15 Simple Tips For Introverts Networking That Will Blow Your Mind

15 Simple Tips For Introverts Networking That Will Blow Your Mind

Photo by Christopher Campbell on Unsplash

I’m an extrovert, and I understand the power of networking. What hurts me is to see introverts not capitalize on events. So here are 15 practical tips you can use the next time you’re at an event.

  1. Build context in advance. Start networking from the safety of your office in advance. Peruse the website of the event. Seek out speakers and attendees via social media. Follow them on Twitter, engage with their content, and build context and rapport with them before you meet them in person. People tend to say content is king – I think context is. Now when you see someone walking past you at the event you may remember him or her from his or her Twitter avatar. Now you have something to talk about, and it will feel like you’re meeting an old friend. Just don’t assume they know who you are. Always introduce yourself.
  1. Go alone. I promise you it works. I’ve seen people who show up together and don’t leave each other’s side the entire event. This is a huge mistake. You may scare off potential introductions with your clique. Remember there are other introverts and your little crew will intimidate them. Show up alone, and challenge yourself to seek out others who are alone. They’ll thank you for approaching them.
  1. Put away your phone. Being present is paramount. I’ve seen some amazing things at the events. Don’t make the mistake of having your head down buried in your phone. You’re at an event that’s meant to connect human beings. Send your Tweet, check your email for sure – but don’t forget to pull your head up and make some eye contact. Nothing will be more welcomed to an introverted passer-by.
  1. Leverage technology to break the ice. Follow along with the conversation on Twitter by tracking a hashtag for an event. Banjo will show you who’s nearby and what they’re saying on Twitter, Linkedin, and even Intagram. It’s great to track the sentiment of the event and discover new people. Tweeting to someone at the same event may be a nice low-impact way of connecting.
  1. Volunteer for the ridiculous. If speakers ask a question or for help on stage – volunteer! This doesn’t always happen, but when it has happened on our stage, attendees can’t stop talking about it. Nobody on stage at a conference wants to embarrass anyone. This isn’t a comedy club or magic act. They’re usually trying to make a simple point. If done well people will talk about the stunt for weeks afterward. Chances are you’ll get swarmed as you leave the stage.
  1. Learn something new & expand your horizons. Attend a breakout session that you wouldn’t attend. When I was first learning about social media, I attended the Web 2.0 conference in San Francisco. This was back in 2007 when I was a Vice President of Sales. I had no desire to be an entrepreneur but I pushed myself to attend breakout sessions about entrepreneurship. That’s the first time I met Michael Lazerow. Years later Mike started Buddy Media and hired me in sales. Also, if you attend a session you’re not familiar with, chances are that you’ll have lots of questions too. You’ll want to interact with those in the audience with you or speak up during the session.
  1. Seek out, loners. Groups are hard to penetrate. But if you see that one person standing in the corner, now you can ask them about the last speaker on stage, those events happening in the news, or ask a question about the agenda that’s been irking you. If they don’t know, ask them to join you in the journey of discovery.
  1. Turn your business card into a conversation piece. This past Spring while walking with my daughters at the Chappaqua Book Fair I encountered a business hero of mine, Simon Sinek. I stopped him to introduce myself and handed him my business card. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver token. He indicated that it was an actual token of appreciation for the compliments that I’d just given him. Wow. It had all the pertinent contact information on it, but it was so unique that I’m still talking about it. It doesn’t have to cost a lot to make a big impression.
  1. Volunteer to work at the event. You’ll be “in the know” and part of the inner circle of organizers. Anyone who’s launched a conference understands just how hard it is to pull off an event. You’ll have all access to speakers, sponsors, and the agenda. You’ll be able to attend the event for free. You’re certain to meet a whole new network of people you would have never encountered as an attendee.
  1. Get there early. The people who get to events early always read the agenda know where the bathrooms are and get the lay of the land. You’ll become a resource for other attendees. If you’re a resource for someone the law of reciprocity indicates that they’ll want to help you in some form at a later date.
  1. Ask lots of questions. Have a few prepared in case you draw a blank. For example, I once produced an event where David Kerpen was our keynote.  If you had attended you may have wanted to ask David a question about one of his books. 
  1. Follow up. An appropriate follow up is essential. It will also help you reap the reward of all your hard work at the event. Nothing is more disheartening than spending time and money on an event and having nothing to show for it. You’re there to make connections. Send Linkedin connections during breaks for some downtime. It will give you a chance to decompress on your own, and get something accomplished.
  1. Hang out by the food. This sounds so silly, but if there is a public area in the same general area as the food, camp out there. You’ll see everyone at the event. Staying put will serve you better than milling about. Have an anchor spot that you return to. You’ll see repeat strangers and it will make it easier to make eye contact, smile, and connect.
  2. Everyone matters. Drop your agenda and embrace serendipity. It’s important to understand who’s at the event that you want to talk to. Sometimes the nervous-looking gal in the corner is the most important person in the room. Maybe she’s the founder of a well-funded social network and she needs to hire someone just like you. Focus on being open, friendly, and helpful to those you encounter. If you can do this genuinely, you won’t be soon forgotten.
  3. Have fun! Business is serious, but networking should be fun. There are no strikeouts. There are no grades. The more fun you have, the more you’ll draw people to you. The more fun you have the more you’ll relax and the more connections you’ll make.

 

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