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If you were an introvert, how did you step outside of your comfort zone and start networking?
Was it hard?
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4 answers
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Start with family, friends or people you know well. Ask them questions and after listening to their response, try to ask another follow up question. Remind yourself that the more you practice, the easier it will become. Also helps if you are talking about topics that interest you.
Because you want to network and are aware of what can be challenges, you've taken the first step, so congrats!
With every good wish.
Because you want to network and are aware of what can be challenges, you've taken the first step, so congrats!
With every good wish.
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
I feel your pain. I am an introvert and found it very difficult to network and meet new people. The solution that works for me is to have a process. Some overarching themes to keep in mind (then I'll cover process):
-Don't take anything personally. If you reach out to someone the WORST that can happen is they don't respond. I like to think - ok, that's your loss. I'm moving on to someone else
-There is no such thing as the "networking police" who are going to knock down your door and arrest you because you networked "wrong". Just do it and learn.
-Remember - people LIKE to help other people. You might think "I don't want to bother this person; they're busy" And you may be right - they just might be busy, but think of it this way. If someone you didn't know reached out to you and asked you to share your experiences about something where you have alot of passion, would you do it? Of course you would! And so will they.
Here's the process:
-Search for people with whom you share a connection - same school, same hometown, same..something. LinkedIn is a good place to start
-Then reach out and include this in your connection:
--Introduce yourself
--Cite the common connection
--Say something about the good work they are doing
--Tell them you are interested in learning more about their experience
--Suggest a meeting
--Suggest a SPECIFIC date/time/location.
Example:
Stella, my name is Tom Sawyer. I see that you are Civil Engineer as well. I am majoring in CE at Acme University. It looks like you're doing alot of work in waste water management, something I am interested in. I'd enjoy spending 30 minutes finding out more about your journey and what you're working on as a way to help me better understand what's ahead for me. Can we meet on Thursday, 4:30pm ET via Zoom? I'd be happy to send you a link. Thank you!
Avoid phrases like:
-Would it be okay if...
-I understand you're busy...
-When would a good time be to meet?
-If it works for you, I'll reach out and we can set up a time.
If they don't want to meet, the WORST that can happen is they won't respond. If they don't like the date/time you suggested, they'll tell you and probably suggest an alternative.
One last piece of advice - when you meet with them, at the end of the meeting, always ask "Is there anyone else you think I should meet with?"
I hope that helps!
Tom
-Don't take anything personally. If you reach out to someone the WORST that can happen is they don't respond. I like to think - ok, that's your loss. I'm moving on to someone else
-There is no such thing as the "networking police" who are going to knock down your door and arrest you because you networked "wrong". Just do it and learn.
-Remember - people LIKE to help other people. You might think "I don't want to bother this person; they're busy" And you may be right - they just might be busy, but think of it this way. If someone you didn't know reached out to you and asked you to share your experiences about something where you have alot of passion, would you do it? Of course you would! And so will they.
Here's the process:
-Search for people with whom you share a connection - same school, same hometown, same..something. LinkedIn is a good place to start
-Then reach out and include this in your connection:
--Introduce yourself
--Cite the common connection
--Say something about the good work they are doing
--Tell them you are interested in learning more about their experience
--Suggest a meeting
--Suggest a SPECIFIC date/time/location.
Example:
Stella, my name is Tom Sawyer. I see that you are Civil Engineer as well. I am majoring in CE at Acme University. It looks like you're doing alot of work in waste water management, something I am interested in. I'd enjoy spending 30 minutes finding out more about your journey and what you're working on as a way to help me better understand what's ahead for me. Can we meet on Thursday, 4:30pm ET via Zoom? I'd be happy to send you a link. Thank you!
Avoid phrases like:
-Would it be okay if...
-I understand you're busy...
-When would a good time be to meet?
-If it works for you, I'll reach out and we can set up a time.
If they don't want to meet, the WORST that can happen is they won't respond. If they don't like the date/time you suggested, they'll tell you and probably suggest an alternative.
One last piece of advice - when you meet with them, at the end of the meeting, always ask "Is there anyone else you think I should meet with?"
I hope that helps!
Tom
Updated
JOHN’s Answer
Hello:
Understanding that everyone who networks wants to. So, if you put yourself within the roads of networking that others in that event, atmosphere, or situation are there to network with others - which includes the individual who wants to network.
Educational presents are formed when you allow yourself to break past that uncomfortable wall and find out that you have thoughts to present, interesting conversation, and if you are not privy about some topic - just sit back and observe and pay attention as you learn.
Once one steps out, one can become a little less nervous about the circumstances. Kind of lack asking someone out or going out on a date. Both or one side could be anxious about the date, due to many aspects, but refusing to let those detour your steps can lead within the roads of blossoming tomorrows.
Positive self-talk could help on top of the rest. Prior to networking, say positive affirmations: "I can do this", "I am good enough", "I can network", "I am worthy of being heard", etc.
Thank you for your steps.
God Bless,
John German
Understanding that everyone who networks wants to. So, if you put yourself within the roads of networking that others in that event, atmosphere, or situation are there to network with others - which includes the individual who wants to network.
Educational presents are formed when you allow yourself to break past that uncomfortable wall and find out that you have thoughts to present, interesting conversation, and if you are not privy about some topic - just sit back and observe and pay attention as you learn.
Once one steps out, one can become a little less nervous about the circumstances. Kind of lack asking someone out or going out on a date. Both or one side could be anxious about the date, due to many aspects, but refusing to let those detour your steps can lead within the roads of blossoming tomorrows.
Positive self-talk could help on top of the rest. Prior to networking, say positive affirmations: "I can do this", "I am good enough", "I can network", "I am worthy of being heard", etc.
Thank you for your steps.
God Bless,
John German
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
It was hard at first for sure! I realized that networking could be pretty simple if I remembered that everyone else was a person trying to get through their day. I also learned that the right connection can have a huge impact on your life and the potential rewards were worth overcoming the fear.
If you can ask simple questions and let others do most of the talking, you can control the conversation, get to know people and do little talking.
Practice a simple introduction that lets people know who you are. From there, you Present, Past, Future to keep convos going. Ask them to tell you more about what they currently do. Then ask them to tell you about what the did before. The. You can ask what their future goals are.
A) lets them talk more and you to listen.
B) they will potentially ask the same questions and you can has answers ready.
Hope that helps!
If you can ask simple questions and let others do most of the talking, you can control the conversation, get to know people and do little talking.
Practice a simple introduction that lets people know who you are. From there, you Present, Past, Future to keep convos going. Ask them to tell you more about what they currently do. Then ask them to tell you about what the did before. The. You can ask what their future goals are.
A) lets them talk more and you to listen.
B) they will potentially ask the same questions and you can has answers ready.
Hope that helps!