Networking for Introverts How to Make New Connections

It can be intimidating, hard, and even downright unpleasant. But networking is crucial in job search. You can find your dream job if you network correctly.

LinkedIn claims that networking accounts account for 85% of all jobs.

Many people, especially introverts don’t like social networking because they view it as a silly and untrue way to promote themselves and engage. It isn’t.

It’s all about depth. It’s about connecting to other people in meaningful and lasting ways,” Devora Zack, strategy consultant, and author of Networking For People Who Hate Networking said.

Even self-professed extroverts, such as Rebekah Kane at Northwestern University who claims she has found half her jobs by networking, it is hard to network.

“Sometimes, I feel like I want to be myself when I attend an event. But, we also feel the need to be different.

How do you break the ice? Ask questions. Ask questions.

Be authentic and stay prepared

Kane says that “be yourself” is a cliché, but it is important to be prepared.

So that people remember you, plan how you will introduce your self to others. You can make a list of questions that you would like to ask others, as well as topics you are comfortable discussing.

The web is all about giving and receiving, just like the relationships we build every day. According to professionals, it is equally important to listen and learn from others’ stories as you are sharing your own. There is more to people than you might think.

Victor Draine (27), a product manager at Eze software company, said, “If you are genuine in a conversation it will be very productive.” Draine says the connections she made through her internships and previous jobs helped her succeed.

It is better to have less than you think

Many introverts find it difficult to communicate until they have fully analyzed their thoughts. Zack suggested that they should use this ability to make deep connections. Do not be overwhelmed by the thought of meeting 20 people. Instead, meet only the people that are most important to you and do your research before the meeting.

Ask meaningful questions and listen attentively during the meeting.

“So, if you say, ‘What do I do?’ Zack said, “So if I say, ‘What do you do?'”

“So, how can you use leading questions?” One example could be “What do you love most about your job?”

It’s best to do it the old-fashioned way

Professionals recommend introverts arrive early at events to avoid engaging in conversation with others.

Kane, who worked as a counselor with many people, said it was difficult for the digital generation speak in person.

He said, “The amazing little tools we have in our pockets serve as an escape route whenever we don’t want talk to others.”

He said that you must make the effort to meet people face-to–face because technology cannot replace human interaction.

If you just sit at home and upload hundreds of resumes online, job opportunities will not fall out of the sky. Kane suggested that you just go out and meet people.

Buy drinks from your interlocutor as a bonus

Zack stated, “This way, I don’t need to tell people how awesome I am.” They will discover for themselves.”

These are the top tips for professionals:

Attend networking events if you don’t already have many contacts.

When you request an informational meeting, do your best to convince the other person to agree to it.

Send personalized emails to your loved ones, including information you have learned about them.

Always follow-up. Follow up within two days of the meeting. This is a good rule of thumb. Avoid Mondays, as people may be overwhelmed and your email might get lost.

Keep in touch with your students, classmates, and teachers.


popular-posts
Jo To Explorer