We always have the possibility to excuse ourselves if meeting with some people doesn't add value or isn't convenient at that specific moment because we have other priorities to focus on. Respect and empathetic communication skills are always useful in both scenarios, connecting with people and taking distance when it makes sense. Identifying forums and networks is vital to focus our energy on what makes sense to fulfill our personal and professional purpose.

Social media opens the doors to everyone. If you're an introvert and need some time to organize your thoughts, online networking is perfect for you. Identify targets for networking based on your strategic goals. Then craft consistent messages and develop a tactical reach-out calendar.

Quality over quantity is key - you may never be the center of a large group. Know that your impact can resonate deeply in more intimate, one-to-one conversations especially if you focus on listening. Think about a couple of questions that can apply to any new connection - and then truly focus on the response, both how and what is being said, and then ask a follow-up.

Asking open ended questions to illicit a deep response or to start a conversation is an art form. Give people space to express who they are. Also don’t feel the need that you have to respond to anything they say. Rather work to guide the conversation into the world of possibilities which is where competition stops and collaboration begins.

Making a conscious choice to build a network is an art. Not necessarily to be connected with many people is an enabler to perform and develop yourself better. When individuals have a clear purpose with clear goals to realize, they will be in a solid position to define a meaningful network, and this criterion applies to introverts and extroverts. As an introvert, I learned that being in crowded settings is manageable when I know how this environment enables my curiosity, my learning, and the possibility to build valuable relationships. After meeting people, I take the time to share with them why I would like to stay in contact with them, and I ask them if they are okay with my proposal to follow up, and in my case, it works.

Keep your own pace. Practice your listening skills, which is the strength of introverts. And the most important thing is do not pressure yourself with any agenda during the conversation.

As an individual who tends to lean towards introversion, I have discovered the benefits of having a clear understanding of my networking goals. Before every networking event or opportunity, I make it a point to establish my intentions. This approach simplifies the process of reaching out and engaging in spontaneous conversations that revolve around shared interests. By adopting this approach, I am able to avoid the pressure of socializing simply for the sake of it. If I find that I am not making progress towards my objectives or struggling to connect with others naturally, I don't feel compelled to force myself into situations where I don't belong.

Social media is a great place to not only test your messaging and content but to connect with likeminded people. It’s not always about posting your thoughts and walking away. The real magic happen when you take the time to comment on people’s posts and ask questions or simply add to the conversation. Not everyone will agree with you, and that’s ok. Over time you’ll naturally start interacting with people that also want to be in healthy online relationships.

With regards to Linkedin platform, you don't need to post to get yourself started. Begin with commenting on 3-5 posts a day to get yourself out. Then go with one post a week. One step at a time.

Networking is a gradual process, and building genuine connections will contribute to your professional growth. As an introvert, over the last decade-plus of using LinkedIn has helped me in a significant way to build and learn from my network. Being persistent is key, some of the things that helped me are: 1) Creating a compelling profile and connecting with industry professionals to expand your online presence. 2) Engage with your industry by participating in relevant online forums and communities, allowing you to interact on your own terms. 3) Take advantage of workshops to establish connections in structured environments. 4) Send personalized messages to the networks.

LinkedIn is an excellent platform to showcase your professional journey, skills, and achievements. Connecting with colleagues and mentors establishes a virtual network that transcends geographical boundaries. Direct Messaging enables the initiation of thoughtful, written conversations, catering to the preference for deliberate communication. This is especially beneficial for introverts who express ideas more comfortably through writing than face-to-face interactions. LinkedIn provides a curated space for introverts to share insights, engage in industry discussions, and display expertise. It offers a controlled environment for introverted individuals to connect, learn, and build relationships aligned with their communication preferences.

Building a professional network as an introvert can be challenging, but it's entirely achievable with the right strategies that align with your personality. Here are some tips to get started: Evaluate your Social Presence: - Find 3 influencers that you look up to within your industry - Ask yourself: What can I do to make my social channels look more like theirs? - Then: What unique perspective can I contribute? Once you've done that - find connections within your industry, your alumni groups, or join forums. Send them meaningful messages about why you want to connect - and build those relationships by engaging with their posts. If you're having trouble, start attending conventions and engaging with tables! ASK if you can connect!

Building trust takes time. Same with networking. Do not pressure yourself to get any particular results from your networking. The only agenda is to listen deeply and show care to the other person. Overtime when the relationship is deepen it will be easier to expand your conversation.

Follow-ups can be a powerful tool, especially for introverts. In today's fast-paced world, where people often lose focus and easily forget things, following up on conversations and discussions can make a lasting impression on your target audience. It's a simple yet effective way to build trust and show genuine interest in fostering meaningful relationships. Here are some tips to make your follow-ups more effective: 1. Choose the appropriate mode of communication based on the context, such as email, social media, or WhatsApp. 2. Avoid excessive follow-ups to prevent overwhelming the other person. 3. Respect the other person's response and level of enthusiasm, even if it differs from your own.

Most of the introverts I worked with felt unsafe to create connections outside their trusted environment. They were mainly powered by their subconscious belief that they are not good enough and the world might judge them for being an imposter. Changing these beliefs through adequate therapies and coaching leads to more open and safer communication for them.

Think of it this way: for every amount of time you are interacting with people, take an equal amount of time to spend on yourself to recharge. Find what works for you: meditation, exercise, a nap, reading etc. This down time will let your mind work out the new connections that you have made and how this information can be used in the future. It’s no different than an athlete taking scheduled time to recover after a workout or event.

Most people have an aversion to networking based on certain beliefs that they hold about it. For e.g., myth - only extroverts are great at making conversations. But if they reflect on it, they can realize that as introverts they hold certain powerful networking skills too, e.g., the ability to listen and not be in a hurry to take over a conversation. Which builds strong relationships. There's no one size fits all approach. Bust some myths and you can create your own network your way, whether you're an introvert or an extrovert. For e.g., Shy in groups? Then reach out 1:1. Not sure what to talk? Do some research on the person's topics of professional interest.

1. Start with Small Networking Events: Choose smaller networking events where meaningful connections can be forged more comfortably. Go with a referral to kick-start your networking journey. 2. One-on-One Meetings: Opt for one-on-one meetings or coffee sessions, allowing for deeper and more focused conversations. 3. Use Introvert Strengths: Leverage introvert strengths, such as active listening and thoughtful responses, to make a quick impression. 4. Common Interests: Look for networking opportunities in areas where you share common interests, making it easier to initiate conversations. 5. Online Communities: Participate in online forums and communities related to your industry, offering a less overwhelming environment for networking.

I think an important first step is to redefine how you are thinking of networking. Yes, going to events and working the room is a very traditional form, but not the only one. I coach my clients to find ways to achieve the outcome they want from networking (often business development) in a way that is authentic to them using their natural talents. This could look like a talented writer creating a blog and sharing their insights through online platforms or newsletters. Or it could be someone who is great at finding impactful learning resources being intentional to share those resources with people in their network who they know would find value in them. The most important thing is that it's true to who they are.