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How can you network effectively if you're an introvert?

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Networking is often seen as a crucial skill for advancing your career, but it can also be a daunting challenge for introverts who prefer deeper and more meaningful connections over small talk and superficial exchanges. However, being an introvert does not mean that you cannot network effectively, it just means that you need to find strategies that suit your personality and preferences. In this article, we will share some tips on how you can network effectively if you're an introvert, without compromising your authenticity or energy.

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Natalie Schroeder

??Bid and Pitch Consultant | Founder of The Bid Hub—a community for bid professionals to connect ??, learn ??, and grow…
Carmel Murphy

??Goodbye Fear, Hello Fun!??…

1 Know your goals

Before you attend any networking event or reach out to any potential contact, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from the interaction. Do you want to learn more about a specific industry, company, or role? Do you want to find a mentor, a referral, or a collaborator? Do you want to showcase your skills, interests, or achievements? Having a specific and realistic goal will help you focus your attention and efforts on the people and conversations that matter most to you, and avoid wasting time on irrelevant or unproductive ones.

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Natalie Schroeder

??Bid and Pitch Consultant | Founder of The Bid Hub—a community for bid professionals to connect ??, learn ??, and grow ??
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Here are five tips from an awkward introvert (me): 1. First, go in with the mindset that you are there to learn about other people. Connection happens from there. 2. Smile and lean into being a little uncomfortable. It’s perfectly normal. At least half the room are feeling like you do. Shy introverts are everywhere! 3. Look out for people who are either by themselves or might welcome a new conversation (eg. a group of 3 may have 1 not as engaged). 4. As an opener, admit you’re feeling a little awkward. People will empathise and you may bond over your mutual discomfort. 5. Focus on others and ask lots of questions.

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Carmel Murphy

??Goodbye Fear, Hello Fun!?? Break free, step boldly into life
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The approach to networking is twofold - both mental and physical. When mentally preparing, think about these three questions: 1. Why am I going? 2. What do I want to achieve? 3. Who do I want to meet? By having a specific focus and a plan, you'll feel much more satisfied and fulfilled at the session. In terms of a physical approach, who do you think is the most important person for the success of your networking journey? A host or organiser of an event. Why? They are the gatekeepers, they take registrations, they can introduce you to people and they have a much larger database than the people attending. Get to know them, introduce yourself 48-72 hours before an event, thank them, ask them to help you by making introductions.

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2 Prepare and practice

One of the best ways to overcome the anxiety and discomfort that introverts often feel when networking is to prepare and practice beforehand. This means doing some research on the event, the attendees, the topics, and the format, and preparing some questions, stories, or insights that you can use to start or join a conversation. It also means practicing your introduction, your elevator pitch, and your follow-up strategy, so that you can communicate your value and your goals clearly and confidently. You can practice with a friend, a coach, or even yourself in front of a mirror or a recorder.

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Carmel Murphy

??Goodbye Fear, Hello Fun!?? Break free, step boldly into life
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I love to have some starter questions prepared for two reasons, to calm my nerves and put others at ease. They appreciate it too. The focus is on connecting with someone on a personal level before you start talking shop. Learn about their hobbies, interests, passions. Think of it as 'dating for business'. My starter questions are: 1. What brings you here today? (easy and everyone can answer) 2. What interests you about...? (follow up from above) 3. If it's their first time - Where do you normally go to network? (learn about other networks) If they've been before - Can you talk me through the format of this event? (people love to help) 4. What do you like to do for fun? (I'm showing an interest in their interests) Connect well here.

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3 Choose quality over quantity

Another key tip for introverts who want to network effectively is to focus on quality over quantity. This means prioritizing the depth and relevance of your connections over the number and diversity of them. You don't have to talk to everyone at an event, or collect as many business cards as possible. Instead, you can seek out the people who share your interests, values, or goals, and engage them in meaningful and mutually beneficial conversations. You can also limit the duration and frequency of your networking activities, and give yourself enough time to recharge and reflect afterwards.

