If you want to get ahead at work, you need to network. But how do introverts do that, people who find it difficult to make contact with everyone?
Introverts can go very far
What do Barack Obama, Angela Merkel, Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg have in common? They are all famous and introverted. But above all, these top figures from politics and business demonstrate that even as a quiet, reserved person, one can go very far and be in the spotlight.
Networking is essential for your career
Of course, normal introverts don’t have to move in public as much as these celebrities do. But even people in normal professions cannot avoid showing themselves every now and then:
- on the business there are meetings with the management;
- or the department meets with another team for a working lunch;
- people are sent to a trade fair or have registered for a seminar.
Those who are dutiful and career-conscious have learned that such events serve no small purpose to maintain contacts.
It is not surprising that quiet introverts get stressed at the mere thought of having a chat. For years, people in the business world have been convinced that making contacts is a core competency of extroverts: the generally hot air-talking and ubiquitous people with their extensive networks. Communicative types are in top form in company and feel in their element.
Introverts are at a disadvantage
In comparison, introverts are at a disadvantage:
- they have to overcome themselves to attend meetings;
- spontaneously approaching others is difficult for them;
- After a meeting with many people, they are exhausted and feel the need to relax in absolute isolation.
According to communication experts, this is completely normal. Being an introvert has nothing to do with shyness or fear of social contact, but more with the fact that one focuses on one’s own inner world. Introverts use an enormous amount of energy to assess whether what is happening around them matches what is going on inside them personally.
This high processing speed also means that these people can easily become overstimulated when too many stimuli come their way. Hence the confusion in their heads and exhaustion when they have attended an event with many participants who are busy communicating.
How introverts should network
That does not mean that quiet and withdrawn types should avoid such gatherings. On the contrary: if they are sensible, they also mingle with the people from time to time. They do not have to walk on their toes, provided they do it their own way and adhere to the following 3 basic rules:
- know your own wishes and strengths and use them;
- concentrate on as few people as possible;
- make sure you take enough breaks and limit your time.
Introverts are good listeners
Contrary to popular belief, introverts have many traits that benefit them when networking:
- thus they are considered excellent observers and listeners. And that makes them perfect conversation partners who stay focused on the matter at hand and can give depth and substance to a dialogue.
- In addition, they can empathize very well with other people. They usually notice immediately when their conversation partner no longer feels like having further conversation.
- and they are persistent, which is also a plus because, according to experts, it takes more than two years to build good contact.
Networking is crucial at work
The question remains whether maintaining networks for jobs and careers is indeed as important as piles of books have been claiming for years. And as estimates indeed suggest: 85 percent of all managerial positions are given to relations, i.e. to people who are known or who have been recommended by someone.
Those who network well can find relevant information more quickly and that can prove very valuable. And why not make sure that the right people know what you can do and what you do? That has nothing to do with clumsy marketing but with ,strategic visibility,. Because it is a fact: there is a lot of promotion, but even the ablest and most diligent are overlooked if they do not occasionally draw others’ attention to themselves.
How to build a network?
,What am I even doing here?, If that is also very recognizable to you, then stop looking for excuses. Read here how you can survive company parties and networking events from now on.
Anyone who wants to systematically build their network should first ask themselves who they want to get to know and where they would prefer to meet this person:
- Are you looking for contacts in the local business community? Then register with a trade association;
- Are you an entrepreneur and would you like to get in touch with like-minded people? Then join an entrepreneurial organization.
- and if you want to make contact with potential customers, visit a trade fair.
Important : don’t act randomly. Choose events and organizations carefully and set realistic goals. A single contact that leads to a valuable and promising relationship is of more value than a stack of business cards, where people struggle to connect names with faces.
Stop looking for excuses
,So many people together, terrible!,
Get there a little earlier. It is more pleasant to enter a room with few people than one that is already packed. And if you are early, you can make yourself useful, for example by helping to hand out name tags. It is best to promise your help in advance: according to experts, introverts feel great in predefined roles.
,I certainly won’t go there alone!,
You shouldn’t either. Get into the slipstream of a sociable person. So it is best to go to such meetings with someone who knows a lot of people, someone who can easily make contacts and introduce you to others.
,Chatting, that’s not for me.,
With such an attitude, you’ll be in good company: for many people, communicating with strangers is one of the least attractive parts of maintaining a network. ,I don’t know what to tell you,, will often be cited as a reason.
The solution is very simple: you don’t have to say anything at all. Most people are happy when someone asks them questions and listens to their answers with interest. All you need is a good start. Then ,the mother of all questions, soon presents itself : What do you do for a living?
Other suggestions:
- what do you like most about your company, your profession?
- what projects are you currently working on?
- how was your day?
- what are your plans for the summer holidays?
“That will definitely take forever again.”
Socializing puts a strain on the energy reserves of introverted people. It is recommended to pay attention to possible signs of fatigue and to act accordingly in a timely manner. Going home before the tank is empty will also reduce the tension for the next event.
Therefore, anyone who has achieved his goal and made his contacts can go home without any embarrassment. No one will blame him for that, especially if you end the conversation gracefully. Suggestions:
- ,May I give you my card? I am pleased to have met you,;
- “You will undoubtedly want to talk to other people. I don’t want to keep you any longer.,