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Top 5 Networking Tips for Introverts
by Ross Macpherson, President, Career Quest
Networking is very easy for extroverts, but for introverts the
prospect of “meeting and greeting” is just like root
canal without the drugs, only less desirable. Here are a few tips
to help get you introverts out there into the networking game:
(by the way, contrary to popular belief, I am actually an introvert
myself, so I’m not just blowing smoke here)
Introvert Tip #1: Change the name
Don’t think of it as “networking” – that
word has a scary connotation. Think of it as gathering information.
In your job, if you needed to gather information from somewhere,
you very often have to get in touch with someone. So, to begin your
networking, treat it like a research project, simply contact those
people who have the information you need, and keep in touch every
so often.
Introvert Tip #2: Go with a buddy
Going alone to a networking or business event can be intimidating,
and even if you gather the nerves to go on your own, chances are
you’ll hang out by the cheese platter most of the time trying
not to look as awkward and uncomfortable as you feel. Go with a
buddy and work as a team – it works.
Introvert Tip #3: Get the other person talking
If you don’t know how to get talking, ask open–ended
questions that get the other person talking about themselves. “So,
what brings you here?” “How did you get started in this
field?” “Tell me what you do”. People love to
talk about themselves, and provided you show genuine interest in
their response, they’ll think you’re a great conversationalist.
Introvert Tip #4: Join a networking group
Sometimes the scary part of networking is that it’s perceived
as a social activity without any “structure” –
a wide open space where you have to make contacts yourself. There
are formal networking groups out there that have the structure introverts
need. Many allow you to join small dedicated groups that meet regularly,
allowing you to take the time you need to get comfortable with everyone.
Others, on a bigger scale, hold networking events where you are
assigned a table, they give you a task (speak to 2 people at your
table), and then rotate tables. By the end of the meeting, you’ve
met 5 or 6 people.
Introvert Tip #5: Passive networking options
Trust me, the last thing I want to tell an introvert is that networking
can be done alone in front of the computer, but honestly there are
more “passive” options out there that can help expand
your network (I said ”expand” your network, not “be”
your network). For example, options include sending an email to
the author of an article, writing an article yourself (gets your
name out there as a start), joining a Usenet group, or joining some
of the online e-networking sites such as Ryze.com or Yahoo!Groups.com.
Add these more passive strategies to your networking plan and your
network is on its way!
© 2005 Ross Macpherson
About the Author
Ross Macpherson is the President of Career Quest, a Certified Professional
Resume Writer, and a Career Success Coach who has helped thousands
of motivated professionals advance their careers. To receive more
valuable career advice, sign up to join his monthly newsletter "Career
Accelerator" by visiting www.yourcareerquest.com.
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