Comments on: Networking for Introverts

By: Erika Flora

Erika Flora — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 19:39:54 +0000

Great post! I agree, follow-up is key, and lots of people do not do this enough. There is no sense in going through all the trouble of meeting new people (especially if, like me, you are introverted and networking is somewhat stressful) if you do not stay in contact and build on that relationship. A really easy way I have found to stay connected is to use LinkedIn. I try to send a personal note with something that would be helpful to the other person and get linked within 24-48 hours, while you are still fresh in their mind.

By: Mindy Selinger

Mindy Selinger — Sat, 24 May 2008 21:43:01 +0000

I understand why you are suggesting to arrive after the event is in full swing…to alleviate awkwardness when there are so few people there. But I would like to suggest something I learned from a highly informative book by Mel Kaufmann called The Millionaire’s Handbook. He advocates arriving early in order to meet the director and the registrar who can introduce you to the significant people you want to meet. It’s all part of an over-all strategy he lays out to plan your networking campaign with prepared “pre-qualifying questions” and to have relavant non-sales conversations with those you meet. It is a quick read…each page is very useful, single nugget.

By: Cynthia Schultz

Cynthia Schultz — Mon, 12 May 2008 22:45:46 +0000

This type of post is greatly appreciated, lending a huge boost to introverted career people. I agree with Ellen – I'd say don't worry about purposefully leaving at any point. Go when the time is right (but stay through an awkward silent spell). Besides, introverts tend to be the first out the door after they've made their appearance-the challenge will be to remain in the mix of people. Staying increases the change for valuable connections, people remembering you and the opportunity for someone to return to you and your topic.

Thanks!
http://www.introvertbydesign.com
http://sydneyintrovert.livejournal.com/2762.html

By: Ellen

Ellen — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 19:21:50 +0000

These are great tips. I am introverted but find that as I attend more events I have become more and more comfortable especially if the attendees are some of the people I have become aquainted with. I have found it helpful to have more extroverted colleagues introduce me to a few people and then it makes it easier to approach them at future events. Personally I value building a few closer colleague connections over getting to know everybody a little.
I do wonder about this one point:
"Don’t be among the last to leave an event. Always leave a little early. " Why is this? Somebody's got to be last… ;-)

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 19:55:51 +0000

A great book on networking is Bob Burg's Endless Referrals. His method and questions work for the most introverted introvert—and for extroverts, too. He includes 10 questions to ask people; they are excellent.

By: Kate Kerans

Kate Kerans — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 06:29:45 +0000

As someone who often dreads networking events, you have provided some excellent suggestions.

I particularly like your comment regarding keeping your attention focused on the person speaking to you. There is nothing as irritating as having someone profess interest in you and then have their attention wandering everywhere else.

Great article!

By: Meg Kribble

Meg Kribble — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:20:53 +0000

A wonderful article, Allison! Great questions to keep in mind, and the reminder to prepare to be asked similar questions is useful!

By: Amir Kafshdaran

Amir Kafshdaran — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 22:47:54 +0000

This was quite an interesting post Allison. I agree with you in that once we meet someone at an event, another important step is to stay connected with that person and build the relationship. Great post.

By: Cheryl Stephens

Cheryl Stephens — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 19:12:59 +0000

Allison, a great post.

I like to contrast the approach of telling people what YOU do with asking them about their own world. In the course of learning about them, you can diagnose problems that have not become focused in their own minds. Then you can offer a solution–whether it requires your intervention or a referral to someone else or another profession.

People are eternally grateful for this kind of attention.

By: Rick Wolff

Rick Wolff — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 16:39:15 +0000

Christopher S. Penn gave some interesting advice in his "Marketing Over Coffee" podcast a month or two ago, about face-to-face conferences. One way to avoid being a wallflower (or what he a bit insensitively called a "creepy lurker") is to do a little homework about the featured speakers or attendees (easy to do if it's an "unconference" like a PodCamp), pick one or two you know you could ask a valuable question of and get valuable information in return. (In other words, don't just target a celebrity.) Ask the question, listen to the answer, and be prepared to be near the center of further conversation on the topic. Looking forward to trying it out myself!