5 Practical Networking Tips for Introverted or Shy Professionals

Google “networking tips for introverts” and you’ll find tons of articles and suggestions on how to do just that. Some of the advice is great, while some may leave you questioning if the person offering the advice is truly shy or introverted at all.

Networking can be an introverted or shy person’s worst nightmare, but it really doesn’t have to be.

Here are 5 practical networking tips that can help put a shy or introverted person a bit more at ease.

1 – Prepare ahead of time

I don’t know about you, but to me, introductory icebreakers are the worst. I often feel put on the spot, and when I’m on the spot, my mind goes blank. Then, I either go completely quiet while everyone is just staring at me, or I say something completely ridiculous that I immediately regret and cringe about for days after.

Nobody knows you better than you know yourself. So, who are you? Why did you choose your profession?  What is your favorite part of your job?  What are you passionate about? What is the most exciting thing that’s happened to you over the last year?

These may seem simple to most people, but for a shy or introverted person, having these answers prepared in your mind ahead of time can help calm your nerves, boost your confidence, and avoid those awkward moments.

Once you have your pitch prepared, practice it. Say it out loud even if it feels silly or awkward. Even the most experienced public speakers practice what they are going to say ahead of time. And you’ll go into the event feeling a bit more comfortable with yourself.

2 – Find a friend or coworker to go with you

It was a former coworker of mine that helped me during some of my first networking experiences. I was in a new job in a new area, and the networking experience I’d had up to that point was limited. Representing my organization at community events was one of my job requirements, and I was not looking forward to it. 

She invited me along to an event she was attending, introduced me to a lot of people, and stuck by my side the whole time. Did she know I was nervous and uncomfortable? Probably. Did she let me know she knew? Nope.

There’s definitely strength in numbers. Sometimes even us loners need someone by our side for moral support. Don’t be ashamed to ask for or accept help from others with more experience or ease.

3 – Join a professional organization, a young professional group, or a leadership group 

When it comes to networking events, you need to find the ones that will actually be beneficial to you. While many of these events are open to anyone in any industry, it may suit you more to network with others who are in the same industry or have something in common with you. 

A professional group is a great way to start. They often host monthly meetings with guest speakers, and sometimes even provide lunch, which allows you the opportunity to more easily network and get to know the people you are sitting at a table with. You also share something in common, the industry you work in, and can share ideas or ask for help on anything you or they may be having trouble with.

If you’re under a certain age, there are also young professional groups in many areas that will allow you to meet others who are similar in age and early into their careers. You may not be in the same industry as everyone in the group, but being of similar ages, you may find you have much more in common. Along with networking, some of these groups also focus on supporting a local charity or cause, so you can participate in community service if that’s more your thing.

Leadership programs are also very popular at many chambers of commerce. These programs bring together people from various industries and in various stages of their careers and introduce them to many different businesses and organizations that are important in the local area they serve. People who participate in these programs tend to be very open and interested in making connections, which will also make them more approachable.

I’ve remained in contact with many of the people I’ve met through these groups, and you never know, you might just meet a new friend.

4 – Take a leadership role within that organization

If you’re feeling courageous enough to take a step further, take a larger role within the organization. Having a sense of purpose can help counteract feeling like you don’t belong or like you’re aimlessly wandering around a bunch of people you don’t know. It also helps build your self-esteem. Volunteer to serve on the board, help plan a future event, take photos, anything that makes you feel like you have a goal and a purpose. 

5 – Find the other wallflowers

I guarantee you, there are other people out there who feel just as uncomfortable and out of place as you do. Probably even more people than you realize. One thing that has always worked well for me is to find them. 

Is there someone standing off by themselves? Go up to them and say hi. Ask them about their jobs, where they’re from, their family, hobbies. Relate to them. When you can fully understand and empathize with what another person may be feeling or experiencing, there’s a sense of empowerment that comes with knowing you can possibly help make that person feel better. And they will be grateful someone approached them first, just like you would.

We’re all different. What might work for one person may not work for another. These five things have been what works best for me, but there’s a ton of networking advice out there. Here are a couple more resources that might also help you:

Shhh, quiet: an introvert’s guide to networking
How To Network When You’re an Introvert

Then, when you’ve accomplished your networking goals for the day, go home, take a deep breath, and enjoy some alone time!