No matter how you approach it, networking is almost inevitable, especially for entrepreneurs. This could be a scary realization if you’re an introvert. But with enough preparation and some out-of-the-box approaches that cater to your comfort level, you’ll soon be able to focus more on business connections and less on what others think.
We asked 15 entrepreneurs from the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) for their best networking tips for introverts.
Q. What is one tip you would offer an introvert who wants to network more at events, but genuinely struggles?
1. Remember That Everyone There Wants to Meet You
The beauty of networking events is that everyone is there to meet new people, and that includes you. Unlike at a bar or a party, there is no need to feel insecure or self-conscious because simply by being there, attendees are letting you know that they are interested in meeting new people. Let that be a helpful reminder for you as you make eye contact with someone and introduce yourself. – Darrah Brustein, Network Under 40 / Finance Whiz Kids
2. Ask A Lot of Questions
Most people like to talk about themselves, so make that easy for others. When you enter a conversation, just look for a question you can ask in the first minute. Introverts put a lot of pressure on themselves to talk, but as natural listeners, we can give others exactly what they want -- an engaged audience. – John Rood, Next Step Test Preparation
3. Wear Your Icebreaker
If you struggle with making the opening line or introduction to an intimidating business person, wear your icebreaker. Add a colorful watch or accessory, an unconventional blazer -- something, anything that gets people talking. The goal is to have people approach you, and once you joke around about the "kooky" watch you're wearing, you can transition seamlessly into business. – Rob Fulton, Exponential Black
4. Give Cut-Off Times
When you go to an event, give yourself an out. Set a specific time during the event that you can leave. If the event goes for three hours, tell yourself that after one hour you can leave, but during that hour you are the most extroverted person in the room. You only have to do this for 60 minutes, so go do it! – John Rampton, Host
5. Build Relationships Online First
For introverts (myself included), online interaction is much less stress-producing than face-to-face meetings. One way to tackle the anxiety of going to networking events is to establish one or two relationships with local people in your field and then go to the networking event with them. By going in with someone you already know, it feels less intimidating to branch out even further. – Brian Honigman, BrianHonigman.com
6. Don't Change One Single Thing
If you strongly believe that you are an introvert, then there is probably a good reason why you feel like you struggle at networking or social events -- you probably excel at other areas. My suggestion is don't try and be something that you are not -- if you do, you will come across as disingenuous and probably more awkward. If you are mingling with the right crowd, none of this will matter. – Joseph DiTomaso, AllTheRooms
7. Plan Ahead
Figure out what you want to talk about ahead of time and prepare as much as you can. Choose three topics you feel very comfortable discussing and use them as ice breakers. – Simon Casuto, eLearning Mind
8. Take Breaks and Listen
Introverts recharge when they're alone. If there are no breaks built into the event you're attending, make some. Taking a small break to recharge -- stepping outside, taking a walk around the hotel, or finding someplace you can be alone for 5 to 10 minutes -- will give you fresh energy when you go back. Listening to others is also a great trick -- less draining for you, and it flatters the other person. – Dave Nevogt, Hubstaff.com
9. Find a Networking Wingperson
For any networking event, it can be helpful to have a networking “wingperson.” Together, you can naturally draw others into your conversation. This is particularly true if your networking wingperson is knowledgeable about an industry you are unfamiliar with. If nothing else, the event will provide you with an opportunity to get to know your networking wingperson better. – Doug Bend, Bend Law Group, PC
10. Listen Deeply
Introverts can use their abilities to deeply listen and evaluate business opportunities. From there, they can come back with more intelligent answers. Also, listening shows they care about the people speaking, which makes them a more powerful leader. – Ashley Mady, Brandberry
11. Understand Your Specific Purpose for Attending the Event
Before going to an event, make sure you truly understand your specific purpose for attending. This can be supporting a colleague, meeting a business contact for the first time, watching a specific keynote or panelist, networking with friends and co-workers, or a combination of those things. I find that when I understand WHY I am at the event, I feel much more comfortable. – Cassie Petrey, Crowd Surf
12. Look for Speaking Opportunities
As an introvert myself, I look for opportunities to speak at events. First, it forces me to push myself into a position that I’m not totally comfortable with, which helps me develop. It also helps open the door for others to engage with me after we’ve shared an experience together. – Chris Cancialosi, GothamCulture
13. Stick Your Hand Out and Introduce Yourself to Someone
You don’t need to worry about what you should say next or perfecting your elevator pitch. Allow conversation to happen organically. Ask others about themselves and what they do, or ask questions that are fun to answer. – Eric Schaumburg, eventr.io
14. Do Some Networking Even Before the Event
The best thing to do is create a plan before the event of some people to talk to. Find out who is going to be there and try to connect with some through email or social media. Find the people with common interests or whom you have mutual connections with. You will feel much more comfortable striking up a conversation in person if you've done some connecting ahead of time. – Erica Dhawan, Cotential
15. Practice Introductions Outside Your Industry
Practice introducing yourself at non-business events or events outside of your industry. You want to remove the pressure of feeling like you have to be "on." Once you get more comfortable in these settings, then you can go to industry events and places where your ideal prospects gather. You'll be much better prepared to make those business growth connections. – Joshua Lee, StandOut Authority
RELATED: 10 Most Effective Ways to Follow Up With Event Attendees
`
