Introverted Networking Series 1 Part 4

Are you a reserved and observant entrepreneur that wants to get further in your mission? Do you cringe at networking in person face to face with others in a large room with unfamiliar faces? It doesn't make much sense, does it? The productivity and realness of these events are enough to make me want to reach out and tell you that you shouldn't be doing this in the first place! That's right you read it correctly unless you are required to for professional development reasons to keep specific certifications, as introverts these events do not serve us.

By all means, networking done correctly for an introverted entrepreneur can powerfully give you an edge, get your foot in the door, and inspire your chances of success much higher ....if only you didn't break out in such a sweat and then end up canceling before even getting a response back.

What does that mean?

I'm going to share with you 4 tips to entirely master and power through networking like the champion you are so that the guilt of not attending that professional seance doesn't come back to haunt you.

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1.) If It's Too Much, I Agree

Instead of attending whatever social event that you are expected to be at, get on LinkedIn or FB and similar to what I mentioned above. Go one step further and tell whoever you already connected with that you cannot make it yet, you would like to ask them to collaborate over a ________ (name your favorite outlet of professionally networking 1:1). Such as meeting in person for coffee, Skype voice or video call, Facetime, a private message through your business FB page, or any other means of communicating. It's that simple!

No one is twisting your arm to go to networking events in person, well maybe for reasons such as professional development, however, as an introvert myself I have rarely ever really gotten to know someone professionally at any such event nor did I really learn anything from the fact. Personally, I just saw it as a colossal waste of everyone's time!

2.) Plan Ahead

Have three topics that you've researched and social research that the person you are meeting will be interested in before the event that you can talk about that are A.) interesting B.) something to remember you by and C.) recent. Let me explain this further, I don't want to give the wrong impression by the second suggestion.

A.) Interestingly relevant to the other person that you will be meeting and something they would care to hear about and also giving them the chance to perhaps know more about it so that they can keep talking while you listen.

B.) Something to remember you by does not mean getting up on a table and dancing or spilling your coffee on them because your shoes don't fit right and you really actually tripped... It could turn into a funny moment though if this indeed does happen and you play it off like it's not a big deal with an apology! Otherwise, plan to keep the conversation tailored to the topic you choose that's interesting enough and different so this gives you an edge.

C.) Keep it relevant to something that has occurred within the last week on a massive demographic scale or is about to happen in the next week. Bonus points if you can find a solution to an issue that they have posted on their social media account publically. Don't go overboard and start creating false personas just to get ahead because they will figure it out, data does not hide you these days like you might perceive it too! Try to find a middle "man/woman" to link you over before going to any extremes!

3.) Keep It Snappy

Don't overdo it or under do it. Keep this meeting and greeting between 15-35 minutes! That's it! Don't draw it out with long good-byes that's what an e-mail or social media follow-up message is for after the fact. Within that message thank them for meeting/watching/attending then while you're at it schedule another time for another further time increment as well as ask them for their insight on the occurrence that happened so that you can enhance your business further. Then they will either auto-respond, personally, respond, or if you are in the driver's seat then you tell them when the next session is and ask for their feedback!

4.) No Alcohol or Food

This should be a given even during a 1:1 meeting or when creating your latest Youtube sensation! Moons ago, I actually witnessed a co-worker show up at an 8 person event we were giving a presentation at completely reeking of booze. This won't be that anxiety-ridden! You will still be communicating with a live human being whether this is a small presentation, live video recording, 1:1 coffee meet and greet, or an artist's reception. You want to be alert and able to remember people you meet, save the alcohol for after to celebrate.

This goes for the food situation as well, you are not there to pig out at the snack table either. You are going to use the snack plate and snacks as a prop to hold instead to hide your jittery hands.
The chance of getting something in your teeth that others will notice while you're talking is slim to none as well as forgetting that you have food in your mouth while they ask you questions to see if you'll actually finish that last bite or just blurt out your response.....gross!

If an actual meal is involved, however, then eating is mandatory!

Keep this in mind if you will be ordering from a menu - mirror whatever the person who initiated the face to face orders or whoever is sitting in the power seat orders. Even if it costs an arm plus a leg and it's your least favorite....just do it!

Power seat = The seat at a table that faces the door.

Can you feel the power that you hold yet? OR do you already know?!

I hope this short list of tips enhances your networking as an introvert. Add me on Twitter if you want to connect!