How do I start networking as an introvert?

Begin by attending small, focused events or joining online communities related to your field. Practice active listening, prepare an elevator pitch, and take small steps to engage in conversations. However, also make sure to give yourself time and don’t force yourself in situations when you feel uncomfortable. Over time, your confidence and networking skills will improve.

An illustration of a person in an office, in front of his desk, thinking about its network goals, on a transparent background.

23 April 2023 12 Min Read

How Can Building A Business Network Change Your Life?

Networking isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. You might perceive it as a waste of time that’s difficult to quantify. Moreover, you might be an introvert who’s not inclined to meet new people or simply doesn’t see the point of it.

However, in today’s business world, no one can work alone. It’s no longer just about what you know but who you know as well. Networking is no longer a plus. It’s a necessity to succeed in the competitive marketplace. It’s essential for career development, job searching, and business growth, as it can lead to collaborations, partnerships, and referrals.

You know how they say, “Your network is your net worth.” And as odd as it might sound, networking can broaden your perspectives and improve your health and happiness. Due to this, I consider it a leading career and life skill that can help you cultivate your professional and personal lives alike.

Today, we’ll address the importance of networking, and I’ll share a few tips I have learned to date for effectively broadening your connections.

What Is Networking? Is It a Learned Skill?

When you establish and maintain connections in a business context, you are networking. The process includes building relationships, exchanging information, ideas, and resources, and creating opportunities for personal and professional growth.

More precisely, networking creates a web of contacts that can be mutually beneficial for everyone involved. For instance, networking events can connect a job seeker with a hiring manager. Similarly, entrepreneurs can find potential investors or partners to help grow their businesses, while professionals can exchange expertise.

Note

Networking entails meeting like-minded individuals from your industry or related fields. Essentially, your network is your pool of resources that help you prove your expertise and achieve your career goals.

Back in the day, networking only took place in person. However, today, we’re lucky enough to utilize the power of the internet and network online.

Professional conferences, LinkedIn profiles, local networking events, Alumni associations, social gatherings, and volunteering are all examples of networking.

Important

The best part about networking is that it’s a learned skill!

So, you don’t have to be a born extrovert to succeed in networking. While some individuals may naturally feel more comfortable in social settings, everyone can develop effective networking abilities and become good at them through practice and experience.

But why would you want to do that in the first place?

5 Benefits of Networking

Tapping into the dynamic networking world will help you unleash your potential, where relationships become the catalyst for success, knowledge-sharing, and limitless opportunities.

Here are what I consider the top five advantages of professional networking.

Better People, Better Learning & Insights

If your network includes experienced, informed individuals and experts, they might be willing to share valuable advice, guide, or mentor you. You are not the first one to be going through something. Someone else has already been there, done that. And networking can help you turn this to your advantage.

For instance, your connections can give you tips on asking for a promotion or help you practice interview questions. And it doesn’t end there – this applies to all fields and levels in your career. So, your connections can also advise you on diversifying your portfolio, liquidating your firm, or entering new markets. The opportunities are endless.

Note

With the right insights, you can better navigate your career path, make better decisions, and avoid common pitfalls.

Moreover, you’ll hear different perspectives and ideas you wouldn’t otherwise think of, so you might eventually devise a new and better way of doing things. A fresh set of eyes may see an alternate solution and is a fantastic source of inspiration.

Networking, therefore, helps you access new and valuable information, stay up to date with trends, develop new skills, and identify areas for improvement or growth.

However, remember that networking is about sharing, not taking.

So, you must always strive to ‘return the favor’ to your connections and help them achieve their goals. Sharing ideas and finding opportunities to help your contacts will strengthen your relationship and sow the seeds for mutual assistance. You’ll also improve your reputation as an innovative thinker, reliable, and supportive member.

It’s a beneficial cycle and a win-win situation for all.

Access To ‘Otherwise Unavailable’ Opportunities

Not all companies transparently list available jobs on their page. Some require insider knowledge.

Fortunately, your connections might recommend you for a job or refer you to their contacts. Therefore, you can discover ‘hidden ‘job openings that a company might not advertise publicly. Or at least you can be the first to find out, getting the first mover advantage.

Say you’re seeking a job in the marketing industry. You attend a local networking event and strike up a conversation with someone who works at a renowned marketing agency. They mention that their company plans to create a new team for an upcoming project, but they haven’t advertised the positions yet.

And there you have it, as simple as that. Because of your networking connection, you are now aware of this unadvertised opportunity. The person you met may even recommend you to their manager or provide a referral, giving you a competitive edge over other applicants.

If you leverage this insider knowledge, you can seize the opportunity before it becomes publicly known, increasing your chances of securing the job.

