Top 8 Career Networking Tips for Introverts

Top 8 Career Networking Tips for IntrovertsTop 8 Career Networking Tips for IntrovertsFor introverts, loners, and the shy, networking can feel firmly outside of their comfort zone. Still, networking is an important career and job search move its through contacts and connections that many interviews are scheduled, and jobs earned. If the idea of a networking auffhrung makes you shudder, here are some tips that will help it go smoother. Who knows you might even discover that some networking events are not so bad. Top 8 Career Networking Tips for Introverts 1. Take Networking OnlineFor many, its the in-person quality of networking events that can be particularly challenging. The idea of having to go up to strangers can be enough to make hands sweat and stomachs roll. Fortunately, we live in a digital age. Take your networking to the web establish an active Twitter presence and interact with people in your field. Bulk up your LinkedIn profile and activity. 2. Network One-on-OneNot al l networking needs to be done at a big event or meet-up. While group conversations can be a struggle for introverts, a one-on-one conversation can give them an opportunity to show off keen listening skills, and make a solid connection. Suggest coffee dates and other one-on-one interactions, and ask friends and colleagues to set you up on chats with people outside of your immediate network. 3. Bring a FriendHeaded to a big gathering of strangers? See if you can bring a friend, co-worker, or even an acquaintance along. Theres just something about knowing at least one person at an event that can make it less nerve-wracking. Bonus points if the person you know isnt shy, and feels comfortable starting conversations with strangers. 4. Dont Forget Old Contacts in a Quest for New OnesWhen youre in networking mode, it can be easy to focus on expanding your network, tracking your growing number of LinkedIn contacts obsessively. Dont forget, as you make new connections, to keep in contact with the old ones. Drop old co-workers an email to catch them up on your situation (and of course, dont forget to ask after their career, too). Schedule coffee dates, and keep in regular touch with the important people in your network as with friendship, you dont want to only be in touch when you need a favor. 5. Follow Up After IntroductionsCollect business cards and send emails the next day make them personalized and targeted to increase your chances of success. Add people on LinkedIn most people will accept invitations from people theyve met in person. Find examples of networking letters to send after your initial connection is made. 6. Be PreparedAs you prepare for a networking event, think of it as if youre going into battle your weapons are small talk and chitchat. If there is a list of the people at the networking event available beforehand, make a list of the ones youd really like to chat with. Look them up online to find out a bit of their work history to make starting and main taining a conversation easier. Review these conversation starters, so its easy to connect with other participants. 7. SmileIts one thing to be the quiet person at an event, or even to be off in the corner answering emails on your phone. Its another to look glum, uncomfortable, or so unsmiling that you seem angry. Try to look engaged with the event. Present yourself outwardly as being open and eager to meet new people, even if you feel differently inside. 8. Be YourselfNot the center of attention? Thats OK Dont pretend to be that would ring false. You can be reserved, and take advantage of your listening skills. You dont have to be the center of attention if thats not a role that youre comfortable with. After all, all the extroverts need an audience for their stories and wisecracks. Perhaps the most important tip of them all is to remember that youre not the only shy person in any situation its estimated that half of all people in the US are introverts. In fact, one additional way to succeed at networking events may be to locate a fellow introvert.