Networking for the Shy, Awkward and Everyone In Between
Networking is a part of our professional lives. No matter your desired industry, connecting with people is essential to continue to learn and thrive. However, the art of networking doesn’t always come naturally or easily for many people. I identify as an ambivert (possesses introvert and extrovert tendencies). According to Susan Cain’s book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, between one-third to a half of all people are introverts—individuals who prefer intimate settings over crowded social situations. Up until the Fall 2019 semester, I absolutely hated networking and my lack of connections on LinkedIn as a result of it. Before I began to hone it on my networking skills, I found the act to be disingenuous and transactional. I struggled with remaining authentic and making meaningful connections. After participating in ColorComm’s C2 Next Gen Summit for young professionals that completely altered my perspective and strategy toward engaging at networking events. Check out my 4 tips to make lasting and meaningful connections at the next event you attend, whether it is physically or virtually!
Prepare
- Do your research on the attendees and panelists before you actually attend the event. Checking out their publications (blogs, articles, podcasts), visiting their LinkedIn profile, and seeing where they graduated from will prepare you to approach them.
- Prepare your elevator pitch! Social media has helped us formulate our personal brands, but that’s who you are online. A personal elevator pitch is a brief summary of your background. In approximately 30 seconds, you should be able to tell someone who are you, what makes you unique and how can you add value. Take time to practice your pitch in front of a mirror or a loved one. This will help you build your confidence when talking to a stranger. Check out: How to Create an Elevator Pitch with Examples for more help!
- Keep ice breakers in your pocket. More than likely, you’re not the only person in the room nervous, but ice breakers help chip away feeling so awkward. Some conversation starters can be about, the venue, the speaker, or a compliment. Make sure you follow up with introducing yourself to keep the conversation going. Check out: Perfect Career Networking Conversation Starters for more help!
The saying “proper preparation prevents poor performance” holds true when you are trying to expand your network.
Set Goals + Be Yourself
An important part of learning the game of networking is to set goals and be yourself! Workbloom.com tells us, setting and achieving measurable goals during social networking events allows you to focus on what you accomplished afterward, rather than dwelling on all of the social interactions that may have felt awkward, or that you wish could do-over. By associating these kinds of experiences with concrete accomplishments, you can start to take some of the anxiety out of them over the long haul. Some personal goals I set for myself include leave with at least 10 LinkedIn connections and set up an informational interview with a seasoned professional in your desired industry.
Exuding confidence will make you more approachable and others will be willing to engage with you. Don’t let imposter syndrome talk you out of showing up as your best self. You are you and that is your superpower. Use your unique experiences and hone into your strengths, don’t allow fear or doubt to downplay your accomplishments!
Work The Room
Active listening makes you memorable. Listening is an art, in order to connect you must be present, be curious, and intentional. While listening make sure to take mental notes. You may be able to take the things someone says and see if you can connect whether through your past experiences or passions. Listen to engage, don’t rely on another person to carry the conversation for you!
Here are some of my go-to questions to ask in an informational interview:
- What is one thing you wish you knew starting your career that you know now?
- What industry publications/newsletters do you consume to keep up to date in your field?
- What advice would you give young professionals emerging in their careers?
- What has been one of the most challenging moments in your career path?
Follow-Up
Following up post-event is critical! It is a waste of time doing all of the work to make meaningful connections if they never hear from you again—or worse only hear from you when you need something. Find the time to send messages to the professionals you would like to stay in touch with within 48 hours. Keep your outreach brief and personal; mention a specific detail you remember about the conversation. If someone was generous with advice, let them know what you’ve done with it. If you would enjoy meeting them again for a coffee, suggest that as the next step.
Wrap Up + Friendly Reminders
- If you go with a friend/colleague don’t be attached at the hip the whole time. You may be comfortable by their side but avoid sticking by their side the entire time because this may dampen YOUR ability to make lasting connections with others.
- Put your phone away unless you’re connecting with someone. We’re all guilty of whipping out our phone to fill quiet, lonely moments. No one will approach you out of fear of interruption if you appear busy tapping away at your phone.
- We’re in the digital age and most of us are still not physically connecting due to the pandemic. Take advantage of webinars, digital conferences, join online groups, and check out Lunchclub AI (Lunchclub AI directly matches you 1:1 with relevant people. It connects with your matches by video, join curated events, and advance your career).
- SMILE and make eye contact are major keys to making meaningful and lasting connections!
For more resources, you can check out LinkedIn Learning’s series, How To Network When You Don’t Like Networking.
