How to master networking
if you’re an introvert
6 tips from recruiter Andrew Ellis
Find safety in numbers
Take your comfort zone with you by networking in
pairs or even larger groups.
You’ll feel supported and bounce conversations off
each other.
Tag your partner in if you’re struggling.
Don’t assume others are confident
It helps to understand that the person (or people)
you’re speaking to will probably feel just as
awkward as you do, or they have done at some
point in the past.
The person you’re speaking to may appear confident
enough, but they could be feeling just as
uncomfortable as you. How would you know?
Challenge yourself
Quantify your efforts by setting achievable targets,
such as meeting with 5 new people every month.
Turn it into a numbers game and you’ll feel more
focused on the process than the outcome at each
meeting.
Set the tone
Do you worry about what to say in conversations?
Then shift the onus on to your acquaintance by
asking questions.
You can relax and practice your listening skills –
something you’re probably very good at!
Showing a genuine interest in the person you’re
talking to, will certainly make you one of the more
memorable people in the room.
You don’t have to be perfect
Remember there is no perfect way to interact with
another human being.
Realise that even ‘bad’ meetings bring opportunities
to learn and hone your approach so there really is
no need to worry or overthink on every social
encounter.
People won’t remember what you say; they’ll
remember how you made them feel. So be friendly,
And finally… Smile 
What better way to start a conversation?
People will see you as more approachable and you’ll
be the person that pops up in an acquaintance’s
thoughts when they’re racking their brain for
someone to refer – people remember a smile.
Happy networking!
Let’s connect on social media too -
Follow us on Twitter : @QuietConnection
Like us on Facebook: fb.com/QuietConnections

How to master networking if you’re an introvert

  • 1.
    How to masternetworking if you’re an introvert 6 tips from recruiter Andrew Ellis
  • 2.
    Find safety innumbers Take your comfort zone with you by networking in pairs or even larger groups. You’ll feel supported and bounce conversations off each other. Tag your partner in if you’re struggling.
  • 3.
    Don’t assume othersare confident It helps to understand that the person (or people) you’re speaking to will probably feel just as awkward as you do, or they have done at some point in the past. The person you’re speaking to may appear confident enough, but they could be feeling just as uncomfortable as you. How would you know?
  • 4.
    Challenge yourself Quantify yourefforts by setting achievable targets, such as meeting with 5 new people every month. Turn it into a numbers game and you’ll feel more focused on the process than the outcome at each meeting.
  • 5.
    Set the tone Doyou worry about what to say in conversations? Then shift the onus on to your acquaintance by asking questions. You can relax and practice your listening skills – something you’re probably very good at! Showing a genuine interest in the person you’re talking to, will certainly make you one of the more memorable people in the room.
  • 6.
    You don’t haveto be perfect Remember there is no perfect way to interact with another human being. Realise that even ‘bad’ meetings bring opportunities to learn and hone your approach so there really is no need to worry or overthink on every social encounter. People won’t remember what you say; they’ll remember how you made them feel. So be friendly,
  • 7.
    And finally… Smile What better way to start a conversation? People will see you as more approachable and you’ll be the person that pops up in an acquaintance’s thoughts when they’re racking their brain for someone to refer – people remember a smile.
  • 8.
    Happy networking! Let’s connecton social media too - Follow us on Twitter : @QuietConnection Like us on Facebook: fb.com/QuietConnections