3 Tips for Building A Professional Network As An Introvert

A client of mine who is a self-proclaimed introvert asked me how she could improve her networking skills. I gave her three top tips that I think could be used by anyone, even if you are not an introvert.

Networking, no matter what business you’re in, can be intimidating, especially if you’re an introvert (self-described or otherwise). There are, however, ways that even the shyest of people can network effectively and build productive relationships with other people. This article will walk you through three tips on how to do just that!

Change Your Mindset About Networking

Let’s start with your purpose for networking. In the case of my client, she wanted to find new avenues for promoting and developing the work she was doing to support family health in her region. She knew the importance of networking to get the right people in place to help with funding and bringing the program to life, but she was afraid of rejection.

I invited her to put her end goal as the face of her networking and not her. The fear of rejection can often cripple us into inaction. But remembering our why can help us refocus our attention on what is really at stake if we don’t step out of our comfort zone.

Start With Warm Contacts

One of the best ways to network as an introvert is to join a professional organization or association related to your industry (both on and offline groups). This will give you the opportunity to meet other professionals in your field in a less formal setting. You can also volunteer for committees or task forces related to your area of expertise. This is a great way to get involved and build relationships with other professionals.

Building relationships with people in these settings is not automatic but it’s a great way to connect with like-minded people who are likely to be more open to networking with you. Don’t be afraid to make the first move but choose the quality of conversation on a one-on-one basis over the number of contacts made. Many people including my client, struggle with trying to connect with multiple people in a room at an event. My personal preference is to stick to two or three persons whom I have clicked with and go deeper into the conversation, which often makes for a more memorable connection.

Once the ‘connection’ is made, seal the deal with exchanging contact information. If you feel uncomfortable asking for a phone number or email, ask them if they are happy to connect on social media like LinkedIn. Most persons are less likely to object to that.

Be Intentional About Networking

Consistency is key when it comes to networking so be sure to follow up with the contacts you make. Those warm contacts can quickly grow cold if you wait too long to have your first meet-up. Within three days of exchanging details with your contact, reach out in a professional but friendly tone to set a date for your first meet-up virtually or in-person, to keep the conversation going. Be flexible enough to offer up a few dates, but don’t leave it open-ended as this makes it less likely for the meet-up to ever happen.

You must be willing to invest time and energy into networking if you are to reap the benefits of meeting new people, learning more about your industry, and hearing about new opportunities.

So, don’t leave it to chance. Schedule it in your calendar as a non-negotiable. Make a commitment to yourself to engage in at least 1 networking activity each month and block the time to make it happen. This can be to attend a networking or industry event, or meet-up with one of your new or existing contacts for a virtual coffee, or after-work drinks.

Bonus Tip

Remember that networking is a two-way street. You should aim to help others in your network, just as they may be able to help you. Offer up solicited advice or assistance when you can. Even if you can’t think of something to offer upfront – still go for it anyway. Share your areas of expertise, and ask directly how they think you may be able to help them. You may find that your network is more willing to help you in return.

Conclusion

By changing the way you think about networking, it doesn’t have to be something that feels totally unnatural to you—the goal is to see networking as a necessary part of building your career or business and increasing your chances of success.