Networking Tips For Introverts

What is networking?   Networking essentially is getting out and meeting people.   It can be either formal or informal and, whether you meet people in groups or one-on-one, it is your opportunity to get to know these people and allow them to get to know something about you.  

In the process you are able to gather helpful information about influential people, their companies, and possible career opportunities.   Networking helps you build personal contacts, and increases your profile in the business community.   Your contacts become your team of supporters, helping you toward your objective, which is meaningful employment.   Most of all, it´s important to remember that effective networking exposes you to the maximum number of opportunities in the shortest possible time.

Although a resume mailing campaign is an important part of the overall plan to get you that important interview, smart job searchers also spend up to 75-80 percent of their job search time meeting new people and working the "informal" route for job opportunities.   Networking is meeting people from companies you have targeted, or referrals you have cultivated from research and information interviews.   These are the people who can help you with opportunities in the hidden job market.

Most people are familiar with the term hidden job market.   It refers to jobs that have yet to be advertised in any formal manner such as the press, or with recruiting agencies.   They are uncovered primarily by word of mouth, and today and are estimated to make up to 85% of available jobs.

Networking is one of the oldest and surest ways to get a job.   It requires meeting people on a one-on-one basis and enlisting their assistance in introducing or referring you to people who can further expand your list of contacts.   Everyone can benefit from networking, not only for job searching, but also for developing friendships and expanding one''s interests.

Unfortunately for introverts, it''s getting more difficult to succeed professionally if you don''t develop a broad range of connections in the business community.   There simply is no job or vocation that allows you to be rewarded entirely for what you know and how well you do your work.   You have to do your job well, but also make sure that you make others aware of what you can do.

This is especially true if you are self-employed.   Word-of-mouth publicity is widely regarded as one of the best ways to promote just about any type of small-to-medium-sized business.

Visibility and maintaining a high profile are key components of any business success.   This can be difficult for introverts who would rather focus on their work than on relationships.   And it can be downright painful for shy types who cringe at the thought of self-promotion.

But there''s good news for those introverts.   Although networking as a means of developing one''s potential is here to stay, the good news is that networking is a skill that can be learned.

According to Michelle Tullier, author of "Networking for Everyone!" the following can help make business connections less painful:

1. TAKE BABY STEPS

Don''t try to become a master networker overnight.   A common mistake introverts make is thinking they can wake up one day and announce, "Today I''m going to be an active networker!"   That is about as realistic as suddenly announcing that you are going to lose 30 lbs. or quit smoking overnight.   It´s seldom that easy.

2. DON''T PRESUME YOU''RE BEING A PEST

Introverts are reluctant to contact people because they don´t want to be bothersome, and that may be the way they feel about being contacted.   Introverts generally prefer to be left alone - to do their work without interruptions, and without having their "own little world" invaded.   They fail to realize that most people don´t mind hearing from someone who has something of importance to offer them.

3. RELY ON YOUR SUPPORTERS

People close to you can provide encouragement and the kind of emotional support you need when the going gets tough.   They can also give you a good kick in the pants when you''re slacking off.   Networking isn''t particularly easy and can bring challenges that are difficult to overcome, especially if you are facing them all by yourself.

4. GET THE COMPETITIVE JUICES FLOWING

Remember that there are people less capable, qualified and talented than you, who are advancing simply because they connect with the right people.   And, seeing less qualified candidates getting ahead can often motivate even those who are not competitive by nature to muster up some competitive drive.

5. REST ON YOUR LAURELS

It''s OK to remember those times when you''ve gone outside your comfort zone and achieved success whether it be in group or one-on-one interactions.   These positive recollections can give you the courage to face difficult networking situations.

6. BE A LEADER

An advantage of taking a leadership position is that it gives you a built-in reason for connecting with people.   Introverts typically don''t seek leadership roles because these positions inevitably require participation in dreaded tasks such as committee meetings and team projects, which tend to be high profile in nature.   A behind-the-scenes leadership role such as newsletter editor, or secretary for a professional association may play to your strengths without forcing you to be more outgoing or political than you feel comfortable with.

