How To Network: For Introverts
A lot of my friends seem to think that I know everyone. While that may be true, it didn’t just happen on it’s own — I’ve had to learn how to network with everyone I’ve met along the way.
Also, while I’m in the “tell-all” mood — a lot of my friends seem to think that I’m pretty outgoing and personable. In fact, I don’t think I am at all. I’ve had to force myself out of my comfort zone in order to be able to really learn to talk to people.
I came across a blog post today that has some good networking tips that are good for anyone to keep in mind — whether you’re an introvert or not.
Networking is an investment, not a nuisance. Imagine if you could always find what you needed in just 1 or 2 phone calls. If you are well networked, you probably can. By putting in the time to build your network, you save time when you need to get things done. Well networked people don’t have to waste time firing off random emails to people they don’t know, buying leads or industry lists, or hunting through hundreds of resumes for the right candidate. Pick your poison. Do you want to put in the time now, or later?
Invite people to lunch. Or invite them to coffee or for a beer after work. If you meet a fellow introvert, he/she is unlikely to do the inviting, so you have to do it.
There are a ton of other useful tips in the article so be sure to check the link at the end of this post.
The majority gets to set the rules, and the majority of people are extroverts (70% I think). Networking is an important key to unlocking your own potential. So play by the rules of the game the best that you can, or don’t sit and complain when you have a great idea and no one to help you launch it. I hope you can learn from my experiences, so that you don’t waste as much time as I did fighting the inevitable.
I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Full Article: Businesspundit: How To Network: For Introverts