Power Networking for Introverts

Networking workouts

Networking for introverts is a lot like working out. You have to start out easy, because you don’t want to overwork before you start to get conditioned. Eventually, though, you need to  work a little harder. It seems difficult at first, and your muscles feel sore. But your ability and conditioning gradually improve over time.

With networking, it’s O.K. to start out easy. Look for what’s comfortable. But sooner or later, you have to push yourself to try new ways to build your network. And sometimes that means reaching out of your comfort zone, feeling awkward and exhausted, but eventually becoming more adept. And then it doesn’t feel that difficult anymore.

As my personal trainer likes to remind me when I complain about being sore after a workout – It means you’re making progress.

LinkedIn for Introverts

LinkedIn’s social networking site is a great complement face-to-face networking. Check out a great article, “LinkedIn: Everything I Ever Wanted to Tell You, But Was Too Shy/Modest/Embarrassed to Say…,” by Kim Dority (Dority & Associates). Kim talks about using LinkedIn to develop your personal brand, an essential tool for job seekers. At the end of the article, look for a great list of additional articles on the topic. Geared toward library and information professionals – an industry that attracts its share of introverts – this resource offers great tips for all introverts who are struggling to make connections.

Public speaking for introverts

People are often skeptical that an introvert can actually do public speaking. Yes it’s true. It’s much easier to speak to a room full of strangers than to just one. Now that you know the big secret, check out Guy Kawasaki’s blog (one of my favorites). In a recent post, he talks about the “absolute necessities of an engaging performance or presentation.” Public speaking is a great way to promote you, your company, and your products and services. Don’t let being an introvert stand in your way.

Conference networking, introvert style

I’ve been busy preparing for and attending the Special Libraries Association's (SLA) annual conference, where I presented two sessions. For those of you who are not familiar with SLA, it’s an organization of librarians and other information professionals. Members are experts in finding, using, managing, and sharing information, and they work in Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, universities, the government, their own companies, and other settings. More than 5,000 people attended this year's conference, which took place June 3-6 at the Colorado Convention Center.

A conference with 5,000+ attendees is a frightening place to be for an introvert. But somehow I managed to do some heavy networking and survive (more than a little weary, but I survived!). Fortunately, SLA offers networking opportunities in a variety of settings. You don’t have to attend the open houses or receptions that attract 300 people. Forget about walking into a large room that's full of strangers. You can go to division business meetings, early morning sessions, roundtables, and other events that tend to attract fewer attendees.

Not all conferences offer so many networking venues, so just try talking with the person seated near you in a session or standing behind you while you're waiting for the exhibit hall to open. If you are forced to go to a large event, keep an eye out for fellow introverts. They’re often standing on the side of the room, looking as if they’d rather be having root canal!