An Introverts Guide to Successful Networking - Your Career Intel

An Introverts Guide to Successful Networking - Your Career IntelJust receiving an invite to a networking vorstellung can be enough to raise stress levels and elicit a sense of dread in an introverted professional. If youre an introvert who constantly avoids networking events, however, youre missing out on some great opportunities.In my experience matching talented professionals with leading companies, Ive binnenseen simple networking efforts lead to new business, career advancement and valuable professional connections. Instead of staying home or attending and setting up camp in the corner with your smartphone take a look at the following strategies that lead to mora successful networking for introverts.Seek Out Small Groups and One-On-One ConversationsDo you get nervous when you walk into a room with a large group of people? Take a moment and remember that you wont have to talk with all of them at once. Like many overwhelming things in life, that big crowd can be broken down into more manageable parts. If you see a group of two or three or better yet a person standing alone go introduce yourself. Youll not only be more comfortable in a small group situation, but youre also more likely to have productive, meaningful exchanges.Practice Talking About YourselfIf you avoid sharing information about yourself or if you rush through descriptions of what you do, youre missing out on the primary benefit of networking. In other words, you might as well have stayed on your couch with a book. Before you head to your next happy hour, practice answering a few common questions about yourself and giving thoughtful responses that are longer than just a handful of words. When youre in front of others, youll be less likely to speed through or skip over a great opportunity for personal exposure.Bring a ColleagueInstead of silently envying your extroverted coworkers natural networking abilities, ask him to join you at your next event. Not only are you likely to meet more people , but you can think of your colleague as a home base to return to if you become overwhelmed. Just be sure youre not clinging to your coworkers side at the expense of improving your own networking skills.Have a PlanDo your eyes glaze over after more than an hour at a networking event? The simple solution is to plan your exit before you hit a wall. Always determine how long youre going to stay at an event, and commit to making the most of this time. Youll be much more productive if you know that youll be back home and enjoying your own company by 1000 PM.If you have a time limit in distributionspolitik but you find yourself counting down the minutes instead of being productive, incorporate a goal into your plan. Challenge yourself to speak with at least seven people and hand out fifteen business cards, for example, before the event ends.Take Care of YourselfEven if you follow these introvert networking tips, you may still leave events feeling drained. Instead of fighting your personal ity, give yourself permission to be selective about your attendance. Make note of what types of networking sessions work best for you (morning vs. evening, meals vs. happy hours, etc.), and only commit to attending those.Understand that you might also need to plan an introvert-friendly escape after a networking session. Taking time for yourself allows you to recharge and gets you ready to tackle the next event.If youre an introvert, what other strategies do you use to enhance your networking? Comment below and share your personal networking tips with others.