If you’re an introvert, just thinking about networking might make you feel uncomfortable. I can totally relate. I am a card-carrying introvert, but I also understand how important it is to have a warm network of people to support you personally and professionally. 

Today, we will focus on building and maintaining your professional network as an introvert. This was top of mind because I promised to attend a new networking event last week and I was feeling a little stressed about it, to be honest. 

As an introvert, and especially post pandemic, my inclination is to stay behind my laptop. My preferred way to meet with people is on Zoom, but I also will grudgingly admit that in-person networking is important and should have its place. 

The fact is that I do well at in-persion events and, if I am honest, they work better for me. I am more likely to get client referrals and opportunities for speaking gigs if I get my lazy butt out of the house. 

Having a strong professional network will help you and your business. One of the blocks many business owners have, especially people who identify as introverts, is around professional networking. They know that they need to do it, but the thought of doing it makes them queasy. 

They wonder if it will be awkward. They wonder if it will be a waste of time. They wonder if they are going to say something stupid or freeze. And let’s be honest, any or all of these things could happen. 

Here are some things to try if you want to have a better networking experience as an introvert. 

Practice talking about your business 

Many of the professionals I work with don’t love talking about themselves or their business, especially as new business owners. It can be helpful to practice what you are going to say. Keep it short, targeted, and concise. You get bonus points for not being bland or boring, or sounding the same as three other people in the room. 

For example, when people ask me what I do I might say, “I am a career transition expert. I help driven professionals who have been laid off – or are pissed off – find a great new opportunity.” 

That usually gets a laugh and people nod in understanding. They know people who have been laid off or who currently hate their job and are looking for a new one. Sometimes someone at the netoworking event will ask me who my ideal client is and then we are off to the races. 

Another way to structure talking about what you do is to tell a story or give some description about the situation your ideal client is in and what you do to help them. 

Here is an example of what I might say to try to get referrals for the other side of my business, “After 5-7 years in their business, solo entrepreneurs can feel burned out and uninspired. They aren’t sure whether to look for a job or try to fix their business. I help them think through their current situation and desired life goals to help them determine their right next step.”

If you are lucky, the person you are talking to will say that sounds like the situation their sister / partner / friend is in. Bingo!

Imagine having an interesting conversation

I am a natural strategist. Thinking about business strategy and solving business problems is one of my favorite things to do. At a business networking event, people can feel comfortable sharing recent successes or challenges. Sometimes you can be helpful, and sometimes you may just listen. But the stories can be fascinating, and imagining that I might learn something about a new company or industry can help me get to the networking event. 

Tell yourself you might make a friend 

If you go to the same event multiple times, it is highly likely that you will make a connection that will turn into a client / customer, referral partner, vendor, or personal friend. (It might even happen the first time you attend, but it’s better not to count on that.)

Meeting potential clients, partners, or vendors is why you go to a business networking event, but don’t be the business-card-throwing ninja. Nobody wants to do business with that person. I recommend staying present, listening to what people share, and offering advice or a resource, if you have something of value.

If you do this, you will enjoy networking more and get better results from your networking.

Photo by Product School on Unsplash