Contrary to popular belief, I’m an introvert. No, I’m not shy, which is often used as a synonym for introvert. But I am easily burned out by engaging with people. Yet, I’ve been able to network successfully, get to know a lot of great people, and build strong relationships. Most times, people are shocked when I tell them I’m an introvert because of my extrovert tendencies. I honestly feel that my introvert personality makes me great at networking, and I’m going to tell you why. But first, let’s get some clarity on what being an introvert means.
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Here’s how Vocabulary.com defines an introvert: Introvert comes from Latin intro-, “inward,” and vertere, “turning.” It describes a person who tends to turn inward mentally. Introverts sometimes avoid large groups of people, feeling more energized by time alone. The opposite of an introvert is an extrovert, who finds energy in interactions with others.
While this might not seem like a recipe for great networking, it actually can be. These are 5 reasons why being an introvert can make you great at networking:
#1 – You’re selective about what events you attend.
Networking events are happening everywhere, all the time. But not every networking event will be fruitful depending on who will be attending. Since introverts are not really all about going out with groups of people they don’t know anyway, we tend to be very selective about attending events. We want to make sure we will have a great experience, and will meet people we want to build relationships with.
#2 – You’re strategic about who you talk to.
When we attend events and are looking to network, we are strategic about it. When we ask (or search for) who’s going to be at the event, it’s not because we are bougie. It’s because we want to start thinking ahead of time about who we want to talk to, and why. Often times, I will connect with people online or social media prior to an event, and let them know I want to chat with them at the event. That way, they are looking forward to meeting me, and our conversation is much more substantial.
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#3 – You listen more than you talk.
Introverts hate being ‘on’ too long. We don’t want to do all the talking. So we enjoy letting the other person talk, but we also listen attentively. We are listening for what we can connect with, and not how we can own the conversation.
#4 – You connect with individuals.
The sooner you get down to one-on-one conversations, the better when it comes to networking. People may not want to share their ideas or opportunities to work with them with a large group. They don’t want everyone to know what they are working on, or the opportunity just may only be available for a few people. You will get a lot closer to closing the deal or setting up the next step when you are connecting with individuals. Since introverts prefer connecting with one person at a time, we often get down to the nitty gritty a lot faster.
#5 – You don’t get stuck at the networking stage.
Honestly, we aren’t just networking for the fun of it. Since extroverts find energy interacting with people, they can get stuck at the networking stage because they love meeting new people. Introverts, however, want to move on from this stage ASAP and over to the relationship and building stage. Which is the point of networking anyway – to make connections that lead to relationships.
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Don’t believe the myth that introverts can’t network because we can, and we can do it well. While getting us to network can be difficult, introverts who are willing to step out there often find they are successful at networking.
Hi, I’m Jonna. Welcome to naturally-glam.com where I share how I balance my life as a mother, wife, and influencer.
This post is so right on time for me. #2 is a gem i’ll definitly using more in my networking arsenal.
Appreciated!
I was nodding my head till l got to the last point. I need to work on that because l get stuck at the networking stage and don’t take it any further. Definitely have lost opportunities there, but will keep trying. Great post!
Introvert over here 🙋🏾
It’s so important to make clear the difference between being introverted and ‘shy’ because people still think they’re one and the same.
Definitely agree with the points raised! I find that as an introvert we value the connection we make with the people we connect with, because of that fact that we prefer one-on-one conversation. Then you leave the networking event knowing that there’s a bigger chance you met someone great, hopefully had a bond that can grow later on and made your mark as well! Alot of people find networking events to be a waste of time but honestly I’ve never been to one I didn’t like, or didn’t make the most of.
I am definitely an introvert or something. More so socially awkward lol but I make it work. I’m so observant that I can figure out a way into any conversation.
You make some great points. I think some people confuse being a introvert as being shy or socially awkward which is not always the case.
I think I am 50/50. It depends on where I am. I do get nervous striking up conversations.
I’m very introverted, but you described me to a tee. I won’t go to just any old thang and I try to limit big crowds as much as possible. All the activity makes my head hurt.
I’m an ambivert. But 2,3,4 sound like all me. I’m going to be more intentional about making it work for me.
Excellent article! Introverts do everything well because we think ish through from beginning to end. You are so right, introverts are very strategic about everything they do because our time is too valuable to waste.
I’m an introvert so networking events are very difficult for me. Unfortunately, I’m always second guessing myself. The hardest part for me is keeping in touch.
Great write up. I’m definitely an introvert with extrovert tendancies but people alwasy say I’m great at making connections. I hadn’t really given much though into why that is but you summed it up perfectly.
Wow I completely relate to this post. I am definitely an introvert but I never really thought I could be good at networking. Thanks for schooling me!☺