Author: Paul Michael / Source: Wise Bread
Ask most people what an introvert is, and they’ll describe someone who’s shy, doesn’t like being around people, and is very quiet and aloof. Well, that’s not always accurate. Some introverts love social gatherings and can be very talkative. However, they tend to find the experience draining and need alone time to get their energy back.
Knowing that, networking can be a daunting and overwhelming experience for most introverts. So, whether you are shy in social situations, or just find the whole experience exhausting, here’s what you can do to make networking a success. (See also: The 10 Best High Paying Jobs for Introverts)
1. Know before you go
Anyone who is shy, or has social anxiety, will find the unknown to be the most daunting part of the networking experience. Who’s going to be there? What’s the place like? Will there be music? Will I have to interact with a lot of people, or play those networking games?
Much of this anxiety can be reduced by researching the event before you step foot in the building. Send emails to the organizers and ask about the setup. If they have held this meeting before, see if you can find pictures and videos of it online. These days, it’s easy to find a record of any kind of event like this thanks to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. If you do your research, you can dull that anxiety down to just some mild jitters. And once you’re there, you’ll be much more at ease.
2. Consider volunteering at the event
This may seem like the worst kind of advice for an introvert, but as I’m one myself, I can tell you it really works.
If you volunteer to actually do something at the event — be it handing out name badges, taking coats, or helping serve food — having something specific to do stops that horrible feeling of being forced to interact with people without having a good reason.“I can’t just go up and talk to that person” becomes “I’ll see if that person wants another drink, and maybe we can have a quick chat as well.” Plus, if you have a job to do, it’s very easy to escape the conversation you’re having if it’s all getting to be too much. Personally speaking, I was dreading going to San Diego Comic Con to network for my company; then they asked me to staff the booth. I was so busy handing out goodies and answering easy questions that I forgot I was networking at the same time. (See also: 9 Unexpected Benefits of Volunteering)
3. Have a prepared opener for introductions
Another way to make the event go smoothly is to know what you’re going to say to people before you get face to face. The most important thing to remember with an introduction is that you are not trying to cram everything into a few opening sentences. You simply want an easy way to…
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