Networking Made Easy: Elevate Your Game as an Introvert and Reap the Rewards
Helping Readers With Their Biggest Networking Challenges
Hey there, fellow networkers!
Welcome back to another edition of The Introverted Networker.
This time, let's dig into an important topic:
Overcoming the obstacles introverts face when networking.
As always, I'm here to help you out with your questions and give you easy tips to feel more comfortable and confident while connecting with others.
This issue takes about 3 minutes to read.
Before we get started, I have a favor to ask. If you know someone who could use this newsletter, hit the Share button and send it to them!
Thanks! Let’s dive in!
The Best Part of This Journey
This week, let's tackle some common issues that many of you have shared with me.
One thing I enjoy about writing The Introverted Networker newsletter is that I get to learn about your networking challenges.
When new folks join our community, I ask them a simple question:
"What's the biggest challenge you face with networking?"
It's awesome to see how many of you respond and open up about the things holding you back.
I love this because it helps me understand your problems better and find the best ways to help you out.
As I read through your answers, I notice that a lot of you share similar struggles.
This helps me create content that speaks to your needs.
Three Common Networking Challenges
Today, let's focus on three big challenges that come up a lot when it comes to networking.
Even if we've talked about these before, I want to go deeper to give you practical solutions that actually make a difference in your networking game.
I’ve also included video clips that explain more details about overcoming these challenges.
If you want to see all the details, be sure to listen to the audio podcast version of this newsletter or watch the video podcast on my YouTube channel.
1. Embracing Awkwardness: Dealing with Fear of Talking to Strangers
A challenge many of you mention is feeling nervous and awkward about networking, especially when you have to talk to strangers.
I get it – this fear is real, especially if you listen to most of the advice out there about networking. You've heard that networking means talking to people you've never met, and that can be pretty intimidating.
But here's the thing – we're going to flip that idea around.
Instead of focusing on strangers, start with people you already know.
Think about old coworkers, school buddies, or folks you've met along the way.
Reaching out to them isn't as scary because you've got a connection already.
Now, when I tell people “start with who you already know,” they tell me, “that doesn’t sound like networking.”
But it is because the people you already know are going to introduce you to new people.
I tell you more in this video clip:
I also talked a lot about this in TIN #001 - How To Network If You Don't Know Anyone. Check it out if you haven’t already.
2. Navigating Networking Chats with Confidence
Another challenge is feeling unsure during networking conversations.
You might worry about impressing someone with a fancy pitch.
But guess what?
Networking chats are regular human talks.
Whether it's an old colleague or someone you're introduced to through a friend, treat these chats like you're getting to know a new friend.
Forget about having a super polished speech.
Instead, ask them about themselves and listen.
This takes the pressure off you and makes the chat flow more smoothly.
If you can offer some advice or help, even in small ways, that's awesome.
It's a simple way to make the chat less stressful and build a stronger connection.
Check out the details in this video clip:
I gave other ways to approach these conversations back in TIN #003 - What To Say In A Networking Conversation.
3. Making Time for Networking: It's Easier Than You Think
The last common challenge is finding time for networking.
This is where a mindset change comes in handy.
Instead of thinking of networking as a big event, make it a small part of your daily routine.
Dedicate 15 minutes a day to connect with others.
Why 15 minutes?
It's a tiny part of your day – about 1%.
And small changes add up over time.
It doesn't matter if you're reaching out to old friends, giving a hand to someone, or checking in.
These quick actions can lead to big results without spending hours at big events.
Embrace Mindset Shifts for Better Networking
So there you have it – three common challenges and easy fixes that focus on changing the way you think:
If you find networking awkward, start with people you know.
When it comes to conversations, keep it chill and focus on learning about the other person.
And if you're short on time, fit in 15 minutes of networking a day – it's doable.
As we wrap up, keep sending in your questions and challenges. Either add them to the comments below or send me an email.
Your input shapes The Introverted Networker and makes sure it's exactly what you need.
Whether you're new to networking or a seasoned pro, remember – you're not alone in these challenges.
Let's ditch the myths and make networking work for us.