Therefore, ensure to inform your network if you are looking for a job; you never know who might show up for you. Similarly, if you are a business owner, notify your clients that you are hiring – networking might provide you with the ideal candidate.

By opening new opportunities for both those who are hiring and looking for a job, networking can take you a step closer to realizing your dream job.

Tip

You cannot know when opportunities will arise or materialize. So, it would be best always to be ready to seize the chance when it occurs.

Increased Business Visibility and Development

Your business network can significantly increase your visibility within your field or industry. And I don’t refer to attending each and every event. As I noted earlier, networking helps you build a reputation, which is sufficient by itself to get you easily noticed.

Don’t underestimate the power of word of mouth. When connections of your connections hear about you, they will want to meet you. And in the business world, this translates to new opportunities for career advancement, business collaborations, partnerships, and referrals that can help grow your business or client base.

Important

When you network, you are not only gaining exposure to your connections. You are gaining exposure to their connections as well.

For instance, imagine you are a graphic designer with a solid reputation. One of your connections, a marketing consultant, is collaborating on a project with a startup that needs branding services. The consultant recommends your business to the startup based on your outstanding work and their trust in your abilities.

Quickly, other companies within the consultant’s network also become aware of your graphic design business. As a result, your visibility within the industry increases, leading to new projects, partnerships, and collaborations.

And remember, visibility is crucial if you are looking for a new job, career change, or advancement.

Networking Drives Personal Growth

Interacting with people from diverse backgrounds and becoming flexible to handle different situations will significantly boost your communication, interpersonal, and social skills. The more you network, the more you learn to form lasting connections with those around you.

You will get out of your comfort zone, and eventually, this can also help you improve your self-confidence and boost personal development.

At the same time, your mental and physical health might improve as networking can help you establish a sense of worth and value.

Robust Support for Challenging Times

Your connections can provide encouragement, feedback, and resources to help you overcome obstacles and succeed in your career. When you discuss joint opportunities and challenges, you essentially open the door to valuable suggestions and guidance.

The broader your network, the bigger your chances of finding an answer to each of your questions.

Moreover, networking doesn’t end with professional relations. It can also help you find personal solutions. For example, say you want to remodel your house. Who says one of your network members doesn’t have the perfect contractor to recommend? Or that they are the contractor themselves?

Note

Some of the best friendships started as work connections. So, beware that your professional support network might spill over into your personal friendships.

After all, your network contacts have similar goals as yours, and you are probably like-minded. So, forming a lasting friendship might be a piece of cake.

How To Properly Start Networking?

Building a business network is much more than sharing hands and business cards. And unfortunately, it doesn’t come naturally to many people.

Here are some tips to help you learn and improve your networking skills.

Start With Clear Goals

First things first, what’s your goal in networking? Are you seeking new job opportunities or looking for partners and collaborations to grow your business? Or do you aim to learn and expand your professional knowledge?

Setting clear goals will help you identify relevant networking events or professional groups to network with.

Note

Remember, you don’t have to attend formal cocktail party events. You can network out of the box and figure out what networking strategy best suits you.

For instance, you might prefer one-on-one coffee meetings or more intimate events with few attendees. Whichever networking tactic you pursue, ensure it’s aligned with your goals.

Moreover, try approaching each networking opportunity with a narrow goal, such as, ‘I want to meet three new people from my industry’ or ‘I want to learn how to improve my marketing strategy.

Having these objectives in mind will help you effectively use your time at your event and approach the right people with the right intentions, which gets me to the next point.

Pick the Right People

While at business networking events, you will meet lots of new people. However, not all are worthy of becoming your connections – you might be on different journeys, have different goals, or simply have conflicting personalities.

Warning

The adage “you are who you surround yourself with” highlights the significance of building a strong network.

If you surround yourself with negative influences, they might hinder your growth and success. These individuals may drain your energy, limit your potential, and impede your progress.

And vice versa, connecting with driven, like-minded individuals will foster mutual growth, inspiration, and success.

So, it’s essential to carefully select your network and focus on nurturing relationships that foster positivity and growth. But, at the same time, learn to let go of what holds you back.

Always Plan Ahead

If you know, you’ll get in a situation where you can meet new people and network; it would be best to prepare.

For instance, think of a few discussion points to get the conversation flowing. And, of course, you don’t have to limit the topics to work only – you can also ask personal questions, such as hobbies.

Tip

Develop a concise and engaging summary of your professional background and interests to share during networking events.

Apart from your business pitch, don’t forget your business cards. If the conversation goes smoothly, you will want to swap details easily. But worry not; even if you forget your cards, the benefit of the internet era is that you can trade digital contact information as well. Just make sure to express your interest in staying in touch.

