Networking as an Introvert

Networking is an important aspect of any successful career. However, networking can be particularly dreadful to many. I’ve received several questions during recent speaking engagements from grad students who are wondering how they can successfully network as an introvert. I thought I would create a blog post to share my advice which I hope you find useful and practical.

What is an introvert?

When you look up the term introvert, you will find definitions that often detail being shy or afraid of public speaking or public spaces. However, I prefer the definition associated with the Myers-Briggs personality assessment, a well-known assessment developed by a mother-daughter psychologist duo. They describe introverts as people who generate energy from being by themselves. While extroverts gain energy from being among others, introverts recharge through alone time. Thinking about introversion in terms of energy management can help you approach networking differently.

Here are some helpful strategies for networking as an introvert:

Prepare Mentally

It is so important to take time to get yourself in the right mindset for networking. Consider what you can do beforehand to hype yourself up and get into a networking mood. Is it meditating or going for a walk? Is it having your own personal dance party? My go-to is dancing to a playlist that helps me feel confident and ready to connect with others.

Set Goals

As you prepare to network, create specific goals. Before I even register for an event, I think about why I should attend the event. What am I trying to accomplish? How will attendance benefit my personal or professional goals? Goal setting can help you successfully meet your expectations. Your goal(s) should be something that’s very manageable and that will help you get what you need out of that networking event. For example, your goal could be to connect with three people in your field or discipline.

Connect One-on-One

Large group settings may not be the best environment for introverts to network in. Find ways to meet one-on-one instead. What does that look like? It may include inviting someone to get coffee. It could also mean meeting up virtually. Connecting with others in smaller, more intimate settings may be more comfortable for you.

Network Online

Take advantage of digital networking opportunities such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and other social media sites. In those spaces, you can reach out to folks you admire or who are in roles that you aspire to take on. You can strike up conversations and share your expertise to build on your personal brand. The best part about networking digitally is that you can do all of this from the comfort of your home, which is such a major plus.

Decompress During and After Networking

This goes back to energy management, which is especially important for introverts. During events, give yourself permission to take several breaks. For example, after meeting a person at a conference, you can find a quiet corner to recharge and process the information they shared. Feel free to go outside or find the restroom to take a moment to recalibrate. Breaks can give you a boost of energy before you go back to network more.

It’s important to take time to decompress after events too. If you can prepare ahead of time for what you might feel afterwards, that’s even better. Maybe you make plans to take a nap or watch a show. Do whatever brings you joy and helps you recharge.

You got this!

Introverts sometimes get a bad rap but there is nothing wrong with being an introvert. There are a lot of leaders and changemakers out there who identify as introverts, and it's really time for folks to stop perpetuating biases in terms of who gets access to opportunities. You can absolutely network successfully as an introvert. You just need to find helpful tools for managing your energy and supporting yourself throughout the process.

Need more advice?

Get yourself a copy of my ebook, Taking Charge: A Career Guide for Graduate Students for more career advice.

If one of these tips stood out or was an AHA moment for you, I would love to hear from you. You can also share your own tips for networking in the comments of this blog post.