How introverted personalities can use extroverted skills for networking 2012

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How Introverted Personalities Can Use Extroverted Skills for Networking ©

BY: CB Bowman, CEO Executive Leadership, LLC. www.exec-leadershipllc.com


BY: CB Bowman, CEO Executive Leadership, LLC. www.exec-leadershipllc.com

http://www.exec-leadershipllc.com/

http://www.exec-leadershipllc.com/

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No matter how networking is described, introverted job searchers think that they are terrible at it. They often ask themselves, “What if I’m rejected?” or “What should I say or start a conversation?” If you are in this group, recognize that fear of networking is keeping you from cultivating the right contacts. Here are 30 tips to develop your networking skills.

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1. Be the keeper of information.

One solution to this dilemma involves positioning yourself so that people approach you—they have to come to you for information, not the other way around. If you serve on a committee where your knowledge is important to its members then people will seek you out. They you can more easily lead the conversation towards your career goals.

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2. Join associations.

Try joining associations and serving on a committee so that you have something in common with its members. It will make it easier for you to start a conversation since you will have goals in common. Some of the best committees to serve on include: programming, membership and public relations; you want to select a committee that will encourage you to move beyond your comfort zone and into a new reality.The best source for finding a list of associations is the “The Encyclopedia of Associations” which is a comprehensive source of detailed information on over 162,000 nonprofit membership organizations worldwide. The Encyclopedia of Associations database provides addresses and descriptions of professional societies, trade associations, labor unions, cultural and religious organizations, fan clubs, and other groups of all types. Forget trying to buy It, Amazon sells the three out of the 4 volume series for $2,040.00! I recommend using your public library as a source for obtaining these books.It is important to go to meetings regularly. It might take up to 6 months for people to start recognizing you and saying hi and it may be uncomfortable when you first attending, but just concentrate on what you are learning. If you keep showing up, month after month (by the way remember that it’s OK to be quiet in the first couple of meetings) eventually, you’re going to recognize other “regulars,” and you’ll feel generally more comfortable. You’ll soon be communicating without focusing on it.

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3. Use your natural style.

Surprisingly, I advise you to learn to use your natural style when attending events so that you don’t appear to be a fake. However, here is the trick, try to attend events with an extroverted colleague who will involve you in the conversations. You might even plan a strategy before you go. For example discuss who you want to meet and how long you would feel comfortable holding a conversation. Your colleague can “professionally” interrupt you to introduce you to someone else when you give a signal.

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4. Introduction plus!

Another strategy to use at events is to ask people you know to not only introduce you but also join the conversation until it gets rolling!

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5. Getting the conversation started.

A major concern for introverts is how to keep the conversation going. If the person you are talking to is an extrovert this will not be a problem. However, if you are talking to an introvert then ask them about themselves. Ask about how they landed their current position — this may provide an important tip for your search. Also ask them about their careers, specifically what projects they are currently working on and what are the pros and what are the obstacles. Ask about their family, what professional associations they belong to and why. Listen carefully for opportunities to help them — perhaps it will be something that will add to your skills or at least it will be an opportunity for you to network with others!

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6. Research or puzzle solving.

Think of it as research to gather information, not networking! Introverts tend to love solving puzzles. So we recommend that they look at networking events as a puzzle they are trying to solve — which pieces will fit into their job search puzzle and how will they fit together.

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7. Use Technology.

If you are uncomfortable using any of the suggestions for face-to-face networking try social networks like LinkedIn or Twitter which are also great for networking. The “people search” feature of LinkedIn can be used to reconnect with people that you hadn’t heard from in years. Another great aspect of Linkedin is their list of professional user groups which you may join to increase your networking contacts significantly. Twitter is also very helpful. You can do a Twitter search for a topic you’re interested in, and start following people who’s tweets you find interesting. You can then visit their blogs, leave comments and start conversations. If you get to know them well, you can then ask them to join your LinkedIn network.There are also live chats, podcast and webinars although less interactive they are an opportunity to gain professional knowledge which will help you with starting a conversation at events.

http://www.linkedin.com/

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8. Analyze your results. Introverts who are intuitive and analytical can use these skills to determine what is working and what isn’t? The numbers can also help to determine where they get the most bang for their buck?

9. Practicing the art of networking.

Working with an executive coach or career counselor is very helpful, we at Executive Leadership, LLC have seen a marked improvement with our clients, as we coach them in the art of networking. it is not unlike the work we do helping our clients to prepare for an interview.

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10. Find someone who is alone.

You know there are many other people who hate to “work a room.” They are probably the ones standing alone, with a drink in their hand, wishing the whole thing was over! Go up to them and say hello! You may find a kindred spirit and maybe a new networking friend.

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11. Don’t dominate one person with your conversation.

Introverts typically enjoy deep conversations, not small talk. If you do have the opportunity to get involved in a conversation with someone, make sure that you are mindful of their time and body language to know when it is time to move on. Most people attend networking events to circulate and touch base with several people, so be sure you don’t keep someone a hostage. Instead have a short memorable conversation then exchange business cards. Then make a note on the back of their business card, what you spoke about so that it is easier to reconnect.

Painting by Copyright © John Heine, 1995

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12. Do cool things.

