Network to New Heights

I’d consider myself an extrovert. The various psychometric assessments I’ve done over the years, and almost anyone who’s met me, tend to agree. And everyone knows, extroverts are awesome networkers. But, what happens when that’s simply, not true??

For many, being an extrovert is synonymous with being confident. A quick google search landed me on an article by Eugene Therapy that stated “People who are extroverts are typically outgoing, have high self-esteem, are energized by being around other people, are socially confident and enjoy being in large social gatherings or public speaking. They also tend to be sociable and friendly” - Great! That must mean I’m an excellent networker who thrives at conferences and events where I’m introducing myself to new people every 10 seconds. Wrong.?

I actually quite like networking now, but when I first started in recruitment? it was never something I was very confident with. I’ve spoken to lots of people that detest it and only do it “because they absolutely have to”. If you find yourself with a strong urge to lock yourself in a dark room to recharge after a night of networking, you’re not alone.

One thing I found amusing when I first started networking was that recruiters never really seemed to want to speak to each other. And if they did, the conversions rarely lead to any genuine connection. It’s amazing how many people were having their ‘best ever month’ and had?‘so much in their pipeline’ they simply can’t talk for long. As much as they’d love to. Obviously.?

If you’ve ever worked in recruitment, I’m sure you’ll have experienced what I’m about to describe. If you haven’t, then what follows might sound a little odd. It might help to use your best David Attenborough narration voice whilst you read it. Ok, here we go. You turn up to a networking event. As you scan the crowded room you spot your two or three competitors (the ones that just beat you on your last role(s), we've all been beaten). Your eyes lock together. But you don’t move towards each other. Instead, each of you dart around the room to find the nearest hiring manager to cling onto. You then all perform this strange networking dance of moving around each other, talking to the same groups but not to each other, before finally playing ‘last one standing’ by trying not to be the first to leave. This may be the same in other industries too, I just haven’t had the first hand experience of it.?

Described above is likely more my own experience,?happening more in my imagination than real life. Stemming from a general lack of self-confidence with networking. I now make an effort to seek out other recruiters and have made some really good connections because of it. I’d recommend it.?

I'm starting to plan which networking events and conferences I’ll attend this year and I’m sure a few other people are as well. If the thought of having to introduce yourself to unknown people scares you, or if you just want to get the most from the time you invest into networking, here are some tips to hopefully make you feel that little bit more confident (in no particular order).?

1. Target odd numbered groups? - It’s much easier to talk to a group of three people than it is four. Ask to join and you'll likely now have two separate one on one conversations taking place.?
2. If you can, plan ahead - Find out who will be there and let them know you’re attending and will come and chat when you see them.?
3. Focus on building relationships, not connections. Not every interaction has to be a business transaction.?
4. Be an active listener and ask open ended questions.?
5. Have a short introduction planned - Why are you there, what are you looking to get out of attending and what’s your value proposition??
6. You miss all the chances you don't take, go and introduce yourself to the person you have tried to contact recently and got no reply.?
7. Practice makes perfect - It’s totally okay to feel like you haven’t nailed a networking event. There's always next time.?
8. Don't be put off by your first few experiences - The more you attend, the more people you connect with and the more people you'll know and recognise for next time.?

I'll be attending the Offshore Wind Conference in Glasgow at the end of January before heading to LA for Intersolar North America. If you're planning to be at either, let me know and let's chat!

[email protected]

Link to the Eugene Therapy article - https://eugenetherapy.com/article/3-personality-traits-of-extroverts/