10 Networking Tricks for Introverts

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As an out of work lifelong hermit I found several jewels in Karen Burns' article. More than I get out of most articles on any subject. For those of us who have never networked Networking 101 is great. It is easy to throw rocks but hard to find the gems if you are not looking.

Kermit Hermit of CA 7:22PM January 10, 2010

This is a very well written and thoughtful post with interesting suggestions for networking. To fully appreciate the underlying quirkiness of the author, and her delightful zest for tongue in cheek prose, I would suggest that folks take a moment to visit Karen's blog or ... better yet, get her book.
I'm getting a sense from reading the comments here that introverts seem to have a desire to be better understood and to have networking tips written at some higher level just for them. I am basing this on the several comments about how Karen does not understand introverts or that her tips were typical Networking 101 level tips.
In this case, Karen is walking her talk. Introverted is exactly how I would describe Karen. I would also add to that witty, wise, wonderful, and pointedly poised in the midst of a sea of extroverts.
Which is exactly where most folks who are looking for better connections to either grow their business or find a new job should consider placing themselves.
In front of other people.
Karen's tips and pointers are suggestions to get your curiosity and your imagination shifted into "temporary extrovert" mode so that any introvert can make the best of what for many (extroverts included) can be an uncomfortable situation.
Let me add, at this point, that networking does not have to be the root canal of your experience. And Karen covers several great points (and yes they are basic - the best points usually are) on how to make your networking experience the best it can be.
The number one point is to be prepared. The best way to be prepared is to do some research and Karen rightfully points out that Google is your friend. Since it appears that not knowing what to talk about can be a burden for networkers of all abilities, Google easily gives you grease for the wheel, so to speak.
How do you know who to Google? You ask the group manager if there is a list available of the attendees for the event you are planning to attend. Most groups want the attendees to have a successful time during the event and will provide the list of names so that proper planning can be done prior to the event. Once you have the list, scan it for people of interest to you. Then get busy with your research.
If that one tip seems too, well, premeditated for you ... please consider how changing your point of view might change your experience.
You won't go into an event worried about looking like a fool. You'll have an idea of several people that you are curious about and want to meet. You'll have a purpose for being there. You'll have topics to discuss and ideas to share. Basically, you'll have created a comfort zone for yourself which in turn makes it easier for you to approach and be approached.
Of course, then you can always fall back on Karen's wonderful tip #4. Be a great listener. Because, bottom line ... that's what the best networkers are.
And, my closing tip. Find the humor in it and have some fun.

Zita Gustin of WA 12:45PM December 29, 2009

I agree that Karen is missing the point about introverts, and while this column has some good points, it does seem like Networking 101.
Here are a few things that have helped me in the past - though in this economy they haven't yet produced any results ...
* Professional organizations - I've served on committees for a prominent association in my field. The people in those groups were very supportive of each other. I would not recommend walking into a "networking event." For an introvert it can be so stressful you end up advertising how awkward you are.
* Friends of Friends and Colleagues - In the past, I found that people were happy to put me in contact with others. I've gotten my best jobs this way. It's a lot harder in this economy - everyone is so edgy. A lot of my former colleagues have been reluctant to put me in contact with people they know because those people are either over-worked or in companies that are cutting back, too.
The challenge for any job-hunter in this recession is to remain visible to the right people. This is an even bigger challenge for introverts. LinkedIn is a must. I don't know about Facebook. I think having a Web site for work samples may also help. Being active in online professional discussions also seems like a way to get out there - but that takes a lot of time and effort.
I definitely think doing favors for people will also help keep you top of mind.
If you have the skills, maybe advising someone on a project at their job (as a sounding-board rather than a consultant) or actually contributing to the work (editing an audio or video file, for example) can distinguish you from the faceless masses.
I'd love to hear other ideas about this.

altaira of NJ 12:11PM December 22, 2009

I don't know Karen Burns and admit I have not gone to her blog, but I agree with the previous comments that this seems like Networking 101. Unless you have been an Introvert, and there is nothing here to say that Karen is, I don't really think you have the background and experience to give advice to one.
I would love to be an extrovert.

An Introvert of 11:04AM December 17, 2009

There seems to be this huge misconception, by the way, that introverts are necessarily "shy."
Some, perhaps, but that's stereotyping an entire group. Get into a university setting, where introverts outnumber extraverts by a large margin, and they're all talking and debating.
Maybe because the company is more stimulating than listening to extraverts talk about "reality" (cough) tv shows, or something.
Ditch the stereotypes, though, lest organizations prematurely undermine the potential that exists among their most analytical and thoughtful members.

Angie Koutrotsios of IL 4:58PM December 16, 2009

Networking, if not done correctly, sounds like it could be a whole lot of wheel-spinning and energy-expending, especially in an post-recessionary economic climate where no matter how many "connections" people have, there's still limited opportunity, overall.
Instead of always promoting more more more more more, how about better connections?
Maybe introverts realize that being more selective can mean working smarter, not harder, when it comes to more meaningful connections that are more likely to show a higher ROI (return on investment).
Seriously. How many extraverts really Facebooked their way into their current positions? Chances are greater that they utilized the career services division of their alma maters when the recession hit and many were laid off.
Quality may be more important than quantity.
And, of course, getting the US economy kicked into higher gear will help most of all. Otherwise, we'll be a largely extravert dominant nation full of talkative types who are all standing around at cocktail parties discussing how many just got laid off.

Angie Koutrotsios of IL 4:43PM December 16, 2009

With all due respect, these tips are mostly conventional networking tactics and concepts, not advice specifically aimed at introverts.
I would recommend that introverts peruse the book *Do What You Are*, which gives career and job search recommendations based on personality type. The general recommendations for introverts emphasizes tactics such as targeted networking through a small group of known and trusted contacts and communication through writing (email).
A recommendation like "[s]et goals—five phone calls a day, say, or two networking events a week" is kind of like asking a fish to grow legs and walk, even if it is an arbitrary example--it is an intimidating suggestion even for non-introverts. Introverts need to network for jobs too, but they have to do it in a way that utilizes their strengths and avoids their weaknesses.

Take it from an introvert of NY 2:02PM December 16, 2009