15 Networking Tips For Introverts, From An Introvert (Part 2 of 3)
Welcome back! In Part 1 (#’s 1-5) of 15 Networking Tips For Introverts, From An Introvert, I offered practical steps introverts can take to prepare to be successful at an event. If you haven’t read that article, I highly suggest you do so. Like right now. Seriously. Go ahead. Everyone will wait for you.
Below are 5 more tips (#’s 6-10) for introverts to use at an event or gathering to help make it a positive, productive, and enjoyable experience:
6.) Arrive early
Introverts can get overwhelmed by a large crowd, especially if they have to integrate themselves into an already established one. To limit anxiety and nervousness, you should consider arriving early to an event when the crowd is smaller. There are two benefits to this. First, a small crowd may be more conscious of the few people in the room, and therefore more likely to invite everyone to participate into the early conversations. Being welcomed into a conversation is sometimes half the battle. Second, with a level of comfort already established, you no longer have to integrate yourself into a large crowd, rather you can now incorporate others arriving on a gradual basis. So. Much. Easier.
7.) Bring a wingman or wing-woman
If you get anxious amongst a crowd of unfamiliar people, going solo to an event can be uncomfortable at best, and overwhelming at worst. You should therefore absolutely bring a wingman or wing-woman to an event. Not to be your crutch. Rather, to support you, to nudge you, to challenge you, to introduce you, to give you confidence. With a friend by your side, you’ll have a more positive, productive, and enjoyable experience. You’ll also have someone to share memories and stories with. You may be braver for going alone, but you’ll be better off going with a friend.
8.) Wear something that POPS
Introverts sometimes have difficulty starting conversations. We often don’t know what to say. To increase the odds of someone starting a conversation with you, you should consider wearing something that POPS! It could be a tie with a wacky design, a colorful dress or scarf, or a unique piece of jewelry. Something that is likely to elicit a compliment. People love giving compliments - especially about clothes. When a compliment comes your way about your style, you can easily start to discuss where you got the clothing item AND even return the favor my complimenting your new acquaintance. Let your style be the conversation starter!
9.) Listen more, talk less
If you are not comfortable talking a lot, telling stories, or being the center of attention, the answer is to do more listening than talking. Being a good listener will make people feel understood and make people feel heard. And making people feel that way is a SUPERPOWER! By being interested, you’ll be interesting (by standing out from the blabbers). In addition, by listening more, you will gain new information and insight that you can either respond to in the moment, or use later on. Listening is a natural talent of many introverts. Use this amazing skill your advantage.
10.) Smile
People often wear their emotions on face. If your thoughts and feelings are not positive, this can be a bad thing when trying to present your best self at an event. If your face is signaling you are sad, unhappy, anxious, nervous, or uncomfortable, people may be hesitant to engage with you. Consider this advice: smile! Smiling will have at least two positive outcomes. First, you’ll FEEL BETTER, which should give you more confidence. Second, smiling will likely make you more approachable because people enjoy engaging with happy, positive individuals. So, practice smiling before the event, and continuously remind yourself to smile during the event. Smiling will help you feel better and attract more people.
This second group of 5 networking tips for introverts revolved around your wardrobe, your arrival time, whether to go alone or with someone, and actions to take to be successful at an event. In the forthcoming Part 3 (#’s 11 – 15) I’ll be discussing more actions to take at an event, as well as what to do afterwards.
Until then, start taking actions your future self will be proud of!
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If you liked this article, you might also enjoy:
1. Don't Do It Alone. (Your Job Search): https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/dont-do-alone-bill-leonard-mhrm/
2. Job Seekers – What You Can Learn from Political Candidates: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/job-seekers-what-you-can-learn-from-political-bill-leonard-mhrm/
3. Example #85304983498 of why Recruiters and HR Pros need to step away from the computer, get out of the office, and network in person: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/bill-leonard-mhrm_recruiters-hr-leonardworkforcesolutions-activity-6874428200357814272-9Rn5
[Originally published on LinkedIn on January 18, 2022: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/15-networking-tips-introverts-from-introvert-part-2-3-leonard-mhrm/]