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Carmel Murphy

??Goodbye Fear, Hello Fun!?? Break free, step boldly into life
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Over a 2/2.5 hour event, and excluding formalities, you can have up to an hour to network 1-1. Look to have 8-10 meaningful conversations with the intention to follow up with 3. That way you don't feel exhausted at the thought of 'working the room' and you're having authentic and meaningful conversations. A host can help you by making focussed introductions, you could even ask them for a guest list beforehand so you can identify key people to focus on at the time. One time I attended an event and three days later I got three requests for my services. I had never met these people. They had been introduced to me by this organiser and get this, they didn't even attend the event. Who doesn't want business gifted to them in this way?

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4 Use online platforms

One of the advantages of networking in the digital age is that you can use online platforms to connect with people who are otherwise hard to reach or access. Online platforms can also offer more flexibility, convenience, and control over your networking process, which can suit introverts who prefer to communicate in writing or at their own pace. You can use platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or Quora to find and follow people who are relevant to your career goals, and interact with them by liking, commenting, sharing, or messaging their content. You can also join online communities, groups, or forums that are related to your industry, field, or interest, and participate in discussions, events, or projects that showcase your expertise and value.

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Carmel Murphy

??Goodbye Fear, Hello Fun!?? Break free, step boldly into life
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Online platforms offer a great option for introverts to get started connecting with others. It's an opportunity to show your skills, your expertise and add a little personality but you control how that's done. Effective networking in a nutshell is about connecting well with others and the best kind of networking feels like you're having a chat with a good friend (even if you've only just met). I love it when you meet in real life (after first connecting online) and it feels like you've known each other a long time. It's natural, you're in sync, conversation flows, it's relaxed. When people are able to show up confidently online they feel engaged, inspired and motivated to do it also in person at work and home.

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5 Leverage your existing network

Another effective strategy for introverts who want to network is to leverage their existing network. This means tapping into the people who already know, like, and trust you, and asking them for referrals, introductions, or recommendations. Your existing network can include your friends, family, colleagues, classmates, mentors, or clients, who can vouch for your skills, character, and potential, and connect you with people who can help you achieve your career goals. You can also use your existing network to find out more about the people or organizations that you want to network with, and get some insider tips or insights that can make your approach more successful.

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6 Be yourself

Finally, the most important tip for introverts who want to network effectively is to be yourself. This means embracing your strengths, values, and personality, and not trying to imitate or impress anyone else. Being yourself will help you build authentic and lasting relationships that are based on trust, respect, and mutual benefit. It will also help you avoid the stress and exhaustion that come from pretending to be someone you're not. Remember that networking is not about changing who you are, but about finding and connecting with people who appreciate and support who you are.

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Carmel Murphy

??Goodbye Fear, Hello Fun!?? Break free, step boldly into life
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10+ years ago I was terrified of all strangers, couldn't meet anyone for a coffee, attend events or get online. I couldn't say boo to a mouse. My world was intense fear and trying to run from it. When I learned how to network (a 2 year self discovery journey), a whole new world opened up to me, possibilities and opportunities galore. Now I speak on stage - go figure! I'm so grateful I made a decision to stop living small and take action. I broke out of a prison of my own making. I've gone from surviving to thriving and I love helping people show up and be seen. The best backhanded comment I get, "Now I've heard your personal story, I know I'm nowhere near as bad as you were. I think you can help me". I'll take it!

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you network effectively if you're an introvert?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Know your goals

2 Prepare and practice

3 Choose quality over quantity

4 Use online platforms

5 Leverage your existing network

6 Be yourself

7 Here’s what else to consider

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How can you network effectively if you're an introvert?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Know your goals

2 Prepare and practice

3 Choose quality over quantity

4 Use online platforms

5 Leverage your existing network

6 Be yourself

7 Here’s what else to consider

Career Development Coaching

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