Numbers from a 2010 survey by Right Management showed that 41 percent of jobs in firms served by the outplacement services company were found by networking. Exceptionally satisfying to the bold, such numbers offer cold comfort to timid, introverted individuals. However, according to Rebekah Campbell of the New York Times, it is possible for introverts to excel at and even enjoy networking.
What is the secret? Writing on the Harvard Business Review, Lisa Petrilli, author of "The Introvert's Guide to Success in Business and Leadership" argues that an appreciation of introversion is the first step to success in networking for introverts. Introverted individuals tend to view their unique personalities as obstacles to success. This attitude builds a sense of inadequacy that prevents the development of the motivation needed to relate with others. An appreciation of introversion brings with it the capacity to balance an introvert's preference for an inner world of ideas with the need to relate with other people. To augment confidence built through an appreciation of their personalities, introverts need to focus more on their strengths and successes.
Introverted individuals should focus on developing relationship-building tactics consistent with their personalities instead of trying to copy extroverts. According to Campbell, they should ease, not jump into relationships. In corporate events, for example, speaking with as many people as possible for short stretches of time while arranging for longer, in-depth talks afterwards is a much better strategy than trying to build intimate relationships on first contact. The approach provides introverted individuals with space to ruminate and prepare while creating starting points for future conversations.
Campbell also points out that career success depends on relating with the right people and not on knowing half the town. Nurturing a few critical relationships is far more important than trying to unsuccessfully build thousands of superficial attachments. Introverted individuals should try to add a few new people into their networks every month, advises Forbes' The Muse. Knowing two new people a month adds up to twelve people a year, which could mean hundreds of potential contacts. To attain this goal, introverted individuals should not be afraid to step out of their comfort zones. An extended hand and a smile works wonders, says Petrilli. And if seeking out people proves too hard, relaxing and looking approachable can help draw people to the introvert, adds The Muse. When the conversation starts, introverts should keep the focus on the other person to avoid worrying about what to say.
What else can introverted individuals do to improve their networking skills? Attending conferences and other events with a friend is a huge confidence booster, says The Muse. Petrilli suggests taking a half-hour or so between events to recharge. Memorizing an introduction or a few useful questions can also help. All in all, it is possible for introverted individuals to enjoying networking as much as extroverts; just ask Mark Zuckerberg.
Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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