Either click on the photo above or click here for a better, full panaroma 360 view. Created from 360iPhone app. So cool!
This week was a highly extroverting week with three in-person networking events. When launching a new company which has local and international appeal, marketing on a small budget must include networking. Networking online, networking in-person. But what to do as an introvert?
With online social networking giving the introvert an indisputable advantage, it’s possible to leverage your in-person networking to work just as effectively for you. Whether you are just starting a business or sales position or you have been for a while, you can use what you are doing successfully online, to help with in-person networking.
Scope out to have a recharge area. We have to make our energy a high priority. Look around the venue. Is there any corner of the room you might see a small group of people? Or do you see space in the room that you can create a corner for smaller conversations? Think of it as online networking: you likely select the online venues you want to network and then decide when and how often to visit them. It’s a similar thing when you are in-person. When I arrived at this specific event (see the panorama picture above) there was a line. I used that time to survey the space. It’s certain I would want to know where I might be able to gravitate to for an energy boost as the time went on.
Have specific intentions, or a goal. At times one of these can work better than another for me. Goals are specific but narrow, example: I’m going to easily meet, through people I already know, 3 new people. That one might even be a little rigid for me these days. Intentions are flexible and broader: I’m going to approach this event with great energy and openness. Ah, so much better. Do you see or hear the difference? Goals are almost like a SHOULD; intentions help you more easily get in the flow. Decide what you need at the event to help you most.
Arrive fashionably late and leave early. I bet you already do this? Networking events are flexible with people coming and going. Just 15 minutes late can allow you to stand in line and scope, usually not too long, and still contribute with your being there. The culture of most USA networking events is flexible. While an hour or two late might be too much, 15 to 30 minutes isn’t going to draw attention to you. Again, isn’t that like things are for you online? Unless you’re someone who is hiding behind your computer – and stop that if you are – then you know it takes a bit of creative scheduling to be in and out of Twitter, FaceBook, LinkedIn or more.
Treat conversations as learning. Almost every venue I’m on is sharing quotations, blog posts, articles and more information. The ones that usually engage the post are introduced with a wee bit conversation. When you’re networking in-person it doesn’t have to be sell sell sell. As a matter of fact, it’s better if it is not. Use your introvert tendencies to ask questions and listen, all to learn about the people you are meeting. Then you can decide if you want to connect further.
There are certainly many more ways to reduce the nightmare feeling of networking. What have you found works for you?
I do exactly what you discribed. When in a publc event or meeting, I always look for a quiet place or space where I can escape and recharge. It’s become second nature. I have found that I need to “look busy” to prevent interuption when recharging. It is a nice way to commincate “do not disturb”.
The advent of SM has been fun for me, because I can choose when to engage and when I need personal space. :)))
Susan, sounds like you’ve got this mastered. Any other tips to share to prevent interruptions?
You are so right Paul; anyone of any style does better when instead of communicating with they way THEY like to communicate, to be more like the other person.
Hope this was helpful.
Wow, Pat, I must say that this is really good. You know we need to realise as entrepreneurs that there will be Introverts who want to do business and as such, we need to know how to communicate with them and how to effectively pass across our message in the best possible way to them.
thanks once again
This is a great post! Finding that space to recharge is essential. That’s why I like online social – I don’t have to hide in the corner and look busy. I know that in person is important as well so these tips are great.
Arriving 15 or 20 minutes late is a great idea. Deciding if you want to connect further is another recommendation I think is well thought out. This is a great game plan to feel more comfortable and know what to do without thinking you’re doing something that’s going to waste your time. A great way for introverts to get out and get the job done. Thanks for the post Patricia. I’ve learned some great pearls of wisdom here.
Rick Salas
Pat today I was with a female CEO of an advertising agency. We both had the same experience when it comes to networking:
Networking is so much easier when you are a woman. There you are in the middle of 30 “suits” and everybody wants to talk to you.
And the “suits” don’t know if the woman in question is into- or extrovert.
Geek Girl you can find that space without hiding for sure. I find in-person rivals online so we want to master energy recharging. Thanks.
Rick, even extroverts want to know how to better communicate and relate to the introvert. We DO make up 51% of the USA population. Happy to help.
Catarina, as a female introvert there is a DOUBLE advantage. Thanks so much for this reminder!
I love the part of showing up fashionably late and leaving early. Although I am not an introvert, I do not enjoy the typical networking event…what I refer to as the “speed dating” of business. I feel like I need a bath when I leave the event…
If I make one new substantive contact at a networking event I feel it’s been time well spent. That takes the pressure off “having” to meet xx number of people. Remember, too, that you’re more liking to extend the new relationship by offering advice or a referral than by trying to sell your services. You’ve got to give to get.
I love the recharge area idea – it’s often a good idea to have a time out. Being ‘on’ all the time is just too draining. All great points.
Wow! That needing a bath after a networking event conjures up something worst than even I have detailed here Martin! Thanks so much for making it that vivid!
I like your attitude Jeannette: how just one more valuable contact makes the event worthwhile. Wise advice from an extrovert to all us introverts. Thanks.
AK, for me it’s either the recharge area or head to the restroom for that explicit purpose. Either does what I need quite nicely. Thanks!