Networking with Integrity (for Introverts)

Whether you are a Job Seeker, an Up-and-coming Entrepreneur, a Scientist asking a “big question” or an Existentialist seeking a greater sense of meaning and purpose in your life, arguably the one thing that will help you most is to connect with others, ask questions, share information and take smart risks or in other words “Network”.

Networking is probably one of the main reasons we aren’t still living in caves and rubbing sticks together … We’ve evolved to the degree that we have because of our ability to come together, share information and learn from each other. And yes, while Networking can seem daunting and intimidating (as an introvert I can relate) we can ultimately approach it like any other skill we have learned.

Case in point, this article came about because of networking. I asked a number o my colleagues for some of their favorite Networking tips and Mary-Ann Owens sent me the 6 links below. In other words, by simply showing up in my network and asking a question, I’m leveraging Mary-Ann’ initiative, energy and generosity as well as the insights of 6 authors!

NETWORKING 101: an article for introverts, https://www.businesspundit.com/how-to-network-for-introverts/ I thoughts this first sentence really get’s at the heart of the matter. For introverts networking is exhausting! …”I have a problem. I’m an introvert. I’m not shy. I’m not afraid of being in public. But I am horrible at chit-chat and gossip. If I spend an evening at a social function with people I don’t know or don’t like, I get home and feel like I’ve spent all day at the ocean. It’s that fighting-the-waves and drained-by-the-sun kind of tired.”…

NETWORKING 102: Here’s a bit longer list of Networking tips for shy people: https://www.cio.com/article/2437488/relationship-building-networking/how-to-network--12-tips-for-shy-people.html This quote sums up a positive mindset: "Be authentic, share your passions and help other people feel good about themselves or be successful—that's all you have to do to network."

NETWORKING 103: This article https://www.careercast.com/career-news/six-tips-successful-networking makes a point I think is very valuable and that is this: “…remember that you're asking people for information, not a job. Networking often goes bad because job seekers try to ask friends and strangers about specific job openings…” The strategy is to strike up a mutually beneficial business-conversation. Have a purpose for the meeting or conversation. It’s OK even good to ask for help, however, if you do then ask for something they can easily provide. For example, one purpose for a Networking Meeting is to learn more about their company or industry (dig deeper and try to find out where their biggest challenges lie, are these areas you can help them with…?)

NETWORKING 104: One of the biggest challenges for many professionals is that they envision Networking as a high pressure sales tactic type scenario which is diametrically opposed to what a good Networking Meeting looks like in real life as this article https://www.helpguide.org/articles/work-career/job-networking-tips.htm explains: “Are you hesitant to network out of fear of being seen as pushy, annoying, or self-serving? Don’t be. Networking isn’t about using other people or aggressively promoting yourself—it’s about building relationships. And while it may sound intimidating, it can be rewarding and fun, even if you’re shy.”

NETWORKING 105: Ready to get started? This article has a practical checklist to help you get moving: https://www.job-hunt.org/job-search-networking/finding-your-network.shtml

NETWORKING 106: What if there are no good Networking events in your area? Then why not create your own? Here is an article with tips on creating your own event: https://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Successful-Networking-Event Which of these tips do you agree with? Which ones would you change or add? You might also want to check out www.meetup.com and explore groups that meet regularly in your area based on common interests and passions.

NETWORKING 107: When I was in University getting my degree in Psychology I took a lot of Statistics courses, not because I liked them (I didn’t) but because I knew it would be important for me to understand Statistics to make sense of the research studies I was reading in my other Psyc classes. I see Networking very much in the same light, it’s not at the top of the lists of things I like to do, but it is a necessary part of any profession. Regular and effective Networking is the key to survive and thrive in times where companies, markets, economies and nations can suddenly find themselves in flux and turmoil.

Of course there is much more to Networking than what is covered here. Please post your examples, tips, inspiring results, suggestions and insights below!

May you find opportunities worthy of your many gifts and talents!