Being an entrepreneur, “network, network, and network some more” is probably the most frequent advice given. Sure, networking is the most effective way to keep us up-to-date on industry trends, create opportunities, and expand our resources in general. Networking events, however, are very daunting to some of us who consider ourselves to be introverts. A business occasion held in a casual setting – you are standing in a crowd of people, most of them are strangers. You are trying to convince yourself to approach the crowd and say… just say something. You notice some people in the room are particularly loud and overwhelming to your taste, but you tell yourself you need to participate because the reason for you to come to this event… is to mingle, even though you really don’t want to. To the introverts, the struggle ‘to thrive in a networking event’ is real.
Before we the introverts beat ourselves too much over the stress with networking, we need to look inward and re-evaluate our strengths and weaknesses. Being an introvert doesn’t automatically translate to being shy and awkward – it just means that we thrive in a more intimate, quiet setting with fewer people. We dislike networking events because they are over-stimulating in many ways. With that in mind, here are a few things we should consider before heading to the next networking event:
Why am I going to the event?
This seems to be a silly question – you go to a networking event because you want to… network? But let’s go to the next level. Sometimes you are going to the event because someone you know has invited you. In that case, simply ask the inviter to help introduce you to a few other people in the room. Or head directly to your inviter when you get to the venue, because chances s/he is probably already surrounded by some other people that you don’t know. Viola!
If it is more a social event organized by a business association – then you should focus on being light. Exchange business cards and follow up after the event.
Bottom line is – we all perform much better if we can clearly articulate a purpose behind our actions to ourselves. Networking is no different. If you can’t give yourself a more elaborate reason to go to an event, you probably shouldn’t go.
Be authentic
Authenticity is the key to build long-lasting, beneficial relationships with others – both in personal and professional settings. Know what you can bring to the table – for instance, being a creative writer, passionate about indigenous issues, expert in juggling multiple large-scale projects etc. You might need to mentally rehearse those phrases a few times to yourself, so it comes naturally, but knowing it will help you stand out in the crowd because you are not ‘just another person who wants to network’. Introverts tend to be good listeners too, so it’s easier for us to make meaningful connections. Keep that in mind!
Focus on the quality, not the quantity
Keep an open-mind about going to those networking events – perks don’t just come right after the event. Just because you only met 3 people when the other person you know met 10 doesn’t mean that you are worse off. Go talk to a group of 5 rather than a group of 12. Approach strangers the same way as you approach a potential friend – remember you do have to like the other person before anything positive can happen!
Take timeout!
Don’t feel pressurized to ‘work the room’ for the entire duration. An extended bathroom break or even just leave the venue for a short stroll is completely OK. That really helps manage the stimulation level for introverts.
Networking is like an exercise – it does get easier over time. Eventually you will figure out your own way to do it well.