TIN #078 - Mastering Networking as an Introvert: Tips for Every Career Phase
Unlocking Networking Potential for Introverts at Any Career Stage
My networking friend,
It's Greg here, your go-to guide for navigating the networking world as an introvert.
This week, I'm talking about how to grow your network whether you:
Have a job and are happy
Have a job but need to get out
Don't have a job and need one - NOW!
Whether you're comfortably employed, seeking new opportunities, or currently jobless, I've got you covered!
This issue takes about 5 minutes to read.
But Before We Get Started…
A new friend of mine, Johnny, writes a newsletter called:
A Man's Work is a weekly newsletter about modern manhood. Every week, you'll get brutally honest takes on how men are facing their toughest challenges and the tools men are using to overcome those challenges. It's deep. It's useful. It's way more fun than it should be.
Check it out here. Men and women welcome! - really, Johnny tells me 30% of his readers are women.
Also, Don’t Forget:
My online course, “5 Steps To Grow Your Professional Network,” is FREE for all my newsletter subscribers. Learn the process I use everyday to grow my professional network.
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.
The Content Introvert: Networking When You're Not Looking for a Job
Believe it or not, being happily employed is the perfect time to network.
Why?
There's no pressure!
You're not asking for a job; you're just building connections. Here’s what you can do:
Action Steps:
Start with Who You Know: Reconnect with old colleagues, university alumni, friends, and family.
You can take your time with this. You might need to reach out to one person each week.
But, be sure you are taking a small amount of action each week to keep your network growing.
Offer Help: Focus on how you can assist others, building that all-important networking karma.
In this phase, you aren’t asking anyone for anything, except maybe an introduction to someone new.
Spend most of your time thinking about how you can help you connections. What can you give them to help them in their careers, businesses, or projects?
Regular Check-Ins: Check in with your connections every few months.
You don’t have to talk to any one person all the time, unless they are someone in your close, personal circle.
If you talked to a connection a few months ago about a project they were working on, follow up with them to see how it went.
The Proactive Introvert: Networking While Seeking a New Role
You may have a job, but even the best situations can change.
Maybe you’re anticipating changes at work or just seeking new challenges.
When you decide it’s time to start looking at new jobs, you’re going to need to shift your networking strategy.
Usually, introverts in this phase are concerned about making their networking visible because they think they’re boss is going to see them on LinkedIn and wonder if they’re leaving their job.
You shouldn’t worry about this. If your boss or colleagues ask why you are on LinkedIn, ask them how they know? They must be on LinkedIn, too.
Also, tell them you are on LinkedIn because you want to:
Connect with industry leaders to learn so you can be better at your job, or
Find great talent to join the team, or
Create your Career Insurance policy.
Action Steps:
Increase Engagement: Connect with one new person daily.
If you want to make a change in jobs, you will need to increase your networking activity.
If you were only talking to one connection a week, you’ll need to work on talking to one connection each day.
Target Your Efforts: You’ll need to make your connecting more targeted.
Focus on people in roles or companies you're interested in.
Informational Interviews: When you connect with people at your target companies, request short, respectful chats to gain insights into the company or roles you are interested in.
Be respectful of the other person’s time. Make yourself available and easy to talk to. As always, find ways to help the other person. This pays dividends in the future.
The Urgent Introvert: Networking Without a Job
It's tough but not impossible to network effectively without a job.
I’ve been there. I’ve been laid off twice. It’s never fun to approach people when you know they know you are looking for a job.
However, you need to spend as much or more time networking as you do applying online for jobs.
Your approach will be more urgent and more targeted.
Action Steps:
Up Your Volume: Reach out to more people than you usually would.
You will need to be connecting with multiple people each day.
People are busy and may not respond right away so you need to keep connecting to create as many opportunities as you can.
Be Honest and Direct: When you are reconnecting with former colleague address the job search question directly.
Yes, you are looking for a new role, but you are not expecting your connection to find a job for you.
Instead, you’d love to let them know what roles you are interested in and which companies you want to learn more about.
If your connection has any insight or ideas of who to connect you with, all they need to do is send an email to introduce you to them.
Clearly communicate what you’re looking for and how others can help.
Final Thoughts:
Start Small, Think Big: Networking is a journey. Begin with small, consistent steps and watch your network grow.
Stay Engaged: Whether you're happy in your job or seeking new opportunities, regular networking pays off.
Be Genuine: Networking is about building relationships, not just collecting contacts.
I'd Love to Hear from You! Have you tried any of these strategies? How did they work for you? Share your stories and struggles with me – your insights inspire the content of this newsletter.
Until next time, keep meeting interesting people, and always be connecting!
Before You Go…
Check out my appearance on the No More Mondays Podcast with Angie Callen. The topic is networking (surprise!), and I had a great conversation about how I become The Introverted Networker and what I tell introverts about networking. Give it a listen!