7. ENLIST A SPOKESPERSON

If you are hesitant to contact someone you don''t know, consider having another person act as a go-between for you.   If someone in your network has given you the name of a colleague, ask the person to call first to advise them that you will be calling.   This simple introduction can reduce some of the anxiety of making that "cold call".

8. DON''T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF LISTENING

Those who don''t have the gift of gab shouldn''t despair.   Listening is just as important as talking when it comes to establishing good relationships.   There''s nothing extroverts like better than having someone who will listen to them talk.

9. DON''T SWEAT THE SMALL TALK

Small talk is just that.   A sense of humor or some profound insight is nice, but there''s nothing wrong with a harmless comment to break the ice such as, "good turnout, isn''t it?"   Asking a rhetorical question is often a good way to initiate conversation.

10. LIKE BIRDS OF A FEATHER, FLOCK TOGETHER

If you find group interaction difficult, look for other people who seem just as uncomfortable as you are, and approach them.   It is much easier to approach other introverts than that individual who''s already surrounded by a group of people.   But, don''t get stuck with the introverts.   At some point you have to be prepared to stretch your wings and leave the nest.

11. MAKE THE MOST OF WHAT YOU KNOW

You must not underestimate the value of what you know.   Unlike extroverts, introverts are likely the ones who take the time to read the industry newsletter cover-to-cover.   Don''t be afraid to let people know that you are the person they can count on for the latest information on what is going on in the business.   And it does not hurt to pick up the phone and share your findings with others.

12. REHEARSE, REHEARSE, REHEARSE

If you tend to get tongue-tied when you meet someone new, try practicing what you''re going to say. After all, these types of conversations tend to be rather repetitive anyway.   If you freeze up or babble incoherently when leaving a voicemail message, get in the habit of planning what you are going to say after the beep.

13. DON''T KEEP TO YOURSELF

Introverts prefer not to bother people, so they tend to reach out to others only when they absolutely have to do so.   Get in the habit of connecting with people even on small issues because doing so develops supportive relationships and ensures that contacts are there when you need help with the big issues.

14. ATTEND EVENTS THAT HAVE A PURPOSE

If you''re uncomfortable or nervous at events that are primarily networking opportunities, try to attend gatherings that have a dual purpose, such as educational seminars.   Interactive classes and workshops are also good bets because they have an agenda that includes some built-in networking opportunities.

15. WRITE OFTEN

If you can''t get yourself to pick up the phone and make a cold call, then consider writing.   A letter of introduction makes the follow-up phone call less nerve-wracking, and improves your chances of establishing a productive contact.

16. GET OUT AMONG THEM

Do you tend to hole up in your office?   Just getting out of the office or house to be among others helps.   Even getting out for a walk, which isn''t networking in the true sense, gets you out of your little world and brings on a change in your state of mind which can ease you into the world of networking.

17. BE POSITIVE

Before you declare that it''s not going to be worth your time to talk to an individual, or to attend a particular event, ask yourself this question:   "Do I have any good reasons for thinking that my prospects are slim, or am I just afraid?"   Keep in mind that such encounters are worthwhile, if for no other reason than for the practice.   You might even have some fun!

18. CONSIDER SEEKING PROFESSIONAL HELP

If you think your shyness is more than just a mild nuisance, you might consider consulting a therapist, counselor, or support group.   Shyness can be paralyzing and keep you from doing what you really want to do.   You may benefit greatly from seeking professional treatment just as Bill Gates did.   He has become a powerful speaker after getting the help to overcome his shyness.

19. BE COMFORTABLE IN YOUR OWN SKIN

Sometimes an individual''s reluctance to network is due to insecurity about one''s appearance.   While physical attractiveness is by no means a prerequisite for successful networking, the "package" you present to others is important to some extent.   If something about your outward appearance is undermining your confidence, consider fixing what can be fixed, otherwise learn to work with what you have.

You never know what a good job-lead, or some good advice may bring you.   Sure, networking can be difficult, anxiety provoking, and painful for some, but at some point you have to abandon the excuses, take a deep breath, and try it.   You''ll appreciate the results.

By: Jan M. Spak, CHRP