A Guide to Networking for the Socially Inept, Introverted and Reluctant - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / A Guide to Networking for the Socially Inept, Introverted and Reluctant - Introvert Whisperer A Guide to Networking for the Socially Inept, Introverted and Reluctant You know our type. We’re the kind of people who, for whatever reason, don’t really know how to start up a conversation. We’d rather hide under the table than start chatting with an unknown person, or stay at home watching reruns than go to a party. We’re your awkward cousin or the kid who sat behind you in biology. Is there networking hope for us? Yes. There is hope, and you’ll find comfort in knowing (for all of us procedural nerds) that it’s a process you can quickly and painlessly use. Like many things in my life, I’ve had to figure this out on my own, but I have followed it up with study. I know some people find it hard to believe I’m introverted since I’ve been known to speak to a crowd of a 1,000 people, but it’s true. It’s easier for me to do public speaking than make small talk. The difference is the type of talk and the setting when that talking takes place. As a speaker, I develop and deliver content with a specific goal in mind. It has a goal and a destination. I can research the topic and get prepared. For networking, all of that is out the door; you’re left by yourself to say something interesting. Egads! The difference is huge. Here are some things Ive learned about networking that really help if you’re an Introvert: What Is the Purpose of Networking? In the context of a job search, your network will be the number one way you’ll find a job. If you haven’t yet heard of the hidden job market, it’s the 80% of jobs businesses are hiring for that never get posted. The only way you’ll find out about them is if you connect with enough people who know what you do and how to connect you. Outside of the job search, you can think of your network as a vast web of information and connections. (Like this thought? Tweet it!) For your entire life, you’ve developed and nurtured your network. When you need a plumber, a doctor or a restaurant, you call your network. You learned as a small child that your network will share toys and sack lunches. We all have networks, but we oftentimes think of them as family, friends and work associates. Whatever you call them, you’ve developed enough of a relationship to call upon them for help and support throughout your life. Who Is Your Network? I could write one sentence here and be 100% accurate: Your network is everyone you know. Your network is the obvious people I mentioned above, but also clients, vendors, people you hire, the wait staff at Starbucks the list goes on. I should also add that you know something about these people. You may know limited things about them because of the place of business or setting in which you met them, but that is enough to get started. And now for the $64,000 question How Do You Get Past the Social Willies and Develop a Network? Think of networking as creating relationships with people. How do you create relationships with people? By getting to know them. You ask them questions about themselves! This was something I knew, but didn’t “know.” People think you’re a fabulous conversationalist if you ask questions about them. The more you ask others about what’s going on in their lives, the more you learn and can relate to them in the future. Let me give you a personal example. When my husband and I got married, my dad knew maybe four people at the reception. Yet for months afterward, people would tell me they had gotten to know my dad and thought he was great. Turns out he would approach someone and ask them, “How do you know Terry and What do you find to be the most challenging thing about networking? Share your thoughts in the comments! Image: Flickr Bottom-line â€" I want to help you accelerate your career â€" to achieve what you want by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my 4 Building Blocks to Relationships eBookâ€" the backbone to your Networking success and fantastic work relationships.   Grab yours by visiting: CLICK HERE Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleash your professional potential.