Introverts Can Network Effectively! Really!

Julie Bauke is a professional speaker and trainer on career issues including job search, career planning and networking as a career strategy. I’m excited about her being a guest blogger here! She is the Author of “Stop Peeing on your Shoes: Avoiding the 7 Mistakes that Screw Up Your Job Search” – don’t you love that title? Here’s what she says about introverts networking effectively in this post Introverts Can Network Effectively! Really!:

I know, I know. You hate it, you avoid it, you think you can’t do it so you don’t or won’t.

If that sounds like you, get ready to fall short of your career goals. Hear me out. I think the issue is that most people have a really skewed view of what networking is.

Networking is the building of mutually beneficial relationships that support our goals.

Notice that there is nothing in that definition about small talk with strangers, collecting business cards, or attending an event during which you consider sticking your fork in your eye so you can leave? I am actually talking about real relationships with people you know or people you meet in the course of your business.

Step back for a minute. What are your business goals? Your professional goals? How do you plan to accomplish those goals? If you’ve given little or no thought to any of those questions, you are overdue to step back and consider them.

Many highly accomplished professionals find themselves without a network when they need it most. It’s no secret that the market is volatile, making the career market volatile as well. You would be well served to actively cultivate a network before you need it. But networking is not just a job search strategy. Make that mistake at your own peril.

Want to move up in your organization? Build a reputation in your community? Re-configure your work life due to a change in your personal life? Thinking ahead to retirement? A job or career change? Given that we get things done through others, the relationships we build are clearly critical to reaching our goals.

Now I’m going to get really radical here and say that Introverts have the ability to be better networkers than extroverts. Yep. It’s true.

If you buy my definition, then you will also buy that we can’t build mutually beneficial relationships without LISTENING. And you know that introverts are better listeners. Extraverts are just waiting for you to shut up so they can talk again.

Your ability to build and maintain key relationships is critical- relationships inside your department, cross-functionally, with professionals in other organizations in similar roles, with recruiters, etc. To a great extent, you are the product. And in your relationships, you teach people who you are, what you do, what your organization does, what your goals are- and you learn theirs.

Networking is not an event. It’s a process of building for the long term. Networking isn’t about appearing, it’s about connecting. Even if you join lots of organizations, you may not have a network. It’s about what you DO and SAY when you are there. You must do more than pay your dues, show up, stick a name tag on your jacket, and eat lunch. You must make real connections. But when you do/are forced to attend events?

Tip: Ask a question! People love to talk about themselves. Say you see that someone is from the XYZ Company . Just ask ”What kinds of challenges are you facing at the XYZ Company? Or “What is your role at the XYZ Company?” You’re off and running!

Networking is not a card game. It isn’t accomplished by dealing out your business card to anyone who crosses your path. To make great connections, pour your energy into creating real relationships.

Tip: Before you exchange business cards, find a reason to do so- you found something in common, you started a conversation you want to finish, you have agreed to get in contact for a specific reason. That way, you can avoid the feeling of having to hand out cards.

Networking is not manipulative. It’s not about getting other people to help you. If you try to control what somebody else does for you, it’s hard to feel good about networking. There are two sides to networking. The biggest mistake people make about networking is to think it’s about getting. It’s not about getting; it’s about giving. Give generously. By giving, most people will try to return the favor- and give back to you in some way. That’s human nature. So, if you feel like you’re giving more than you’re getting, you are networking the right way.

Tip: Listen for opportunities to help someone else. Are they dealing with a challenge that you have some experience with? Give them some ideas. Did they mention that they are dealing with choosing a college with their teen, and you have just gone through it? Offer them your lessons learned.

Above all, networking is about connecting. Be an effective networker- a great connector who teaches people who he is, creates long-term business relationships, and focuses on giving, not getting. You’ll be amazed at the results.

And I’m betting that is an approach even introverts can rock at!

What do you think? Does it make sense to you?

What tips will you act on?

What tips do you have to add?

Julie believes that we all deserve to “be career happy.” Visit her at www.congruitycareer.com Or email her at julie@congruitycareer.com