Networking While Introverted

I’m an introvert. 

I am not shy. I don’t hate people. I don’t have social anxiety.

I’m just an introvert. Which means that I get my energy from within, not from others. I know that can be confusing because I am gregarious, friendly, outgoing and charming at work, with clients and around people I know. I have an awesome group of friends (and a boyfriend), speak frequently at conferences, and love collaborating with my teammates, so I've started calling myself an extroverted introvert. #ownitgirl

Now imagine working for the same company, with many of the same people, for almost 13 years, and then … not. 

Go ahead. Say it. I’ll wait.

IT’S TIME TO NETWORK.

For many of us, networking is one of the most daunting things because you have to talk to people you may not know well. About yourself. A lot. But since most job opportunities come from people you know, or from people that they know, you have to get personal.

Since I'm not the only who finds networking daunting, here are five tips to help you on your journey.

1.    Vulnerability is not a bad word

Introverts hate small talk and can find it hard to connect to people they aren’t close with. Networking challenges all of that. So how to succeed in this process? Enter Brené Brown, the patron saint of vulnerability. By embracing your truth - on your terms - you can push beyond the awkward and open yourself up to opportunity. Being brave & starting the journey is 80% of the battle. Trust yourself.

2.    Take your time

You don’t have to rush into the networking process - make your own rules. If that means you reach out to people slowly, so be it. If you’re not ready to jump right to an in-person meeting, don’t. I know this sounds simplistic, but at first I said “yes” to every phone call/invitation and I found myself quickly overwhelmed. Once I slowed down and was more deliberate, my interactions became far more meaningful and fruitful. Trust your gut. It will help set a pace that works for you.

3.    Own your story

It’s human nature not to see ourselves as clearly as others do. For introverts, that can make it even harder to sell ourselves authentically. Here’s the truth, though: be proud of your story, whatever it is. Your experience doesn’t have to be big to be important. It just has to be real. Who you are and how you interact with others are the only things you control in life. Celebrating what makes you unique will give you the freedom to just be yourself. And people will notice.

4.    Your network wants to help

When I started sharing my job search with my network, a surprising thing happened: everyone asked what they could do. People offered to review my resume, connect me with someone they knew, or keep their eyes open for jobs. Take the leap and reach out in whatever way makes you comfortable, and don’t forget to thank your network for their insight and help. You have those connections for a reason. They will give you the strength to push ahead, and open your eyes to opportunities you may not have thought of.

5.    Embrace the give-and-take

Never forget that networking goes both ways, and is not always linear. One day someone will help you, then next you will help someone else. Our relationships are the only currency we can count on, so build them, nurture them, and always respect them.

___

I know that jumping into networking with both feet taught me more about myself – and the goodness of people - than I ever expected. So put yourself out there, and let me know how it goes (Seriously!). Because now that I'm part of YOUR network, this extroverted introvert has total faith that you're gonna rock it.

A lapsed Philosophy major with an MFA in theatrical lighting design and 20+ years experience in the web design industry, Eve is both an experienced designer & a quirky addition to your next dinner party. When not making the world a better place (one design at a time) she listens to 80's music on a loop, works on her GenX inspired website, Instagram & podcast and is little obsessed with ampersands. Wanna work together? Get in touch!