An introverts guide to networking

An introverts guide to networking If youre anything like me, youll find networking a terrifying prospect. The thought of going up to a random stranger and selling yourself on the spot makes me feel like running for the hills. When youre not the most socially extroverted person, finding the courage to speak to someone you dont know and maintain a conversation is no easy task. But there are ways you can still make those all important connections without completely freaking out. These top tips will help you tackle the scariest of social situations as an introvert, and come out of it feeling confident. Just go at your own pace and dont compare yourself to others you know what is a win for you. It is JUST a conversation This is essentially the hardest thing to get your head around. Dont walk up to someone and talk to them like its an audition. If it comes across as overwhelmingly obvious you want something from them, theyll be put off anyway. Just imagine youre at a pre-drinks where you dont really know anyone, and its up to you to go up to someone and make a friend. You wouldnt walk up to them and immediately start banging on about that amazing holiday you went on last year. You would introduce yourself, get to know them and ask some questions networking works in essentially the same way. Find a networking buddy Especially for a first-timer, heading to a networking event alone can make it seem even more terrifying. Youll probably find it way easier to take a friend along so you can approach people together, especially if that friend is slightly more extroverted than you. Theyll likely make you feel more comfortable in the conversation, and you wont have to panic about who youre going to talk to if you cant find anyone else. Just dont let them dominate the conversation too much its easy to sit back and let them take the wheel, but make sure you use them as springboard into the conversation, not as an excuse not to get involved. Start off small Networking can come in all shapes and sizes. You naturally might imagine a formal networking event, with business types in suits dotted around a large room eating nibbles. But networking actually happens all the time with people on your course, with tutors, at events and conferences. These slightly more informal interactions will help prepare you for the more traditional networking en masse where youll have to work the room. Start small and make your way up, youll soon grow in confidence enough to tackle situations you never thought you would be able to. Come up with a natural conversation opener If youre the kind of person who doesnt do well with spontaneous speaking, then make sure to plan what youre going to say in advance not word for word though, or youll end up sounding like a robot. Think about something you can say that would work as a natural conversation starter if theyve just done a talk for instance, you could mention something from that. You could say something about the event and its location, a connection you have with the company or a burning question youve been thinking about. Think of an action plan Take this with a pinch of salt dont go in there with too much of an agenda as it will look obvious. The only agenda you should have really is to make a connection with that person, and perhaps give them your business card if you have one. Youll have a link within the industry, theyre more likely to remember your face at future events and job openings, and thats what networking is all about. That being said, you might want to ask a really specific question, enquire about work experience opportunities or ask if you can drop them an email at a future date for some more advice. These are all fine, but you might want to plan in advance how youre going to get around to these in the conversation so you dont just blurt it out mid-sentence. Think about what you want and how youre going to get there, and you should feel a lot calmer. Listen to what they say This one might seem silly, but if youre stressed out about the fact that youre actually having a conversation with the CEO of a company, it is easy to get too stuck in your head. But while youre internally shouting OMG, how is this happening, what do I do, what do I say!?, the person if front of you is actually speaking and as soon as they stop, theyre going to expect a response. So try and switch off your brain a little bit, focus on the words youre listening too and respond when necessary. And dont forget to show youre actually listening by nodding your head and making some responsive noises along the way (you know the ones, hmmm ahhh oh really?). Be an engaged listener and youll make a good impression. Remember youre not inferior Dont waltz up to a senior company recruiter and start bossing them around like you run the world. But at the same time, dont be too timid and deferential. Dont be afraid to express your opinion about something, especially when youre asked, and feel free to share your own experiences when necessary. Yes, they may be older than you, but that doesnt mean theyre far superior, and if you talk to them the same way you would talk to headteacher when youre being told off at school, then youre going to have a problem. Connect with Debut on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for more careers insights.