TIN #064 - Networking for Introverts: A How-To Guide

What I Would Tell Anyone Who Wants To Start Networking Today

Oct 21, 2023

Hey there, Introverted Networkers!

Hope you’re having a great week.

If you've followed my content, you know networking is a topic I'm truly passionate about.

I recently stumbled upon an article titled "Networking for Introverts: A How-To Guide" in The Economist (registration required).

However, it left me somewhat unsatisfied.

It lacked the practical advice I believe introverts need.

I talked about my frustration in this impromptu post you probably saw (it gives an overview of the article if you don’t want to give them your email).

So, I decided to create my own how-to guide on networking for introverts.

This issue take about 4 minutes to read.

But Before We Get Started…

Each week, I post a new podcast with tips you’ll find in the weekly newsletter and bonus stories, wisdom, and motivation. The Introverted Networker podcast is like the weekly newsletter but with additional narration and thoughts from me. Be sure to listen to this week’s podcast and check out the previous episodes of the podcast as well.
The video version of the podcast is available on my YouTube channel.

Step 1: Start with Who You Know

When it comes to networking for introverts, it's often best to start with familiar faces.

Begin by making a list of people you know.

I understand this can feel a bit overwhelming, so let's break it down further.

Suggestions:

The Five People You'd Call: Write down the names of the first five people you'd reach out to if you lost your job today. These are people you trust and feel comfortable with. Start by sending a message to these connections.
Former Colleagues: Go through your resume or LinkedIn profile and think about the people you worked with at previous jobs. Who do you remember being in meetings with? Who were your work buddies? Include them in your list.
LinkedIn Connections: If you've been keeping your LinkedIn connections up-to-date, this can be a goldmine for reconnecting. Start by scrolling through your first-degree connections and see if anyone sparks your interest. Don’t forget second-degree connections. You may know them in real life, but haven’t connected on LinkedIn. Send them a connection request.

The key here is to make the process of identifying your initial networking contacts as straightforward as possible.

Step 2: Connect Online, Get Offline

You can use online platforms to get back in touch with people, but your goal is to have a voice to voice or face to face conversation with your connections.

Having a conversation is the best way to grow a mutually beneficial relationship.

Suggestions:

Online Reconnection: Reach out to these connections through LinkedIn or email. Your message can be simple, like, "Hey, it's been a while, and I was thinking of you. How have you been?" This approach feels natural and non-intrusive. Remember, these people know you so you don’t have to over-engineer the message.
In-Person or Online Conversations: The goal here is to transition from the initial message to an actual conversation. It might take a bit of back-and-forth, but your persistence will pay off.
Scheduling Ease: Be the one who takes the initiative in scheduling these conversations. Suggest a few options and be flexible.

Step 3: Listen and Give

This is the heart of effective networking - engaging in meaningful conversations and building rapport.

Suggestions:

Listen Actively: During your conversations, focus on the other person. Ask them about their lives, their work, and their challenges. People love to talk about themselves, so let them. It's not being self-centered; it's just human nature.
Give and Share: If you can, offer something of value during these conversations. It could be advice, an introduction, or a useful resource. However, don't stress if you can't provide something immediately. Sometimes, it might take some post-conversation brainstorming to come up with something helpful.

Step 4: Be Easy to Help

Reciprocity is human nature.

If you give something to other people, they are going to want to give back to you.

When the tables turn, and they ask, "How can I help you?" be prepared and specific.

Suggestions:

Provide a List: Make it easy for them to help you by giving them a list of companies or individuals you'd like to connect with. The more specific you are, the easier it is for them to think of potential connections. If you don’t know how to create a targe list, check out TIN #006 - Don't Give People Your Resume (Do This Instead)
Be Patient: Just as you might give your connection and idea or recommendation after the conversation, your connection might think of some way to help you later. Stay in touch with them and you’ll eventually start to see the fruits of your labor.

Step 5: Make It A Habit

Most people think about professional networking as something to do when you’re looking for a new job.

However, the people with the strongest, most vibrant networks are the ones who engage with their network every day.

At the same time, they don't spend all day, every day, networking.

They make their networking actions small but sustainable.

They create a networking habit.

The best way to do this and to stay consistent is make what you’re doing smaller.

Instead of contacting ten connections, contact one.
Instead of sending LinkedIn messages to ten people, send one.
Instead of having five voice-to-voice conversations this week, have one.
Instead of trying to think of seven ways to help someone else, think of one.

And do it consistently.

By making it smaller and staying consistent, your network will continue to grow.

Conclusion

Networking as an introvert doesn't have to be overwhelming or awkward.

It's all about building authentic connections and giving as much as you receive.

Start with those you know, be persistent, and remember to make it easy for others to assist you.

Your network will grow naturally, providing opportunities and connections along the way.

Call to Action

Put this guide into action this week.

Reconnect with someone you know, initiate a conversation, and start building your network.

I'd love to hear about your experiences and any questions you have, so don't hesitate to reach out to me on LinkedIn, Twitter, or in the comments below.

Remember, ABC: Always Be Connecting!