An Introvert's Guide to Networking

There are few things more intimidating to both entry-level and experienced professionals alike than networking. People are naturally intimidated by the prospect of introducing themselves to total strangers. This anxiety can be even worse for people who are introverted by nature, myself included.

People who meet me are surprised to learn that I consider myself an introvert - especially since I network for a living. This is because introversion is often confused with shyness. In reality, the terms introversion and extroversion refers to how social interaction affects your energy levels. While extroverts thrive and become energized through social interaction and large groups, introverts typically find these interactions draining.

I definitely find myself in the latter category. At the beginning of my Accounting career, I absolutely hated networking. With that said, I came to appreciate the value of networking a few years into my career when I landed a new role from a connection I made at an industry event! Over time, I was able to organically expand my network by staying in touch with former colleagues, attending industry events, and utilizing social media tools such as LinkedIn. Here are some of the pointers I recommend for introverts who want to get over their fears of networking.

1) Prioritize 1:1s Over Large Groups - Regardless if you are looking to advance within your current organization or transition into a new field, a best practice is to reach out to a leader in that field who can give you advise or put you in touch with resources to help you on the right path.

2) Conserve Your Energy - If you plan on attending a group networking event, budget your energy accordingly. If possible, try and schedule less internal meetings on days when you will attending a networking event. If possible, try and work from home that day. This way you can be on your top game at whatever event you attend.

3) Have Fun With It - Networking isn't all awkwardly mingling at happy hours. If you live near a larger city, you can very likely find networking groups catering to a variety of hobbies - sports leagues, running groups, game nights, etc. Taking part in an activity that you enjoy makes networking much less painful and can help you build meaningful connections in your field.

4) Utilize LinkedIn and Social Media to Build Your Network - LinkedIn is one of the most powerful professional networking tools available. It allows you to connect and learn from others in your field, it increases your visibility to recruiters, and it has a worldwide reach. If you want some pointers as to how you can utilize LinkedIn more effectively, I'm happy to give some pointers!

What are some approaches the introverts in my network have used to make networking less painful?