Networking for Introverts

I went to a networking event recently and it was a lovely networking event, filled with intelligent, friendly, interesting people. But as an introvert I still find networking pretty tough.

Some people get confused about introverts and extroverts. They think that if you're an introvert it automatically means that you are shy, awkward and the thought of speaking in public would terrify you.

But this really isn't the case. I spend most of my working life speaking in front of audiences or performing on stage! Simply put being an introvert means that you get your energy from being on your own and being surrounded by people is draining.

So as an introvert spending time networking can be very draining. So I thought I'd share a few hints and tips about how I survive networking events.

1. Pack the night before. Make sure you have your business cards etc ready to go, you'll feel a lot more confident and happy knowing that you have everything with you. This includes getting to the event early so you're not rushed and feeling stressed.
2. Before the event go and find somewhere quiet to Powerpose This will reduce your stress hormones and increase your confidence.
3. Don't aim to meet everyone in the room. Aim to make one strong connection with one other person in the room.
4. Look out for other potential introverts or people looking uncomfortable and talk to them. They'll be relieved to find someone nice to talk to.
5. Talk about the things you are passionate about. Don't try to sell yourself and your business by talking about they can buy, talk about what you love about your job. Passion is contagious.
6. Don't put yourself under any pressure to be anyone but yourself. If you need to go and hide in the toilets for five minutes, go and hide!

And always remember to connect with people on twitter and LinkedIn after you've met them. You never know when you might be able to help them, or they might be able to help you!

My final thought on networking that applies to everyone is a comment one of my friends said recently and that was "We shouldn't think of it as networking, we should think of it as making friends."