Networking as an Introvert Doesn't Have to be Scary

As introverts, networking isn’t exactly something that we look forward to. Even when we make an effort, we might end up talking about wrapping paper for 10 minutes instead of providing any meaningful information about ourselves.

But networking is important, especially as we transition careers. In our latest podcast, we take the top advice for introvert networking, package it up, and put a bow on it. We also put some cat ears on it. But that’s to be expected, isn’t it?

Step 1: Figure out why you hate networking

This was an area of “learning” for us. Despite a fifteen-year friendship, Kari was under the impression that Rebecca was an expert at networking. Unfortunately, this is not the case; Rebecca just has different types of social anxieties. While Kari struggles to feel worthy of participating in a conversation, Rebecca can’t quite figure out how to identify and conform to networking expectations. So while Kari says nothing, Rebecca says nothing of significance—choosing instead to make people smile and laugh.

Yes, people might remember Rebecca as the goofy redhead who compared the appetizers to different video game characters. But is anyone going to want to hire someone just because they talked about how the Goombas in Super Mario games were modeled after mushrooms? Likely not.

Our conversation also meandered into a discussion of the differences between introversion, shyness and social anxiety, highlighting that even extroverts can be shy (gasp!). So, chances are that only outgoing extroverts are really comfortable in networking situations. The rest of us? We need to muddle through.

Step 2: Setting yourself up for networking success

One piece of advice is to expand your definition of networking to include other relationship-building activities that don’t require awkward conversations and name tags. But when you need to jump in to the deep end of a networking event, there are definitely tactics to help you succeed. These may or may not include:

1. Choosing your event wisely
2. Planning ahead
3. Setting a goal
4. Creating an elevator pitch
5. Gushing on and on about your obsession with Simon Sinek
6. Wearing cat ears
7. Developing preset conversation starters
8. Transitioning out of conversations by farting (seriously, Kari! What were you thinking?)
9. Using power poses
10. Fact-checking anecdotes about Mark Hamill's facial scars before sharing them in a public forum.

Tune in to learn about proven networking strategies for introverts as well as ones that likely won’t take off, despite the obvious potential. Come on, people! Wearing a cat shirt to a dog convention is clearly networking gold.

Stuff we talked about

We looked at gobs of articles to prepare for this cast. Here are some of our top sources:

1. Shy people aren't always introverts.
2. How to survive parties as an introvert.
3. Kick-butt tips for introvert networking you've never heard.
4. Millennials Network Differently.
5. Networking for the socially anxious.