Introverts typically don’t like to talk about themselves – we (yes, I’m highly introverted!) prefer to talk about ideas. Force yourself to discuss some of the things you’ve done. Don’t brag, make sure they are relevant to the conversation. Then the extroverts can remember you and more importantly talk about you while passing along your achievements. Yes, I realize you would rather be accepted for what you think and know, but the truth is that the world measures you by what you accomplish.

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13. Help others.

For instance, send leads to jobseekers you know. You don’t have to talk to them, but they’ll remember the favor and view you as a friend. Try maintaining a list of specialized job sites that you can use to obtain job leads for friends who have recently lost jobs. They will be grateful for his help and the time it saves them.


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14. Don’t spend too much worrying.

If you exhaust yourself out, you won’t ever want to network. Accept your limitations and just do 1 or 2 events a month. It takes a long time to build these relationships, so it’s better to stick with a few groups over the long haul verses 10 groups for two months.

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15. Find the “gatekeepers” in the network.

Don’t make it your goal to meet one person who can only introduce you to one other person or worse yet someone who doesn’t know anyone. Instead network with a gatekeeper, someone who knows several people. If networking wears you out, you will be better off finding five gatekeepers who know ten other people, than trying to find and maintain relationships with fifty people. While this strategy does takes a long time to unfold because it may be difficult to find the right person, the payoff is quite high. Two suggestions, try to look for introverts that are in jobs that force them to be well connected or extroverts that share you connect with.

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16. Host an event.

By hosting a meeting, business event, or party you can focus on your objectives, as well as the comfort and ease of your guests rather than focusing on yourself. However, be sure to serve food and drinks that are plentiful but that are also no brainers so that you are not hiding in the kitchen, for example, try bow-tie pasta with several different sauces, which guest can help themselves to, along with a glass of wine. For a meeting try a salad where the guest can choose their own toppings and dressing.

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17. Be sure to have a plan.

Be very clear about what you want to get from any interaction. Ask yourself, what is the ideal outcome for this interaction, how does it look, and what are the specific things that I want to happen?


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18. Arrive early to events and meetings.

Make it a habit to arrive very early to events when only a few people have arrived. It is much easier to meet people when you arrive early verses if you arrive after the majority of the guest have arrived and have already formed groups where conversations have started. Another advantage to arriving early is to have an opportunity to meet the people who organized the event. They could introduce you to some of the other guest. Another tactic to use is to introduce other people to one another, it will take the pressure off of you and you can use “active listen skills” to join in the conversation.

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19. Use your skills and knowledge.

Focus on ways that you can help others with your talents and skills. Being an introvert does not mean that you are not talented and skillful. On the contrary, you could be a valuable commodity to just the right person! The key here, is to use those skills to help others, while helping yourself. A great way to start is by having a memorized list of questions as related to your kills when talking to people. This way, you will know who can benefit the most from your skill set.

20. Smile!

Smiling not only makes you more approachable, but it’s also a psychological tool to make yourself feel better. You’ll feel more confident and everyone will be able to see it!


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22. Remember to breathe.

Chances are that, at some point, nerves or anxiety will kick in, especially in places that can feel overwhelmed due to noise and/or activity. If you feel your heart rate kick up, take a deep breath to collect yourself. Retreat to a quiet area for a few minutes, if needed. Being in highly active spaces can definitely be stressful so be sure to take time for yourself, even if only for 5 minutes at a time, to reenergize.

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23. Make eye contact.

It can be a challenge to maintain eye contact. The natural human instinct is to avert your eyes when feeling uncomfortable. Make sure to keep reminding yourself to maintain focus on the person or group you are interacting. Remember while this is definitely different between cultures, here is the United States not making eye contact can be interpreted as rudeness or boredom.

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25. Hold something in your hand.

If you notice that you fidget a lot, try holding a cup of water, your conference booklet, or a pad of paper in your hand. This will keep your hands occupied and allow you to stay focused on the conversation. I would not recommend holding any type of phone, Blackberry, Droit, I-touch or any other electronic device which would tag you as a socially incompetent.

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26. Forget your 30-second or 60-second elevator pitch.

You’ve probably heard about the elevator pitch, but that’s not how you introduce yourself! The reality is that you only have about 6 seconds to introduce yourself! You need a good short personal branding statement. Mine is: “Hi, I’m CB, my company Executive Leadership, LLC can help you become more successful.” If yours is crisp and interesting, you will be invited to give your pitch.

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27. Try public speaking!

Ironically, many introverts are great platform speakers, and great performers. They tend to be more comfortable talking to a roomful of people than networking one-on-one. One of the key benefits of being a speaker is that people come to you for networking, so it’s really easy to establish new relationships.

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28. Don’t assume the worst.

Don't think that you're bothering people. Most people will be glad to hear from you especially if you have something interesting to say or if you are introduced to them by a mutual friend or colleague.

29. Where do you start?

Start by relying on your supporters. Network first with mentors, close colleagues, and friends.

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30. Make the most of what you know.

Take the time to read an industry newsletter before attending a business or social event or in preparation for an informational interview with a contact, so that you will be comfortable sharing the tidbits you have learned.

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One finale point to remember, it is estimated that 90% of the CEO’s in America are introverts! These introverts have learned how to approach the world as though it is a giant stage, one where they can get on to act and off to be themselves.

Feel free to visit us at www.exec-leadershipllc.com for additional career tips or visit us on Facebook at Executive Leadership, LLC

How introverted personalities can use extroverted skills for networking 2012

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