As an introvert, the last thing I want to do at 8am on a Wednesday is walk into a large room full of people and - genuine shudder - TALK INTO A MICROPHONE about my business. Yet I do it weekly. Is it easy? Definitely not. I also couldn't truthfully say I enjoy networking, but there are enjoyable aspects - like making new contacts and winning new clients.
Here are five networking tips that have worked for me!
- Leverage social media. Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook can be great tools for networking. You can connect with former coworkers and other professionals in your industry, join groups, and participate in discussions - from a distance. This can help you to build relationships and establish yourself as an expert in your field.
- Attend smaller events. Large networking events can be overwhelming for introverts. Instead, consider attending smaller events like workshops, seminars, or regular meetups (my personal favorite). These smaller events provide a more intimate setting and allow you to connect with other professionals in a less frenetic environment.
- Prepare in advance. For the introvert, this is about more than making sure you know where you're going and have plenty of business cards. It's not uncommon to pass a microphone and have attendees get up and introduce themselves and give a brief description of their businesses. I strongly encourage you to write down your elevator pitch (15-20 second description of what you do) and practice it. Take it with you and don't be ashamed to read it into the mic if you have to. The first time I introduced myself at a networking event, I winged it and later had no idea what I said. Since then, I've always had my bullet points written down so I can glance at them before and while I'm speaking. This is an enormous help for my confidence!
- Focus on quality over quantity. Effective networking is about building meaningful relationships with other professionals - one connection at a time. I consider myself successful if I hand out just one business card at a networking event or meeting because I've made a new connection I didn't have before. Focus on connecting with a few people and building strong relationships with them. This is why I prefer the weekly meetup - I'm in front of a lot of the same people every week, but I still meet someone new every time. Also, familiarity lends comfort which leads to confidence. The more I go to the weekly networking meetup, the more comfortable I am and the easier it is to make these connections.
- Follow up. After attending a networking event, it’s important to follow up with the people you met. I always send a LinkedIn connection request to anyone who gives me a business card, even if it doesn't seem like we'd need each other's services, because we may be able to refer business to each other. If you have a great conversation with someone at a networking event, send a personalized email or LinkedIn message to thank them for their time and express your interest in working together, meeting for a coffee, etc. This can help to solidify the relationships you’ve built and keep you top of mind for future opportunities.
From one introvert to another - you really can build a strong network of professionals who can help you achieve your business goals. It takes time and effort, and it can be uncomfortable, but you CAN do it!
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