When I talk with groups about networking basics, I always chat a little bit about how as a introvert, I am totally uncomfortable in the setting they are all sitting in; the big group. Usually before I present, if I can, I do go around and meet people, but I have to push myself out of my very comfortable, comfort zone to do so. At Lourdes University, there were many MBA students in my audience when I spoke in November of last year. That made me even more uncomfortable, because they have way more education than I.
But every time I do talk about the tricks that I employ to make networking in large groups easier for me, someone comes up afterwards and thanks me for helping them with that very issue. So here are a couple hints for all the "innies" of the world. (And I'm not talking about belly buttons!)
1. I give myself a job at the event, usually a host. That way I am doing my job, not attending a networking event. It is just a little mind game but it works for me. As the host, I find people who are just as uncomfortable as I and help them to ease into the situation by introducing them to other helpful people.
2. I set an easy goal to achieve at the event. I usually want to meet two new people and schedule later appointments with them. When I achieve my goal then I feel good about myself and those endorphins helps to ease the discomfort, too.
3. After I have reached my goals, I allow myself to socialize with people I know and also partake of the beverages and food. So after I have pushed the walls of my comfort zone out a bit, I then can play in the safe space. My reward for the hard work I've done!
Alright all you introverts, out there, what can you add to this?
3 comments:
Also an introvert, Debby. Dislike crowds. Love to talk with people one-on-one or in small groups. Dislike small talk. Love thinking about going home to a good book. Run out the door at the earliest opportunity. And, yet, I love people and listening to their stories. Another good tip, I think, is to simply focus on the other(s). Everyone could use a hand. And, one of my favorite things in the world is to make connections for people. Just told a young Arab writer on Twitter about an opportunity in Britain for a residency -- and he's going to apply. THAT makes me feel great. So, keeping a focus on others at these large networking events does help me. Thanks for the post. From one introvert to another, rock on!
Kate, that is so funny. I spoke to a group of MBA students on Friday and driving there I felt very tired. It was also raining. I wanted to go home a curl up with my book, too. But the students were really engaged and I felt so energized when I left. Good lesson for me!
Both introverts and extroverts can be on top of their networking game, albeit through different means. Know more here: https://www.randstad.com.sg/career-advice/tips-and-resources/networking-for-introverts/
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