As an introvert, you might find networking difficult, even if you want to meet like-minded people.
Since introverts are modest and appreciate privacy, they are usually uncomfortable talking about themselves or their business with strangers. So the image they’ll project when they feel that way may be far from how they really are. Which is not the best way to start or carry on a conversation with a stranger.
Also, there are many unknown elements at a networking event. A lot to observe and take in! Which becomes overwhelming for introverts, who are fine observers of both the inner and outer world, and have a very active mind. No wonder their energy drains faster during these events! Some might even avoid them overall, since it takes a lot more time to recharge after such events.
Can introverts be good at networking?
Yes, if they want to. There are many strategies that could help you become good at networking, even if you’re an introvert.
We talked about seven of them in the article 7 Tips for Networking as an Introvert. Used consistently, these strategies will expand the introverts’ comfort zone—making it easier to connect with new people when they want to, and build genuine relationships.
We’ll mention below seven roles that use with these strengths and make the introverts’ experience with networking more enjoyable and mutually beneficial.
Taking on one or more of these roles during a networking interaction helps introverts to redirect their attention from their own thoughts (How should I start the conversation? What should I say next?) … to proving value. Which usually leads to more enjoyable conversations, projects a more realistic image of who they are, and leave a good impression … all important factors to build genuine relationships that could “pay back” in time.
Another way to network with more confidence is to tap into the introvert strengths. Curiosity and willingness to help others, for example.
The Curious
Shift your attention from yourself to the people you meet. Get curious about who they are, what they’re looking for, what they offer (skills, products, or services).
This doesn’t mean that you need to buy something. However, knowing more about them can give you ideas what else you can say, share, or who you connect them with (who might need what they offer or looking for).
The Helper
Meet people intending to help. Some might be open to it, others might not. It is worth trying anyway. What goes around comes around applies also to being helpful. Besides feeling good, helping others could make them more inclined to help you. So it comes back in time, although the help might not come from the same person.
For networking: when others are talking, pay attention to what they say and ask more questions. If you have information that can help them, share it right away. Or get their coordinates and share it later.
The Matchmaker
If you meet someone at an event and—while you’re there—you meet someone else who might be a good “match” for what they’re looking for (or they have something in common) … make the introduction while you’re there. Or even later.
The Mentor
Do you know an idea about what the other person could do or not do to avoid mistakes, or same time? Any useful tips or strategies?
Taking ad hoc on a mentor role will also make you feel valuable.
You might even realize that you, too, can benefit more from your own advice—a great reminder that would probably wouldn’t pop up in your mind if you didn’t have that conversation.
The Grateful
It doesn’t take any effort to be critical or negative. However, that doesn’t help others or you.
Recognize something that you find valuable about the others, what they do, or the conversation. Make a genuine compliment. Offer to write a testimonial.
We’re more creative and feel better when we’re in a “grateful” mode. Shall we mention that it’s contagious too?
The Volunteer
By offering help, we make ourselves available to serve others. Even though volunteering doesn’t involve money, it offers various other benefits-some of which are surprisingly positive. You can offer to evaluate a product, a service, their website, a document, their ideas … to write a testimonial or review … to help organize an event … There are many ways to volunteer.
If you’re not sure, ask: How can I assist you?They know precisely where they require help.
If you’re afraid of being asked to do something you can’t or don’t want to, there’s always a way to answer that keeps the door open. Be creative!
The Promoter
If you’re ok to pass along the information received in your circle, let the person know what and how you’ll share it.
You’ll certainly have their gratitude.
As an introvert, when you take on any of these roles during networking, you will also keep your negative thoughts at bay during the interaction. Since your mind will be busy focusing on the outside world more than on yourself. Plus, these roles come more naturally to introverts—we like to help!
Also, embracing this approach focused on helping will make you feel more comfortable while talking to strangers. And you’ll project a more accurate image of who you are.
Which, in return, will help you! Since proving value and making others feel better will make them more open to help you. You reap what you sow. And feel good in the process.
Ready to take the guesswork out of networking and play to your introverted strengths?
Choose one or two roles from this list to focus on at your next event, and feel the difference it makes.
Let us know in the comments which role resonates with you the most, and how it changed your networking experience.
Want to master the art of networking as an introvert?
Check out our Introverts Academy course Networking … the Introvert Way!
Gabriela Casineanu, MSc, MBA, MBTI
Founder, Introverts Academy