Five No-Fail Networking Tips for Introverts

By Terika L. Haynes, DBA, MHA, FACHE
Faculty Member, School of Business at American Public University

If you consider yourself to be an introvert, you probably hate attending conferences and networking events. Yet we all know that professional growth has some dependence on who you know. As introverts, what do we do when the time comes to grow our network?

Here are five no-fail networking tips for introverts.

1. Set Personal Goals: Make goals for yourself that include meeting new people. Even if it’s just one person a month, that’s 12 new contacts a year!
2. Showcase Your Associations: If you belong to a particular organization or graduated from a certain school, be sure to wear that organizational paraphernalia when you are out as it can help spark conversation without you having to try as hard.
3. Arrive at Events Early: Arriving to an event early allows you to do several things. First you can meet the meeting organizers who are generally very friendly and happy that you arrived! At that time you can ask them to introduce you to their contacts later on. Arriving early also gives you the chance to scope out the landscape. You can plan where you want to sit/stand and also plan an escape route if your nervousness gets too bad.
4. Practice Your Elevator Speech: Practice your elevator speech so that you can say it in your sleep. If you can impress someone in 30 seconds or less upon first meeting them that may be all you have to say!
5. Utilize Your Mentors: Use your mentors to get assistance with meeting others to help grow your network. Instead of going out to lunch with a mentor alone, request that he or she bring along a coworker or colleague. They want the best for you so make sure that you capitalize on that.

[Related: 8 Tips For More Effective Networking]

Confidence is key; if you believe in yourself you can overcome your fear of coming out of your shell. Some of us are naturally shy, but hopefully these five tips will help you take a leap outside of your comfort zone!

About the Author: Dr. Terika L. Haynes received her doctorate degree in Business Administration at the University of Phoenix. Dr. Haynes is a part-time adjunct faculty member at APUS. She teaches or has taught Business and Healthcare Administration courses at APUS. She has also taught Healthcare Finance, Entrepreneurship, Business Supervision, Management Capstones, Economics, Microeconomics, and Macroeconomics at other colleges and universities. Professionally, Dr. Haynes is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and has worked with a number of healthcare and business professional organizations to promote professional development and ethical management practices.