For many Introverts, one of the most stressful and nerve-wracking parts of looking for a job or advancing their career is Networking. Having to introduce themselves to strangers and striking up a conversation about careers sounds more like a nightmare than a potential means to land a dream job. Thanks to online social business networks, introverts can burn some stages by getting acquainted with people from their professional area without the cringing face-to-face experience. But unfortunately for introverts, they cannot hide forever behind of a computer screen and eventually will have to socialize in real life.
“What next? Do I know anyone here? If I stand all alone will people think I’m weird? I feel my chest tightening.” I believe that many of us struggle at these events, even if we’re extroverts, but few admit it. Everyone puts on a smile and wanders around the room shaking hands, laughing and exchanging business cards. Inside, some of us feel awkward, hanging at the edge of conversations, unsure whether to enter the group or slowly walk away.
Meeting new people in social situations doesn't have to be the most painful thing ever. Here's how to network and stay true to who you are. Cats and dogs can be friends.
- Change your assumptions
There are some misconceptions about networking that can easily freeze the cautious introvert. These include assuming the worst, being too serious and thinking it’s impossible to network without being a disaster. Instead of setting your mind to these ideas, keep in mind it’s okay to loosen up and smile. You’ll feel more confident and everyone will see it. Don’t be afraid of networking, it can be learned like any other skill. Believe in yourself!
- Practice
If you’re still extremely nervous or unsure, challenge yourself with low- or no-risk situations. Drive to a networking event in the next town over where you likely won’t know anyone. Experiment with new conversation-starters or stories. That way, even if you make a complete fool of yourself, it won’t matter. The more you network, the easier it gets, but you have to keep doing it. Even during the course of every work day you can exercise this muscle by getting up, walking around, and starting brief conversations with co-workers.
- Start with short conversation
Plan ahead and prepare some icebreakers. Open-ended questions spur interesting conversations. Most people love to talk about themselves, their work and their hobbies. Ask questions like, “How long have you been a member of the host organization?” or “What’s your favorite part of your job?” Be careful though, if you ask consecutive questions without sharing information about yourself, it can start to feel like an interrogation. To keep the conversation flow naturally you must share some stories about yourself too.
Fun fact: The original definition of extrovert by Carl Jung is spelt extravert. Now rare in general use, it is still found in technical use in psychology.
- Find your strength and stick to it
Remember your areas of expertise, and try to gently steer the conversation towards those topics. Networking is about forming relationships. It’s about give and take and building trust and confidence, not trying to sell something or force connections. Also, talking about the things you like can give you the boost of confidence you need.
- Go to the same networking events
This increases your chances of running into familiar faces, which will help you feel more comfortable over time. Remember that the goal is to make connections with people, and that can take time.
The hardest step is just convincing yourself to attend Networking Events. Face your fears and anxieties and you’ll find over time, building new professional connections will come easy. Loosen up, introverts are lovely and fun and these proverbs are here to testify.
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Alexa Anghel is a copywriter and social media passionate who truly believes in the power of words. She sees herself as a word stylist, creating beautiful stories for brands and companies. Today she’s the word master for Oracle’s Brand Recruitment department, where she continues to experiment with social media and improve content strategy. Her specialties include content writing, online marketing, public relations, branding and social media. Connect with her on LinkedIn or Twitter.
