From the course: The Ultimate Guide to Professional Networking

Advice for introverts

- Introverts can find it easy to hide and avoid networking because it gets them way out of their comfort zone. If you're an introvert take heart, it's easier than you think. You can totally do this and I'm going to show you how. In fact, you might even do better than those noisy extroverts if you would just get out there and practice. For one thing, your quiet nature will naturally make you a better listener or at least appear to be, and that right there will do much of the heavy lifting for you. I want to give you four tips to make this easier for you. First, prepare some conversation starters before you go so that you're not empty handed. This will give you added confidence and the downhill momentum you need for any interaction that you might have. The conversation starters will typically be about asking what someone does professionally. Ask about challenges they face or about recent trends in the business. If there's a new law or a significant development in your industry, bring it up and be careful not to argue. Also if applicable, do some quick research about the event or group you're joining and also about the people who might be there, again, advanced knowledge can give you a leg up and bolster you with some added poise. The third tip is to go with a buddy, but then be sure you work the room separately if you can. Finally, don't get stuck with one person, unless that person happens to be the biggest maven in the room and is going to take you around and introduce you to everybody. The kind of networking that lasts a lifetime is based on genuine human connection. That makes it worth the effort, and it will get easier over time. Remember, that you don't need to be charming or quick on your feet, no one is remotely focused on the way you think you are. Just go and connect, relax, ask questions and follow up.

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