7 Rules to Successfully Network as an Introvert

I’m an introvert. Which also means that the way I’m set up, crowded places filled with strangers and small talk don’t exactly agree with me. When it comes to networking, it seems the stage is open and reserved for extroverts. You know, those who can start small talk about just anything and look comfortable in pretty much any setting…Hence the reason why many introverts refrain from engaging in networking at all…

If you happen to be an introvert, and are not sure how to be more effective, and fulfilled when networking, here are 7 rules that will take your networking from blah to wow:

Be clear about your why!

One of the biggest mistakes that I made was to network for the sake of networking. I wasn’t clear about my goals and why I really wanted to connect with a certain group of people. As it turns out, I wasn’t clear about my why!

Why are you attending this networking event? What are you hoping to get out of it? What connections are your hoping to make and why? What are you open to contributing to this event?

Prepare, prepare, prepare!

Let’s be honest, I’ve had times when I failed to show up at networking events because I went to the wrong place. Or I would forget to bring my business cards, show up late, or spill wine on the host. With the exception of spilling wine on the host, some of these mistakes can easily be avoided with some advance planning.

Here are a few things you can do to prepare:

Locate where the networking event will be taking place (do a test drive to it if you can)
Make sure to bring your business cards and an extra name tag
Go over the list of attendees and tentatively pick at least 2 people you want to connect with
Brainstorm on a series of questions you can use in your conversations

Start with women’s networking group

One of the things that really helped me when I decided to push my networking efforts forward was to attend women’s networking groups. Attending networking events with fellow working women can be more comfortable and feel more familiar at first. This is a good place to start practicing your networking skills and get over some of your initial fears. You’ll meet fellow working women like you who may be facing the same or similar obstacles you are.

While you may not want to limit yourself to women’s networking groups, these are a great start if you’re an introvert or just want to hone your networking skills. Organizations like Ellevate Network are great places to begin as well.

Start with a buddy

It’s normal to dread stepping into unfamiliar territory, especially as an introvert. However, taking a buddy with you can relieve some of the pressure and make the whole experience fun!
Can you find a buddy or girlfriend who can tag along with you at networking events?

Tap into your listening skills

Introverts have a natural ability to listen. When it comes to networking, it’s an invaluable skill. Learn to tap into your listening skills to learn as much as possible about the new connections you’re making and building a relationship with them.

Take time out

As introverts, we can only handle a certain amount of socializing time before we need to replenish our mental resources by spending some time alone. Don’t hesitate to take some time out during networking events, so you don’t end up drained and depleted.

This may be stepping out for a minute, or taking a short break to grab a drink.

Challenge yourself

Challenge yourself to take your networking efforts to the next level. If you’ve attended one networking event this month, why not take it up a notch and attend two next month? Why not join that organization that you’ve been dreaming to be a part of?

The more you challenge yourself, the better you get!