Power Networking for Introverts

A great networking book

It’s always a good sign when one of your well-respected colleagues recommends a good book. But when two make the same recommendation, it’s a sign of a great book. The book is Make Your Contacts Count by Anne Baber & Lynne Waymon, and the second edition has just been released. Every page is packed with great tips, and it even includes a tool for assessing your networking know-how. This is a great resource for anyone who wants to become a power networker!

Introverts unite!

Good friend and great writer, Rita Braun of Braun & Company, recently told me about an article from The Atlantic Monthly. For an interesting and motivational read, check out “Caring for Your Introvert: The Habits and Needs of a Little-Understood Group,” by Jonathan Rauch. Also take a look at a follow-up interview, “Introverts of the World, Unite!” Both of these articles, while quite humorous, emphasize that being an introvert is not a character flaw. We’re just different.

Be prepared

You never know where you’ll be networking, so be prepared. I’ve connected with some great people in the grocery store, on an airplane, and – just the other day – in the gym. I’m usually in a hurry to finish my workout, but I just happened to have an opportunity to speak with a woman who, as it turns out, works for a large marketing firm. After hearing that I do business and market research and many of my clients are marketers, she asked for my business card. No, I don’t keep them in the pocket of my running shorts, but I always carry some in my gym bag. And I was glad that I had remembered to restock my supply the night before!

Size matters

For introverts, it’s sometimes easier to network with a smaller crowd. When considering where to network, do your research. Does the group only host large events, or do they offer options for small groups? For example, when I first joined the Colorado chapter of the Business Marketing Association, I made sure to attend their monthly breakfast roundtables. With only 20 participants, these events were not as intimidating as the dinner meetings, which generally attract about 75-100 people. Once I made some contacts and had some successful networking experiences within the small group, I was ready to tackle the larger events.

Upcoming presentations

I’ll be presenting my “Power Networking for Introverts” session at two upcoming conferences. If you’re attending either of these events, let me know. I hope to meet you there:

February 22, 2007, National Association of Women Business Owners - Denver/Small Business Association Conference, Denver CO

April 21, 2007, Annual Conference, Association of Independent Information Professionals, Minneapolis MN

Baby steps

This networking tip comes from power networker and self-proclaimed introvert, Steve Parry of Sales Productivity Consultants. When you prepare to attend a networking event, it’s a good idea to set some goals. Once you reach your goal, you can give yourself permission to leave. For the introvert, Steve recommends starting with smaller, more attainable goals. For example, you might decide to talk to two new people or meet one person who agrees to get together for coffee. As you become more practiced at the art of networking, you can set higher goals.

Networking Don’ts & Do’s

I like to keep things positive, so I’ll start with the don’ts and finish with the do’s…

DON’T over think - don’t worry about what other people think. They’re probably in the same boat. Everyone – even the extroverts – has some anxiety in social situations.

DON’T go anywhere without lots of business cards - take more than you think you’ll need.

DON’T expect instant results - It takes time to cultivate a quality network.

DO get out of your office - Yes, there are ways to network without ever going out, but there’s nothing like face-to-face contact for getting to know people and for them to get to know you.

DO be a good listener - This puts the focus on the other person and not on you - a real plus for the introvert!

DO keep at it - Practice makes perfect (or almost perfect).

DO think about how you can help the other person.

Networking - Do I have to?

Mention networking to an introvert and their first question usually is “Do I have to?” Maybe not, but as Harvey Mackay (author of Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty: The Only Networking Book You’ll Ever Need) says, “No matter how smart you are, no matter how talented, you can’t do it alone.”

Your network can enhance your business, professional, and personal development. Recently, my network has brought numerous referrals for my research business, helped a relative get an appointment with a top doctor, allowed me to recommend a colleague for a large project, and much more. My network benefited me, but – more importantly – it helped me help others. And I couldn’t have done it alone.

Yes, introverts CAN network

Welcome to Power Networking for Introverts, a blog for introverts who want to overcome their fear of networking. I'll be posting tips and techniques, recommended books and websites, and information about my upcoming presentations. I look forward to talking with introverts and hope that this blog helps you develop your personal and business networks.