Networking Opportunities for Introverted Professionals - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Networking Opportunities for Introverted Professionals - Introvert Whisperer Networking Opportunities for Introverted Professionals Networking is often an essential part of finding a new position, exploring new opportunities, and even building a business â€" but when you’re an introvert, the prospect of networking can sound overwhelming and unpleasant. If your stomach turns at the idea of making small talk with a room full of strangers, you’re not alone. Networking is difficult even for outgoing personalities, so it makes sense that introverts may naturally shy away from the idea. But just because you’re introverted doesn’t mean that you need to give up the idea of networking entirely. In fact, there are many ways that you can focus on networking without necessarily interacting with people on a face-to-face basis. Focus on Your Presentation How you present yourself is important in networking, and that applies to networking in person as well as online. Start by getting active on social media platforms, particularly on LinkedIn. Ask a friend or hire a photographer to take a professional headshot of you and focus on making your profile both professional and up-to-date. As you’re working on your LinkedIn profile, as well as your resume, pay attention to the details that matter. These are items like certifications, continuing education opportunities you’ve pursued, and even professional associations that you’re a member of. These details can help you to stand out from the crowd. If you’re applying for a job, be sure that these details are on your resume, too, since they speak to your qualifications and dedication to your career. Before you start using LinkedIn, make sure that you’re familiar with the dos and don’ts of LinkedIn networking. For instance, you should only include links on your profile that direct to professional sites, and should make sure that all of those links are functioning. Choose to join some groups that you have a connection with or a genuine interest in, and when you do engage with others, use your experience or expertise to provide them with some value. When connecting with others on LinkedIn, don’t connect with just anyone. Look for people you share interests with, who work in the same industry, or with whom you have some other connection. Then, craft a personalized invitation to connect with a short message highlighting what you have in common and why you would like to connect. Using social media sites like LinkedIn for networking can be particularly helpful when you’re an introvert. By removing the face-to-face element from networking, you can use social media to establish connections with others without the pressure of in-person interaction. Engaging with others can be draining, but framing your networking as spending 10 minutes on LinkedIn each day is a much easier task to manage. Use Written Outreach LinkedIn and social media sites will only go so far, and at some point you’ll probably need to make a connection outside of a social media site. When you do need to reach out, consider using written outreach to make that initial connection. When you can write an email, a letter, or a postcard, you have time to plan out your thoughts and it doesn’t feel as demanding as interacting with someone in person. Plus, you can feel more confident, knowing that you’ve carefully phrased your words. If you’re reaching out to new connections by email, getting your email opened and read can be a challenge. Write a concise subject line, since many devices cut subject lines off after five words. Avoid using all caps in the subject line, and if a mutual connection has recommended that you reach out, mention that early on in the email. Most importantly, write a personalized message to the recipient. Don’t Be Afraid to Follow Up As an introvert, you’re probably more sensitive to the effects that requests and communications can have on a person. This may make you leery of following up with your connections after you send an initial email, or if you’re trying to get that connection to take some sort of action, such as to review your resume. This is one change that you can make as an introvert to improve your networking. Realize that following up is standard and even to be expected in the professional world. If you haven’t heard back after sending an initial email or making a phone call, it’s entirely possible that the person you’re contacting is so busy they’ve simply overlooked or forgotten the request. A follow-up a week or two after your initial contact is perfectly acceptable, and it may just generate the response you were looking for. Rely on Existing Networks, Too While it’s always important to build and expand your networks, don’t forget about the importance of your existing networks and connections. An existing network might hold the key to helping you transition professionally while still employed, or that network might have a connection who could be invaluable as you start a new business or project. In fact, a survey that LinkedIn helped to create revealed that 85% of job-seekers found their new careers through networking. Your existing network may consist of the students you attended college with, your colleagues at your past and present jobs, and the connections you’ve made on social media or through professional organizations. It’s important to cultivate these networks and to understand the universal laws of networking. While you may want to network because it will benefit you, remember that the connections in your network should also benefit from the experience, too. Look for opportunities to connect people in your network with other people or resources that could help them. Think about how you can offer them value, and be interested in their lives and professions. Networking takes time, so do this in moderation as you can manage, but remember that by investing in your network, you may be developing connections that can be valuable to you in the future, too. If you do end up meeting with a contact for coffee or find yourself at a conference, remember that you don’t have to write off in-person networking, too. Instead, perfect your networking skills as an introvert. Practice ahead of time, write down some questions, and remember that no one else is thinking about how shy you may be at an event, since they’ll be focusing on themselves. Networking as an introvert may require some modification and creativity, but it can absolutely be done. With effective marketing, you can establish valuable connections that may open up future opportunities. By: Sam Bowman Sam Bowman is a freelance writer and introvert who enjoys getting to utilize the internet for the community without actually having to leave his house. In his spare time, he likes running, reading, and combining the two in a run to his local bookstore. Image Source: Pixabay Go to top Bottom-line â€" I want to help you accelerate your career â€" to achieve what you want by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my 4 Building Blocks to Relationships eBookâ€" the backbone to your Networking success and fantastic work relationships.   Grab yours by visiting here right now! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer