15 Networking Tips For Introverts, From An Introvert (Part 3 of 3)

Welcome back! Punk.

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. 

In Part 2 (#’s 6-10) I offered practical tips concerning what to wear, when to arrive, whether to go alone or with someone, and actions to take to be successful at an event. 

Below are the final 5 tips (#’s 11-15) for introverts to use at an event or gathering to help make it a positive, productive, and enjoyable experience:

11.)   Think quality over quantity

Starting and maintaining conversations can be difficult for introverts, which is reason enough to focus on the quality of conversations over the quantity of conversations when at an event. Don’t put undue pressure on yourself to meet and talk to everyone. Instead, focus on having fewer, but more meaningful, conversations. Spending quality time with people you click with will help you feel more comfortable, and build a rapport more easily. 

12.)   Look for other introverts

Pssst. I’ve got a secret for you. There is a high probability (like 100%) that you won’t be the only introvert at the next event you attend. There will be other introverts there who are anxious, nervous, and quiet. Just like you would have been – had you not read these helpful tips (mic drop – final one, I promise). So, seek out other introverts to strike up a conversation with. You’ll help put them at ease and engage in a dialogue that is more your speed, rhythm, and decibel level.

13.)   Take mental notes and collect business cards

Have you ever said to yourself after an event, “What the heck is his last name?” or “Where did she say she worked?” or “What did she say she wants to do next in her career?” or “I’d love to get together with him again, but I don’t have his phone number.” To aid you in continuing your conversations and relationships after an event has ended, you should take mental notes during, and ask for a business card at the end of, your conversations. Doing so will help you recall important dates, facts, and stories, and provide you the contact information you need to follow up. 

14.)   Send follow up emails or LinkedIn messages

Congratulations, you attended an event, and it went better than you envisioned. You were able to start and maintain conversations.  You kind of, sort of, enjoyed yourself. Whew, it’s over. Except it’s not. Now it’s time to send follow up emails or LinkedIn messages to all the people you met and spoke with (you have their contact info b/c you followed tip #13). You are going to say it was nice meeting them, thank them for their advice, say you enjoyed their story, and/or ask them to get together. Following up is courteous, keeps you top of their mind, and will help you continue the conversations and relationships you recently started in-person. 

15.) Conduct a post-mortem

One last thing. Conduct a post-mortem. Think about your actions, behaviors, and feelings before, during, and after the event. Think about what you did well (go ahead, give yourself a pat on the back from me) and what you could have done better (chin up, there is always next time). When you determine what went well, you can do more of it in the future. Conversely, when you determine where you fell short of your expectations, you can make the requisite changes needed to be more successful at your next event. Review, learn, and improve.

I’m going to repeat what I said in Part 1: Networking – building and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships – is important for our social and psychological (personal) wellbeing, as well as our economic (professional) wellbeing. We are wired to connect and communicate. We need healthy relationships to survive and thrive. We need a network, and therefore, we need to network.

To this day I still struggle at times with starting and maintaining conversations – especially in crowds and amongst strangers. However, the 15 tips I wrote about have helped me become a better conversationalist and networker. They’ve made events more positive, productive, and enjoyable for me. And I’m confident that with practice, they will help you.

My parting networking advice to you is this:  Put yourself out there. Be confident (you are awesome!). Start a conversation. Be interested. Ask questions. Your future self will thank you!

For more career development tips and information, visit: https://www.leonardworkforcesolutions.com/news

For information about 1:1 career development services, visit: https://www.leonardworkforcesolutions.com/careerdevelopment

If you liked this article, you might also enjoy:

1.      #1 Reason Organizational Leaders and HR Pros Need to be Constantly Networking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUA6IfFCQVo

2.      Networking: Important for Individuals AND Organizations: https://www.leonardworkforcesolutions.com/news/networking-important-for-individuals-and-organizations

3.      1 Simple Action to Support Someone’s Career, Boost Their Mood, and Increase Your Own Visibility: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/1-simple-action-support-someones-career-boost-mood-bill-leonard-mhrm

[Originally published on LinkedIn on 2/15/22: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/15-networking-tips-introverts-from-introvert-part-3-leonard-mhrm/]