Networking tips for introverts
Friday, July 17, 2009
7 Tips for making networking work for you even if you are a raving introvert and HATE meeting new people
- Select the right group
Select a facilitated networking group where everyone gets a chance to meet other attendees in a structured format, or a round table format where it is easy to talk to the people sitting next to you.
Find out what to expect in advance:
· What is the format?
· Who will be there?
· What is the dress code?
· What do you need to take?
- Don’t go alone
Take a friend or business associate for moral support. Plan a mutual support strategy so that you rescue each other when it all gets too hard.
- Be prepared
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- Know what you want to achieve
- Have business cards
- Have questions ready to ask
- Know what you want to say about your business
- Dress so you feel comfortable
- Arrive early and offer to help the organiser
One of the best places to be is on the registration table – you get to know everyone who is there so you can decide who you want to meet later
- Stay late and offer to help clean up
Your best connection at a networking event is the organiser – they are a good networker and they know everyone who was at the event. They will appreciate your help and will probably be more than willing to introduce you to some great connections.
- Set realistic goals depending on the format of the event
Some events make it easy to connect with 10 or more new people while at others you may be struggling to meet more than two. Focus on quality not quantity and find out as much as you can about the people you meet. The value of networking comes from the quality of the relationships you build after the event – not the number of people you exchange cards with at the event.
- Look for allies not clients
Many SME business owners are uncomfortable in a sales role. Treat networking as a means of developing strategic alliances and referral networks not a means of finding leads. You and the people you meet will be more comfortable and the potential of the long term relationships you will develop will far outweigh the short term benefits of a once off sale
