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Practical Networking Tips for Introverts
Networking was such a foreign concept to me. And I really do mean foreign -- we don’t do the organized networking thing in El Salvador. I knew that building relationships was an important tool for success, that who you know matters; in fact, in small cities and countries, it’s sometimes the only thing that does. But the concept of going to organized networking events, with an agenda, and a clear expected outcome in mind, seemed crazy.
When I started business school I couldn't believe how good some people were at networking. They enjoyed it, it was natural. They were making connections and getting jobs. Me? Not so much.
When I asked people what the secret to successful networking was, the answers seemed to be always the same, and went something like this:
- Approach someone confidently
- Have your elevator pitch ready and polished
- Ask thoughtful questions
- Be genuinely interested (and interesting)
- Say something memorable
- Follow up, follow up, follow up
Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
Simple? Well, not really. The problem starts when you're an introvert like me. Approaching people confidently in a crowd of overconfident, type-A business professionals is not so easy. Asking thoughtful questions? Hmmmm yes, that’s not that hard, but you have to do it quickly before you lose your chance. And you can’t stress about it. And how can you be genuinely interested when you might be bored to your very core?
The thought that networking would be one of the most important aspects of my career never occurred to me. It wasn't until much later that I understood what people were saying. The problem wasn't that I was a bad networker, it was that I was following a recipe that was just not made for my personality.
It took me years to find the type of networking that works for me. It's more natural, more organic. It doesn't happen in large settings, and usually doesn't involve me thinking up questions in advance. And it certainly does not make me have an anxiety attack because I’m worrying about being interested and interesting.
[Read More: The Six Networking Mistakes We Women Make]
For me, what works goes something like this:
- At a networking event, don't force yourself to talk to a bunch of people. Take a look around when you come in. Does anyone look like they’re also looking for a friendly face? Well then, be that friendly face and make your first connection.
- After you start speaking to one person it will be easier to connect with more people. Your confidence will increase. Anyone who is successful at something can tell you that, once you start, it's a lot easier to keep going.
- Get out of your head. Be yourself. Realize that the people in the room are there for the same reason: to connect with other people, and may be feeling just as awkward. You have lots of interesting things to share, just stop worrying about it. When you are not thinking about that end goal (that new job you’re looking for, or the new client you need to close to hike up your numbers before your next evaluation) you can actually focus on being yourself and talking about those things that matter to you: your next trip, the public speaking course you’re taking next week, or the last article you read. All of these things can be interesting to the person you’re speaking with and can help you build that bridge and a new relationship.
- Have fun! See above. If you’re being yourself and talking about things you’re passionate about, you’ll have fun.
- The rest is the same: follow up, follow up, follow up. The most important part of networking is
in the follow-up. And I don’t mean hammer that new contact with emails asking for something. The truth is, most successful follow-ups are simple; they are about establishing a connection. And if you read an interesting piece next week that you think this person might enjoy (or if you hear about a new event space their company could use or a great speaker that talks about the topic you discussed... you get the point) share it with your new connection. They’ll appreciate it. Once you’ve established a relationship you can, gently, make your ask; just don’t rush into it.
Don’t think networking events are the only place you can network. Heck, don't think in person settings are the only settings, either. There are many online resources for networking (like our very own Inner Circle at
Learn how to continue to grow your network relationships after making the initial connections.
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Maricella Herrera Avila is the Director of Global Membership at Ellevate. She joined the former 85 Broads team back in 2012, shortly after earning her MBA at Columbia Business School. In her role, Maricella oversees the delivery of current member benefits while paving the road for future opportunities within the organization.
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