Networking events. They can trigger anxiety, discomfort, or feel performative. But networking events are not the only way to build a network. In fact, your network can be built organically and in a way that feels true for you. I will share ways to do that as an introvert.
If we understand that networking is about standing out to people using effective and clear communication, in a way that makes you memorable, then as an introvert it is important to find techniques that help you shine and a communication style that works for you. Work to your strengths but don’t feel pressured to change your personality.
As an introvert, you probably prefer building meaningful rather than superficial connections. Traditional networking events might feel a bit transactional and exhausting.
One way is to ask people you know to make introductions between you and someone else or to reach out to people one on one. LinkedIn is a great resource for that. So are in person professional-adjacent but not formally networking events, such as evening lectures on topics you are interested in, classes, or professional group social events. Sometimes these opportunities take a bit of time to unearth or require being created yourself. For example, one way I met a lot of people in my network is by finding people working on things I am also interested in and then asking if they have some time to talk about what they work on.
There are almost always opportunities to do this in big organisations, although sometimes you may need to create these opportunities. This also allows you to prepare for the connection before it happens, hopefully alleviating a lot of the pressure that comes with spontaneous networking.
It’s also important to find a mode of communication that feels most natural to you. Are there other ways you can communicate which work to your advantage, for example through writing? Are there opportunities to get involved in things you enjoy and are interested in, to hold internal presentations or lead on something to put yourself out there? These could open natural networking opportunities.
In order to help you identify the sorts of projects you could lead on and pursue, Susan Cain, in her book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, suggests:
- Pay attention to what you envy
- Think about what you loved as a child
- Pay attention to what you gravitate towards
