Networking for the Introvert

I'm an introvert...and proud!

I was always the 'quiet thinker' in class who preferred 'her own company.' Crowds bothered me and small talk was uncomfortable. 

I chose a career where I could hide behind a uniform and NEVER have to rely on myself having to get my own business in to get paid - AKA nursing. However, after years of not touching that professional happiness that I craved, I decided to change my career and industry. For the first time I attended networking meetings, the result: painful, cringeworthy and useless. Working the room was an anxiety inducing concept! I came away with no connections and I soon learnt that in order to survive I needed to change my opinion of myself. 

I stopped seeing this 'introvert' label as a hindrance and instead I used it to my advantage. Here are 4 off the cuff points for the 'introvert' at the networking meeting:

• We excel when networking on a one-to-one level, so go to smaller networking groups or arrange those one-to-one meetings.
• Prepare before the meeting. You'll know the theme of the meeting so prepare in advance, have your scripts ready and well rehearsed if necessary.
• If small talk is difficult, again prepare in advance and have questions at hand to extend the thread of conversations or (pre researched) topics of conversations appropriate to the theme of the meeting. 
• Know when to exit the conversation and do so positively. Eye contact, a hand shake and "it was really great / interesting to meet you." Will go along way.

We may not be as loud or show great bounding energy and outwards presence in a group lead social situation, but there's room for us and we can be just as powerful and successful when networking. Don't let being an Introvert hold you back, adapt your strategy and grab those opportunities!