Networking Strategies for Introverts Carole Cameron The Secret of “Innies” and “Outies”

Networking Strategies for Introverts

Carole Cameron

The Secret of “Innies” and

“Outies”

SEEN

HEARD

REMEMBERED

• Perceptions and

misconceptions

• Introversion; What is it?

• In the Workplace• Networking Strategies

• Q&A

Perceptions and Misconceptions

Introversion; What is it REALLY?

Introversion and Extraversion are all

about…

PSYCHOLOGICAL

The acquisition and distribution of

Extraverts• Those with a preference for

extraversion get their energy from things external to themselves.

• Sights, sounds, people, conversations, activities

• They also tend to direct their energy and attention outwardly.

Extraverts

• Prefer to communicate verbally• Work out ideas by talking them through• Are sociable and expressive• Will seek out action and activities that

involve conversation and connecting

Introverts• Those with a preference for

introversion get their energy from things internal to themselves.

• Thoughts, reflection, quiet time, alone time

• They tend to direct their energy and attention inwardly.

Introverts

• Prefer to communicate in writing• Work out ideas by reflecting on

them• Are more private and contained• Will seek out more quiet and less

crowded interpersonal interactions and opportunities for reflection

The Introversion/Extraversion Continuum:

Where are You?

I E

Common Challenges in the Workplace…

In the Workplace…

Business tends to value and reward many behaviours which come more naturally to the Extravert.

In the Workplace…

The Introvert’s “best stuff” tends to be on the inside, not naturally showcased.

In the Workplace…

•Overlooked

•Underestimated

•Misunderstood

The Good News for Introverts in the Workplace…

Networking Strategies for

Introverts

SEENSEENHEARDHEARDREMEMBEREDREMEMBERED

What is networking?

Who’s in your network?

What kind of things can you use your network for?

In Broad Terms…..

While Extraverts are quite comfortable

Initiating

Introverts are more comfortable

Responding

Introvert “Truth” #1Introvert “Truth” #1

Success Strategies:Success Strategies:

•Respond to others’ requests for information, advice, expertise

•Use on-line networking and social media (but don’t limit yourself to it!)

• Initiate by asking great questions then relax and listen

Great Networking QuestionsGreat Networking QuestionsRemember, you are working towards Remember, you are working towards

forming a relationship, not making a saleforming a relationship, not making a sale

•What do you like best about what you do?

•What got you started in that business?

•Where else do you usually network?

•What business books are you reading now?

•Does your business involve travel?

•What do you find challenging in your work?

•How can I help you?

Success Strategies:Success Strategies:

•Respond to others’ requests for information, advice, expertise

•Use on-line networking and social media but don’t limit yourself to it

• Initiate by asking great questions then relax and listen

•Look positive, interested and approachable.

Look Positive, Interested and Look Positive, Interested and ApproachableApproachable

•Be aware of the stories your body is telling!

•Open body language

•Smile and make eye contact

•Great posture

•Good handshake

•Act like you’re having a good time!

While Extraverts shine

In groups

Introverts shine

One-on-one

Introvert “Truth” #2Introvert “Truth” #2

Success Strategies:Success Strategies:

•Even though a networking function seems to be a “group”, remember every interaction is a “one-on-one”.

•You are “farming” vs “hunting”. Have a short, pleasant one-on-one interaction with a few people.

While Extraverts tend to

Speak, then think

Introverts tend to

Think, then speak

Introvert “Truth” #3Introvert “Truth” #3

Success Strategies:Success Strategies:

You are much more comfortable and effective when you have had time to think about what you are going to say.

•Anticipate who you’ll be seeing and prepare some questions and comments

•Have answers prepared for questions like

“What’s new and exciting?”

“How can I help you?”

Extraverts prefer to communicate

Verbally

Introverts prefer to communicate

In Writing

Introvert “Truth” #4Introvert “Truth” #4

Success Strategies:Success Strategies:

•Submit articles to trade publications and local papers

•Use email and social media to introduce people in your network

•Send thank you/nice to meet you emails

•Send an article of interest to your network

•Pick up the phone (ouch)

Spotting an Introvert

• May pause when responding or giving information

• May break eye contact more frequently

• Give you the “short story” vs the long story

• Reflect silently vs out loud

• Deflect the attention back to you

• Speak more quietly and slowly

• Probably won’t interrupt you

• Won’t stand too close to you

• Won’t share personal information right away

Q & AQ & A

Living and Working Well with Introverts

•TIPS•DON’Ts•DOs

Remember, Extraverts…

Someone you know, respect, and interact with every day is an introvert and you are probably driving this person nuts.

Networking Strategies for Introverts

Carole Cameron

The Secret of “Innies” and

“Outies”