How Introverts Can Successfully Network

Hello, this is Laura Lee Rose!  I am a speaker, author, and expert in time and project management. I help busy professionals and entrepreneurs create effective systems so that they can comfortably delegate to others, be more profitable, and have time to enjoy life –even if they don’t have time to learn new technology or train their staff.  I have a knack for turning big ideas into on-time and profitable projects.

At the end of the day, I transform the way you run your business into a business you love to run.

Today’s comment came from a busy professional:

How can introverts successfully network?

• How can introverts successfully network for business?
• What are ways that introverts can step out of their comfort zones and successfully meet with business contacts in social situations?

Most shy people are nervous when the spotlight is on “them.”  So: reverse the networking process and put the spotlight on the other person. Get interested in finding out about them, what they do, what their goals are, and the kind of people that the other person wants to meet. Then, step into the “how can I serve you” mentality.  Introduce them to the people that they want to meet, etc.

Some Quick Steps to Follow Before Going to a Networking Event

1. Design five ice-breaker questions to ask various people that you meet. Examples include:

• How did you find out about this event?
• What are your goals/what are you looking for in this event?
• Who did you want to meet at this event?
• Can you tell me more about your business and who would be a good referral for you?
• How can I help you with your referral and business goals?

2. Have a specific goal outlined for any networking event you attend. Examples include:

• Make a goal to meet five new people at this event, and schedule at least three follow-up meetings. Increase that number the next time you go to another networking meeting.
• Make a goal to find someone in a specific industry or field. Then, ask around to see if anyone can introduce you to someone here in that field.

3. Do your homework:

• Find out who else will be at the event ahead of time. See if anyone that you really wanted to meet will be there. (Use your LinkedIn network to find out if anyone that you know already knows the person you want to meet. Make a plan to go to the networking event with the contact who knows the person you want to meet.)
• Invite a friend or coworker that would be a good wingman.
• Follow-up on the people that you meet at the networking event.

Meetings Aren’t the Only Way to network

Going to networking events is only one of many ways to network. Another good method is to invite people you want to meet to interviews for your radio show, video series, or blog articles. Invite someone to be a guest speaker for the members of your organization, association, or department. Volunteer to lead your professional organization’s program committee. The job of program lead will automatically introduce you to important and prominent experts. And, lastly, simply hang out where the people you want to meet hang out. Get interested in the things they are interested in.

Whether you are asking them questions, interviewing them for an article, or introducing them as a speaker, you will naturally share the spotlight when you put that spotlight on someone else.

I know your situation is different. Why don’t we schedule an appointment, where I can get to know more about your unique situation? I will be happy to make recommendations on what your best steps might be moving forward. To schedule an appointment, book it here. 

I also have a free presentation on “3 Keys to Saying YES to Everything, but on Your Own Terms”. To sign up for the complimentary course, go to www.lauraleerose.com/Say-Yes.