An introvert's guide to networking

If you’re an introvert, networking can feel really daunting. The good news? There are plenty of ways you can make it work for you – without having to act more like an extrovert.

In this article:

• Networking for introverts: why does it feel so tough?
• Your strengths as an introvert at work
• Turning your introversion strengths into networking strategies
• Five easy conversation starters for networking as an introvert
• You don't need to change to succeed

There’s no denying that networking can be harder if you’re introverted than if you're extroverted, and there are several sound reasons for that.

The main reason is that as an introvert, you’re not energised by social situations in the same way extroverts are. Ever wondered why an extroverted friend seems to be able to party all night when you’re ready to head home after a few hours? While attending social events charges their batteries, it can quickly drain yours.

As an introvert, you might also find that you prefer to make a few deeper connections rather than lots of surface-level ones. The traditional networking approach of trying to speak to as many people as possible might differ from how you’d naturally socialise.

Sometimes, introverts can be more reserved, and if you share this trait, you might find the “selling yourself” aspect of networking uncomfortable. It might feel like being too upfront too soon.

To be clear, none of these factors are 'problems' that you need to 'fix'. They’re just a natural part of how you interact with the world and with other people. Being introverted also doesn't stop you from building a professional network. Anyone can develop and improve their social and networking skills, regardless of whether they’re introverted or extroverted.

To be clear, being introverted is not a 'problem' you need to 'fix'.

While being an introvert at work can be challenging at times, it also means you have unique strengths that can be incredibly useful.

If you identify as an introvert, you almost certainly like to recharge by spending time alone. This 'me time' can boost your self-awareness and give you useful insights into your strengths, where you might struggle and what you need to succeed.

Introverts are typically observant people, too. When combined with that sense of self-awareness, this helps you be tuned in to the impact you have on others. You can then use that knowledge to appeal to people in a personal and tailored way.

If you're anything like most introverts, you're likely a good listener, too. Strong active listening skills help to build trust and encourage people to share what they’re truly thinking with you. After all, who doesn't secretly love the chance to talk about themself to a receptive and understanding listener?

As an introvert, you can also provide much-needed balance. If you’re in a meeting where other people are fighting to get their point across, you can help to calm things down by reserving judgment and asking clarifying questions.

Recognising your introvert superpowers is the first step towards understanding how you can survive as an introvert at work and build strong professional relationships.

Here are some networking strategies for introverts that will help you use those natural strengths.

Spend some time reflecting on who you are, what you do and what you want people to take away from meeting you.

Whittle this down into a few concise sentences that you can use while networking. That way, you can be sure you’ve done yourself justice without having to go overboard on the icky self-promotion.

Don’t worry about being brief either: a one-line intro can do the job, and people will appreciate the lack of waffle.

Remember that you don’t need to do all – or even most – of the talking to make a positive impression.

Use active listening techniques. These include maintaining eye contact, not interrupting and asking open-ended questions.

To prepare for that last one, think of some stock questions to have in your back pocket. They could be about the person’s role, their interests or your industry. If you're not sure what to say, try asking something like: "What's your take on how AI is changing the industry?" which is a hot topic most people will be keen to weigh in on.

Don’t just hop from one scripted question to another, though – you don’t want them to feel like it’s an interrogation. Ask follow-ups based on what you hear to keep things flowing.

Aim to make a few genuine connections, rather than trying to meet as many people as possible.

Having a couple of interesting, in-depth discussions at an event can be much more valuable than squeezing in ten brief introductions. It also means you’re far less likely to come away feeling like you need to lie down in a darkened room.

Develop a solid strategy for following up with new connections. That way, you can make sure that the next interaction you have is in an environment where you can shine.

If you meet a promising person at an event, find out the best way to contact them. You can then reach out later, saying how good it was to meet them and that you’d love the chance to talk one-on-one. If you can personalise your message by mentioning something they said when you met, that’s even better.

Even with the strategies we've outlined above at your fingertips, actually starting a conversation can still feel scary.

Here are some tried and tested ways to get you started. They might seem a bit awkward but that’s okay – you just need a way in for now.

1. Hi - I’m (name) and I’m a (position) at (university/organisation). It’s great to meet you.
2. Tell me a bit about you.
3. What’s your story?
4. Are you working on anything interesting at the moment?
5. What are you hoping to get from today?

Remember, everyone is there to have useful conversations, not to judge you on the quality of your opening gambit.

Your introverted nature isn’t something you need to overcome to do well at networking (or anything else!). You just need to find strategies that will enable you to use your introvert strengths to form meaningful connections.