Dressing correctly for the event is also part of the plan. It will help you set a positive first impression, opening opportunities for further discussion.

Be Sincere in Your Interactions

While there’s no right or wrong way to network, you sure need to have the right mindset for it. If you are approaching people with self-serving intentions, in the form of “What’s in it for me,” they can tell. Moreover, that’s not the idea of networking – it’s mutual collaboration and growth.

So, before you dive further, adjust your expectations and approach networking in a giving and generous way. Always establish connections by thinking about how you can help, not vice versa. Be authentic and sincere rather than pursuing personal gains.

Tip

Pay attention to the other person, listen actively, ask thoughtful questions, and show genuine interest in their experiences and perspectives.

Remember People – Not Positions

Even though the concept of networking is connecting to people in different positions, practice perceiving people as human beings, not their work position. Try remembering people by their first name and personality instead of their title.

For example, imagine you meet Lisa, the CEO of a successful tech company, at a networking event. However, instead of solely focusing on her impressive title, you take the time to learn about her personal interests, such as her love for hiking and playing the guitar. You also discover that you both enjoy volunteering at animal shelters.

A few weeks later, you reencounter Lisa at another event. However, instead of approaching her with intimidation due to her high-ranking position, you greet her warmly by her first name and ask about her recent hiking adventures. You also share your experiences volunteering at a local animal shelter, sparking a genuine conversation that helps build a stronger connection.

By treating Lisa as a person with shared interests rather than just a successful CEO, you create a more authentic relationship that can lead to meaningful collaboration and mutual support in the future.

Be Approachable and Engaged

You have picked a suitable event and know what you came for. Your intentions are sincere, but you must also show that to other people. Smile, maintain open body language, and make eye contact, so that potential connections want to approach you.

Also, feel free to approach others. You cannot just wait for things to happen. Initiate discussions by introducing yourself, asking open-ended questions, and finding common interests.

Moreover, try to find solutions for your potential connections. Find out about that person’s concerns and problems. Then, think of a solution. Offer them something they weren’t expecting. Introduce them to new techniques, methods, systems, or even people. Because no business person ever forgets who helped them when they needed the most.

When you give before you ask, it will be much easier to ask for a favor later on.

Stay Up-To-Date With Trends

Of course, one of the most important things when it comes to business networking and building relationships with potential customers is monitoring the trends in the industry in which you want to expand your startup. It is imperative to offer your knowledge to the right people.

The blessings of the 21st century are social business networks, meaning you don’t have to attend meetings or events to communicate with thousands of people.

Tip

Leverage online platforms, social media, and professional networking sites like LinkedIn to maintain connections, share updates, and discover new networking opportunities.

Commit To Networking

Last, but not least, remember to follow up. You might have talked to someone at a networking event, but you cannot materialize that if you don’t reach out to them afterward.

You don’t have to spam them with lengthy messages. A simple LinkedIn connection with a personalized message or an email will suffice. For instance, you can express gratitude for the conversation and suggest future interactions or collaborations.

Commitment also implies being consistent in your networking efforts. You cannot build a powerful network if you aren’t persistent. Therefore, you should not perceive networking as your hobby but as your task. Make sure to add it to your weekly calendar so you don’t forget about it or underestimate consistency.

Conclusion

Building a strong business network can be a life-changing experience with far-reaching effects on both your professional and personal life.

If you cultivate valuable relationships, you will unlock new opportunities and discover ideas and different points of view. Thereby, you will not only accelerate your career growth and business development but also enrich your life by surrounding yourself with inspiring, like-minded individuals.

Embrace the transformative potential of networking and witness the profound impact it can have on your journey toward success!

Frequently Asked Questions

Begin by attending small, focused events or joining online communities related to your field. Practice active listening, prepare an elevator pitch, and take small steps to engage in conversations. However, also make sure to give yourself time and don’t force yourself in situations when you feel uncomfortable. Over time, your confidence and networking skills will improve.

Absolutely! Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and even Facebook can be effective tools for expanding your network, sharing updates, and discovering new networking opportunities. Use these platforms to engage with industry peers, participate in discussions, and showcase your expertise.

Yes, following up is crucial for maintaining connections and demonstrating genuine interest in the relationships you've established. Send personalized messages or emails expressing gratitude for the conversation and suggesting future interactions or collaborations.

Persistence is the key for success. Consistently attend networking events, engage in conversations, and follow up with your connections. Moreover, try to offer help and share valuable information when appropriate. Finally, leverage social media and professional networking sites to easily stay connected and nurture your relationships.

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