Have you ever found yourself at a large networking event, feeling uncomfortable and wishing you could be anywhere else? If so, you’re not alone.
Research indicates that about four out of ten Americans say they are completely or mostly introverted (nine percent say they are completed introverted). According to the survey, majorities of Americans say extroverts have more advantages when it comes to parties, public speaking, and meeting new groups of people.
Introversion can sometimes present challenges, especially in environments that favor extroverted behaviors. This can lead to missed opportunities in networking, career advancement, and feeling undervalued. Introverts often expend extra energy to engage in social interactions, which can be draining.
My research at Gallup has also shown professional networking as an important leadership development experience.
Quiet Minds Are The Loudest
Interestingly, studies have shown that the brains of introverts are often more active than those of extroverts, even when at rest.
These aren’t just minor physiological differences. This research suggests that introverts possess a thicker prefrontal cortex compared to extroverts, indicating more brain tissue in the region responsible for deep thinking and decision-making. Additionally, they have a less dominant dopamine reward system, which is linked to pleasure, but they have higher levels of acetylcholine receptors. This means introverts tend to feel good when they are calm, quiet, and engaged in introspection.
This heightened (and different) brain activity can make introverts appear reserved or quiet, but it doesn’t mean they lack thoughts or ideas. In fact, many introverts may feel anxious about attending networking events, dreading the thought of socializing in large groups.
Susan Cain, an expert on introversion and author of Quiet, suggests that “the secret to life is to put yourself in the right lighting. For some, it’s a Broadway spotlight; for others, a lamplit desk.” This highlights the importance of finding your comfort zone and leveraging your strengths in networking situations.
Instead of forcing yourself to act like an extrovert, it’s beneficial to stay true to who you are. By doing so, you can adopt strategies to network without changing your core personality. This approach is not only less stressful but also more authentic.
If you’re feeling anxious about an upcoming event, don’t worry! There are effective strategies you can employ to enhance your networking skills while staying aligned with your natural tendencies.
Here are some practical tips:
1. Prepare to Socialize
Before attending a networking event, set clear objectives. Decide how many people you want to meet or what specific topics you want to learn about. Having defined goals can help you stay focused and motivated. Research the attendees or speakers ahead of time. Familiarize yourself with their backgrounds, interests, and recent work.
This preparation can make it easier to start conversations. For example, checking out LinkedIn profiles can provide insight into who will be there and help you identify whom you’d like to connect with.
2. Use Your Strengths
Leverage your natural strengths when networking. If you excel at listening or are empathetic, use these qualities to engage others. Ask open-ended questions and show genuine interest in their answers. This can lead to meaningful conversations and connections.
If you’re more comfortable connecting online, use social media to reach out to professionals in your field. You might find that engaging in online discussions can be less intimidating than face-to-face interactions.
If you prefer deeper, more meaningful connections, seek out smaller networking events or workshops. These settings allow for in-depth conversations and can be less overwhelming than large gatherings.
3. Get Help
Consider partnering with an extroverted colleague or friend who can facilitate introductions and help ease you into conversations. Having someone to lean on can reduce the pressure of initiating contact.
Practice networking in low-stakes environments. Attend casual events where you won’t feel judged and can receive constructive feedback. Engaging in informal gatherings with like-minded individuals can help build your confidence without the stress of a formal networking situation.
Regardless of whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, I highly recommend evaluating your network. It’s not just about the number of people connected to you on social media or in your professional circles; what truly matters is the quality of those relationships. Consider who in your network acts as a role model, coach, connector, sounding board, sponsor, or influencer. Make a list of these individuals, and then reach out to them to express the roles you would like them to play in your personal and professional life.
4. Reflect and Improve
After attending a networking event, take some time to reflect on your experience. What went well? What could you improve? This practice will help you learn and develop your networking skills over time. The more you reflect, the more confident you’ll become in future interactions.
By adopting these strategies, introverts can become more comfortable in networking situations and foster valuable professional relationships.
Remember, it’s possible to stay true to your authentic self while effectively networking. Embrace your introverted nature and find strengths-based strategies that work for you.
Networking doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right preparation, use of strengths, support from others, and a mindset focused on growth, you can navigate networking events with confidence.
So the next time you find yourself at a large gathering or networking event, remember that it’s okay to be yourself and embrace the unique qualities that make you who you are.