Networking Tips for Introverts
Leanne Calderwood, CMP
LinkedIn?? and Personal Branding for Introverts??Create Impact, Not Noise?? Speaker & Trainer around LinkedIn, Personal Branding and ChatGPT ?? FREE MASTERCLASS DEC 3, 4, 10 ?? Speaking at IAEE's #ExpoExpo
I’m so done living a lie. ?? I did it for years. I see other people doing it, and I wish they would stop. ??
Showing up as an “extrovert” in the #meetings and #events industry was exhausting, and (dare I say) completely inauthentic. ??
When I decided to embrace my natural tendency to be an introvert, that is where I felt TRUE connection with my clients and partners ??. I showed up as my best self, instead of a shell of who I really was.
But just because I’m an introvert, doesn’t mean I can’t hang out in #hospitality. Contrary to popular belief:
?? Introverts are NOT shy
?? Introverts are not afraid of public speaking
?? Introverts DO like people, just not all the time ??
So in a busy people-centered industry, providing spaces and forums for introverts to recharge is one of the easiest ways for #eventprofs to serve their diverse audience.
And if you’re an introvert like me, there are things you can do to help show up authentically, and with energy!?
? Meet people first online - instead of walking into a networking reception cold, “warm” up your new connections with some online social media chat!?Consider using LinkedIn as your platform of choice!
? Pre-event networking - are you travelling solo? Consider connecting with a few like-minded individuals before going to a large event to help ease into the bigger networking room. ?? Meeting in these smaller groups before a larger event will help you break the ice at the larger event, and gives you an opportunity for deeper conversations in a somewhat quieter setting.
? The After-Party at Networking Events – don’t want to party at the loud bar after the event? Invite some to join you for a post-networking event cocktail or coffee at the hotel lobby lounge. ?? Wind down with good conversation and call it a night early. You’ll be primed for a better tomorrow versus those that stay out late. ??
? Morning networking – If you retired early the night before, you’ll be at your best in the early morning as will some other early birds. Create your community with these like-minded individuals and connect with them over a cup of coffee versus a wine glass. ?
? Post-Networking Event and Post-Conference Wind Down – Being “on” and networking for 3-4 straight days by introverts can be exhausting. Ensure you build in some downtime after your events to unwind and get back to equilibrium. It could be a spa day, a couple of hours with a good book, a good night’s rest, or quality time with family. Purposely schedule some time to replenish your energy. ??
Introverts, while networking and entertaining non-stop may not be our favourite activity in the world, it's not a bad place to be when you do some pre-planning and prep for the event ahead. Best of luck at your next event, and if you see me there, please come say “hi” to a fellow introvert ??
To all my friends, introverts and extroverts alike, ??????
-Leanne
?? PS. Do your team members need to see this as well? Please send them this newsletter! ??
?? Not sure about using LinkedIn to break the ice? Download this free guide to help you step out onto the platform and make some new connections!
??? Canadian Meetings and Events Expo - August 16-17
CMEE returns to Toronto this summer, bigger and better than ever!!!!??? Local, national and international destinations will be meeting with corporate and association planners from coast to coast to talk business and industry trends!
?? Registration for planners still reduced! - save your spot at the show here!
?? Booth space is selling out quickly! Connect with me or Melissa Arnott ASAP to save your spot!
?? *NEW* this year!! If you are a partner looking to set yourself apart from the rest of the partners in the room, connect with me about some elevated media and video opportunities to showcase your hotel, destination and other services! ??
领英推荐
??? PCMA Canadian Innovation Conference - November 20-22, Niagara Falls Canada
Designed to meet the needs of meeting and event professionals and suppliers whose organizations are engaged in providing services related to the conduct and operation of meetings, conventions, seminars, exhibits and trade shows, PCMA is sure to deliver!
Experience the high calibre of educational content that PCMA is renowned for in an environment customized to the Canadian market.
?? Join me and Chantel Beaupre on Monday, November 21st and we discuss Introverts In?Meetings and Events. And then join me again on Tuesday for Personal Branding For Those That Aren’t Kardashians. ??
?? Register via PCMA CIC’s website here. And watch for updates on PCMA Canada East Chapter’s LinkedIn page.
?? Podcast alert!!! ?? I had a busy June chatting with 2 of the industry’s greatest minds on their podcasts!!
??Eric Rozenberg is an industry titan, author and all-around amazing individual. I joined him on his Business of Meetings podcast where we chatted about all things Personal Branding. ??? You can find the full episode here.?????
??Mitch Malinsky, Head of Strategic Partnerships at PheedLoop, has an incredible energy and a thirst for knowledge. We talked about personal branding, in particular about LinkedIn and the 5 questions you should answer with your personal brand. ??? You can listen in on the full episode here. ???
?? Books of the Week - This has been a season of really dialing into my morning routine. Two books are being read simultaneously:
?? Free to Focus by Michael Hyatt - a productivity book, not about doing more in less time, but about creating margin so you can be more creative! I’m loving it! ??
?? The 5AM Club by Robin Sharma - All about winning your day, and your life, as an early riser. The early bird gets the worm as they say! ??
These people made an impression!!! ?? At the recent MPI WEC conference in San Francisco, I met some of these talented individuals for the first time, and some for the first time in many many years - check out these radical change-makers and industry shakers, give them a follow, and make an intention to connect with them at a future show!
?? Rachel Andrews, Cvent
?? Ciara Feely, Sales Strategist
?? Susan Piel - Spiel Planning
?? Judit Szepfalvi, Meeting & Event Planner
?? James Robilotta, Speaker and Comedian
?? Courtney Stanley, Speaker and Emcee
Events Expert ?? Host of the Where People Meet Podcast ?? The Dog Father ?? Head of Sales @ PheedLoop (we're hiring!)
2 年Wow... you continue to one-up yourself, Leanne ?? . What an incredible edition of the 'Brand New YOU!' newsletter. I'm a little ticked that I'm only discovering your newsletter now because I've been missing out on some top-notch content. Luckily, I've bookmarked your previous editions to read on my morning commute over the next few days! ? your 'The 5 AM Club' book shoutout. I've been learning to take control of my mornings since reading Robin Sharma's book last summer. The morning habits I've committed to have done wonders for my productivity, personal relationships, and physical/mental health.
Best-Selling Author | Int. Speaker | Corporate Facilitator- The Official Glue provides corporate networking training to increase organic leads & retain clients through creating customized networking strategies.
2 年I ??this! As a Networking Strategist & Professional Speaker, I often say introverts are the better networkers. Introverts have the skills needed for effective networking but are usually unaware of their superpower. These tips are great points when trying to work the room and can become exponential when adding the introverted super glue to the mix. Thank you for sharing ??
Partner, Tydz Hospitality Marketing and Management
2 年Well said!
Estate Planning Expert | Helping Retirees | Secure your legacy & maximize wealth transfer. Certified Executor Advisor (CEA) Life and Health Licensed in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. LLQP
2 年Excellent tips Leanne Calderwood, CMP ? you just made my day!
Director of Sales and Marketing at Magnolia Hotel Denver and 17th by Magnolia
2 年Great read Leanne Calderwood, CMP ? ! Thanks for the shoutout!