Professional Networking for Introverts

Networking: a term with many negative connotations, especially for introverted entrepreneurs.

The idea of entering a room of people with stickers on their chest with one idea only:  to talk to people who will buy into their ideas. How superficial.

But, it doesn’t have to be. In fact, there are some great ways to engage in professional networking online that promote feelings of comfort and ease.  All this alongside the intrinsic benefits that networking can bring to both yourself and your business. 

Short answer: Yes! 

Networking is the necessary; sometimes dreaded activity that all entrepreneurs need to engage in. Apart from the obvious benefit of helping identify business opportunities, networking can also help you combat the feeling of loneliness. A feeling most (if not all) entrepreneurs can relate to.

We can also use these professional networking experiences to assist and support other people in our industry who might need some guidance. This in turn helps to boost the confidence we have in our business and in ourselves.

It’s understandable that sharing your business idea, especially when it’s in its early stages or pivoting moments, can be scary. In this moment, the big step that you’ve taken becomes real.

However, this is simply a barrier which needs to be broken. 

To openly declare your plan and vision with unwavering passion to an audience of constructive critics is an immense display of strength. Being accepting of your shortcomings pointed out by others, and utilising this experience, is a necessity for entrepreneurs.

You are the only one who’s seeing it as additional pressure when you should be seeing it as part of your learning journey. 

For the first time, you will be displaying your ideas to industry experts. Of course this is daunting. For many new solopreneurs, this could be the first time you’ve had to speak about your business externally from your own conscience.

The more you talk about your business, the more feedback you will get from the market. This information can enlighten you with new ways to engage with your business and your clients.

There are great spaces to speak freely and openly about your business and then there are others that just aren’t right.

You want to ensure that the space in which you choose to speak is that of support and honesty.

Those of us that are in a position to seek expert feedback in a networking setting should take it. However, remove yourself from the scenario should you feel the criticism to be destructive or unfair.

Ensure that you often seek out voices and opinions that differ from your own. No one will be as pedantic and challenging than someone who has an opposing ethos, philosophy or world-view to yours.

While these people run the greater risk of being biassed and rigid in thought, they will give you an opposing perspective with which you can absorb or deflect. Opposing views are valuable provided you feel and actually are in control.

We tend to forget this, but networking is less about sales and more about building relationships. 

We have heard over and over that “people do business with people” and that stands true -especially in a networking environment. 

Like-minded, entrepreneurial settings are generally best when starting out. I have found entrepreneurs to be the most supportive group of people. Your friends and family are not the people you should be talking about your business to. 

Find people who think like you do and speak the same industry language.

Online networking (done well) can be the answer to removing the discomfort and encourage feelings of confidence in your discussions. 

But, what is it about online networking that can benefit me as an introverted entrepreneur?

Home is usually a place that you are comfortable in. This creates confidence with regards to your surroundings as they are familiar. You’re in a space you control.

By controlling your environment, you’re able to surround yourself with things that inspire and motivate you. For instance, you can stick some confidence boosting quotes on your wall, or even some notes on points you might want to bring up.

You are able to prepare far more in-depth material given your ability to refer to it discreetly (more on this below). Take advantage of this edge presented to you via online networking specifically.

You can also control your background view. As we know, first impressions matter. You have so many options; some of which include: 

• Having a strong image or painting behind you;
• A shelf of books to convey intellect or interest or,
• Utilising a virtual image to convey your brand.

Whatever you feel comfortable with and inspired by can do wonders to increase your confidence in a professional networking setting.

If you are very nervous about networking, what can help is to create a script or notes for you to lean on. Practising this will help you feel more confident when you are asked questions like “What do you do?” or “Tell me about yourself”.

A script also works better in an online space as you can read off your screen but look like you’re actively involved in the conversation (just ensure your camera is on the same screen you’re reading off). 

Test your scripts regularly in different groups and tweak as necessary.

Another benefit is that if you don’t particularly like the networking event you’ve chosen you join, you can log off easily without feeling judged.

Connectivity can be buggy sometimes so we’re used to people logging off because of this.

It’s understandable that some people feel uncomfortable being fully visible in a networking space. It takes time to build up the confidence to show yourself completely. 

With online networking, you can choose how much of you you want to show. Videos off are a completely acceptable way to engage online until you feel ready.

Professional networking online is the most cost-effective way to connect with people around the globe. The events are sometimes free but generally less expensive than the tickets, travel and time costs of in-person events. 

You don’t have to fly half-way across the globe to connect to a group of people in a different country. 

If you’re in a location that has a pretty mediocre business environment, you don’t need to rely on your current location to create opportunities. Global opportunities can find you wherever you are.

Plus, you don’t feel awkward if you’ve had a negative experience because there’s little chance you will run into your fellow networker in a real-life scenario anytime soon.

You can, of course, still tap into local online networking spaces if you do want to know who’s in your vicinity and what opportunities might exist. Engaging online means you can do this without having to do the legwork of leaving home.

Of course it wouldn’t be fair to paint a pretty picture of the online networking environment without making you aware of some of the challenges that exist.

If you’re already uncomfortable with the idea of networking, the everyday distractions of pets, kids, or that patiently waiting load of washing might be just enough for you to disengage with your choice to connect. 

It’s important to recognise this and to ensure that you set up your environment in a distraction-free way. 

This could mean:

• Creating a separate space for this activity;
• Closing your doors to ensure there are no unwanted (or wanted) visitors or,
• Asking your partner or roommate to respect this time you need to focus and take care of the home in the interim.

Whatever your distraction may be, ensuring you are minimising its resultant effect on your productivity is vital. 

If your connection is poor, that could create a negative experience for you and your fellow networkers. Most of us have experienced the frustration of cut-off conversations due to technology issues. 

Software problems including when Zoom goes down or even software updates can cause friction in our online engagement. 

Hardware issues like battery failure; your camera not working properly or, your earphones not connecting properly can also be problematic to the flow of conversation.

Given these events are live and in real time, you may not get the opportunity to converse with such a crowd again. This can lead to frustration and disappointment which may dissipate into your everyday workings.

Your lighting and sound could also cause issues. 

Not being able to see each other clearly on video can be distracting to the viewer. Even more so,  not being able to hear clearly.. 

It’s vital for clear communication that you take your calls in a well-lit environment and test your microphone for clarity.

We’ve discussed the option of having videos off with our BXD members, but it’s important to note that this could also detract from the networking experience. 

Online networking already has some challenges when it comes to body language. Videos being off is the complete loss of any non-verbal cues, which is a significant part of how we as human beings communicate.

Networking can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. 

Practice makes perfect. We’ve outlined a few ways you can start professional networking online in a way that will be effective and won’t push you too far out of your comfort zone. You’re likely to find that you’ll start to enjoy it more than you believe possible. 

Whether you’re looking to make connections with people who can help you or just looking to expand your business, networking is the way to go. You never know who you might meet and what opportunities they can open up to you.

It’s worth the effort to make connections – wherever you are. Geographic location should never be a barrier. It can even work to your advantage should you choose to see it that way.