The Lloyd Bailey Blog: Networking For Introverts

The hot word in business these days is networking. Essentially, networking is the act of meeting and getting to know people who could potentially prove valuable in whatever line of work you're involved in. This networking can occur anywhere. While there are certainly networking "events", at which people gather to exchange information and ideas, networking also happens on a daily basis both inside and outside of the office. For people with an introverted personality, networking presents a particularly difficult challenge. That's because folks who are introverted often don't find it very easy to strike up a conversation with a stranger, and introverts are fairly averse to small talk. While meeting new people isn't necessarily an easy task for outgoing personalities, for introverts it can be a more daunting experience. Here are some introvert networking tips to help you in the quest to fill up your rolodex.

1. The most important thing for an introvert at work to remember is that quality relationships are what build business. So that rolodex comment was a bit off; it doesn't really matter how many business cards you have if none of them are from people who can help you advance. That's why you should concentrate on building positive relationships with those around you. There's no need to feel pressured to go out and meet a hundred people in the hopes that one of them could produce a valuable business contact. Instead, choose a select few to speak to, and really learn what they do and how they can help you.

2. Don't forget, you're not the only introvert in the room! It's quite possible that there are others that are just as nervous (or annoyed) with the proposition of meeting new people just to make business connections! Introverted people are just as valuable as their louder counterparts (and in some ways more); it's just not as easy for introverts to open up. Find someone who is observing from the sidelines or looks to be having a difficult time fitting in. They'll appreciate your paying attention to them, and will likely prove to be a more willing contact than someone flitting about the room picking up hundreds of little white pieces of paper.

3. Certain people hold certain jobs. You're not likely to find many introverts working in a public relations role. That's why you should strike out and attempt to meet people who don't fit that mold. Try finding someone that works in a position similar to yours. You'll instantly have something to talk about, and conversation will keep flowing from there.

4. Do work to get more comfortable with dealing with the PR types. They want to meet you too, and can prove to be helpful. Introverts have to realize that it's OK to come out of the shell on occasion to talk to those who aren't like us - extroverts have something to offer, too!

5. Take advantage of all that the Internet offers. This includes email (we love email!), and social networking sites like FaceBook and LinkedIn.

Networking doesn't have to be something you fear. As long as you embrace a few key things like the fact that small talk is sometimes a part of the ritual, you'll be able to interact with a wide range of people who will prove valuable to your business life in the long run. Like anything else, practice makes perfect. Don't expect to feel completely comfortable in your first pressured networking situation. Instead, the skill will come to you more naturally every single time that you are placed in a situation that requires you to reach out and meet new people.

Lee Ann Lambert is a busy freelance writer, introvert, certified life coach, landscape and garden designer, artist, author, wife, mom and grandmom, among many other things. She resides in Michigan. For more information check out her blog at: http://www.livingintroverted.com/

All works copyright Lee Ann Lambert.

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