5 Networking Tips for People Who Can't Network

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1. It truly is not about you.... unless it is. Lets face it... most people aren't interesting to you. They have different hobbies, likes, dislikes than you do. The only reason you are putting up with them is because you want something from them someday.
2. Show up often. That's right, show up in places you normally wouldn't go to unless you were paid, because that's where you are going to meet people to 'network' with.
3. Do some of out-of-the-box things. In other words, be completely fake and do stuff you wouldn't do in a millions years, because that's the only way to keep the attention of these fake friends you are going to network with.
4. Remember your manners. This is actually a good idea, if for no other reason than to keep up the facade that you are enjoying yourself.
5. Networking is like dating. Except without the possibility of sex. Because, you know, that would make it somewhat worthwhile.

screaminscott of TX 4:50PM June 08, 2010

HAVE A FEW WORDS TO SAY,HOWEVER YOUR ADVICE ON THIS SIMPLE ,BUT CHALLENGING SUBJECT IS OF GOOD TASTE,ESPECIALLY TO INDIVIUALS WHO REMAIN INDOORS DURING OFFICE HOURS,MANY OF US ARE EXPOSED TO ROUTINE SCHEDULES ,ONCE TAUGHT THE DAILY OPERATIONS THEN THUS THE END OF IT.
PERSONALLY IAM GRATEFUL FOR THESE TIPS BECAUSE IAM A PERSON WHOSE ALWAYS CONFINED IN ONE PLACE BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF THE JOB AM DOING.ATLEAST I HAVE LEARNT SOMETHING WHICH WILL MAKE BE PROACTIVE IN NETWORKING.

MAND 10:23AM March 16, 2010

I would also add a helpful tip I recently heard from Dee Marshall of "Raise the Bar", that is we can all find things we can be thankful for in the job we're leaving or the one we were let go from. When we find a way to replace resentment with gratitude for even some small thing, it comes through in our faces, speech, and personal energy. To hang on to a grudge with an old boss or a failed work situation is to broadcast negative energy that turns people away from us even in the most friendly networking situations.
God Bless,
TP

Todd of NJ 12:02PM December 16, 2009

The first one is the most important. Always listen to other people. From those conversations you will walk away with a lesson, a new lead or just plain smarter.
I also agree that consistency is the key. If you show up one time, people will think that you only came to get, not give. When they see you all the time, they will become more open.
I would like to add a couple tips. One, always smile. You appear less threatening and more approachable. Two, try to speak first. Generally speaking, everyone is a little shy initially. You can break the ice with hello.
Again, thanks for these.

Marcie Hill of IL 12:54AM December 16, 2009

I am also an INTJ to the core. Self confident in everything I do. Often times my reserved nature is misinterpreted. I nurture and highly value a very small group of friends and associates, and have no desire to rub elbows at community events, especially in the area I am living in. I grew up about 80 miles from where I currently living, and I can honestly say that I don't want to know anybody here. The general mentality is, for lack of a better word, retarded and backwards. I have lived in several states, several parts of this state, and have traveled extensively in the US and Europe. I have never hated living any place until I moved to Lebanon County. I am trying to relocate, but because of the job market, it has not been possible. The most help I have had is from recruiters in other areas who take pride in their area. The social networking like Facebook has been more of a waste of time and hard drive space than anything. I really don't care when somebody is taking a nap, or a shower, or going outside for air.

Bob Balliet of PA 12:26PM December 15, 2009

I grew up on a very rural farm in NE, went to a 1 room country schoolhouse in elementary (this was the 1950's) and then went to a village high school where my high school had appr. 100 kids total. I'm about 80% "socially inept" (and it shows, according to my kids) and I've never been a networker, I'm just not comfortable with it. I now truly believe that is something you learn as a child and I didn't. I can "fake it" for short periods but I just can't, emotionally, do it all day long all year long. I'm truly only comfortable around my plants and my garden and any farm animals we happen to have.

Leila of TX 8:13AM December 15, 2009

As an INFJ, I find it extremely hard to find people that share my interests...online networking is option, but with daily viruses on Facebook, et al. I am leery about what groups I join and stay with....

Kelly of AK 6:50PM December 14, 2009

I am an INTJ who is self-confident in many realms (some would say overle so), but networking (feigning interest) just seems forced and artificial, and that is why it makes me comfortable. I am not a natural politician, e.g, but at times I have taken the trouble to inform myself and to speak out publicly and forcefully on local political issues I believe in. Otherwise, I have no desire to rub elbows at local community meetings or political events.

Robert of NY 11:12AM December 14, 2009

People are also not being able to network, because, they are not self-confident and they think that it might be weird to act foolish by talking a lot or being overweening and solicitous in a group of strangers.

Rajesh Chaudhary 5:31AM December 14, 2009

I am an INTJ with a Linkedin network of about 2500 and network face-to-face monthly. While introverts and extroverts are not the same, both can network effectively.

Jim Sutton of NJ 10:33PM December 12, 2009