The Networking Guide for Introverts

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Building a network can be more arduous when you are an introvert. With introverted individuals enjoying spending time alone, the act of going out and connecting with new people may easily exhaust them. However, staying in the comfort zone where you are only responsible for yourself may not get you far in your career. Networking is essential if you want to expand your horizon and enhance your professional value. If you are an introvert that has no idea how to start networking, this article will give you insights on the first few things to prepare. 

1 . Prepare Topics

The first thing to do about expanding your network, even if you are an introvert who feels like talking is quite overwhelming, is to start from within. You need to have a value proposition and it is your understanding of things. For example, if you are interested in growing your network in the financial industry, prepare topics that are related, such as personal finance, insurance, investment, and so on. Read more articles, books, news, or anything that equips you with related knowledge; just enough to make you learn the rest from your upcoming network. Not keen on reading or simply having no time to do it? You can listen to podcasts or watch videos about what you are keen to expand your network in. More importantly, do remember that your goal is to expand relations, not to spill gossip.

2 . Be More Approachable

How would people know that you are open to expanding your network if you never show the intention? That being said, try to be more approachable. Coming off as a closed person with a reluctant response when replying to people may make people hesitant to reach out to you. On your social media, learn to respond nicely to people and let them know you are glad to be of help. This should be easy since it requires only typing from behind the screen. In everyday life, learn to smile more often and try to say “hi” first to people. For example, during the lunch break in your office, leave your earphones on your desk and answer eagerly if your coworkers initiate a talk. 

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3 . Overcome Anxiousness

It is understandable that being more approachable can be quite intimidating. Introverts are relatively shy and it is not a secret that a shy person is often too absorbed with oneself, it cultivates insecurity within. To overcome this anxiousness, try to get rid of bad assumptions they may have on you. Learn a bit by bit to nurture your confidence; not everyone you meet dislikes you and just because they look at you, it does not mean something is wrong with how you look that day. Doing this surely takes time and it is life-long learning for introverts. Rome was not built in a day anyway, and so is your confidence.

4 . Start with Your Closest Circle

It is not a secret that most introverts value quality over quantity, including when it comes to making friends. If you have this mindset as well, you can start networking from your closest circle. Try to reach your best friend and arrange a friendly meet-up. Use this chance to practice networking by telling them about what you have in mind or about things you are interested in expanding your network for. If this goes well, do the same with the rest of your closest friends and colleagues one at a time. The more you do this, you will train your reflex in interacting, thus helping you do this with new people. Keep in mind that your goal is to expand your network, not replace it. Your previous and present circles are not to be forgotten or neglected. 

5 . Focus on The Other Person

If you are still uncomfortable with yourself, the other person will know. To overcome this, try to alter your anxiousness by shining the spotlight on the person or people you are talking to. This will make them feel like someone is listening to them and it truly is flattering. This is how you do networking without having too much to speak about. Everyone loves feeling flattered and being complimented. Find out about the person you are about to talk to and find things they seem to love. Remember to be sincere in doing this. If your microexpression and body language are made-up, it will show and can set up a really awkward tone during the talk. 

To make sure you focus on the other person, learn the art of being curious, meaning that you always know what to ask or inquire. In asking questions, try your best to avoid close-ended questions whose answers are usually short or a simple yes/no. An example of a close-ended question will be: “Have you listened to X podcast?”. Instead, ask open-ended questions; ones that emphasize the why or how and will give you a storytelling-like answer, such as “Do you have any podcast recommendation that is easy to listen to but is insightful too?”. This will also help you in networking as an introvert since the networking you do will require less effort from you, but you still come off as a person that is attentive and always eager to listen.

Finally, there is no use in complaining about having a stagnant career while doing nothing to expand your network. You need to do something real about it and being an introvert should not be your excuse to not connect with more people. There are ways to stay true to your reserved self as a person while knowing well how to approach people to help you go far in your career. Good luck!

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