Transcript Networking for the Introverted

NETWORKING FOR THE
INTROVERTED
Mark Zhang
What is Networking?
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Expanding the circle of people you know.
Building and maintaining connections for shared
positive outcome.
Why Network?
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Think of a Big Goal
Networking will help you get there
Why Network?
Hold on a Minute!
Hold on a Minute!
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Networking is boring and painful!
Networking makes me feel awkward and
exhausted.
Networking never works.
Extroverts are better at networking.
The Wrong Advice
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A lot of traditional networking advice goes like this:
 Always
put yourself out there.
 “Never eat alone”
 Promote yourself constantly
 More contacts = more success
The Wrong Advice

A lot of traditional networking advice goes like this:
 Always
put yourself out there.
 “Never eat alone”
 Promote yourself constantly
 More contacts = more success
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This is extrovert-centered advice! It was never
intended for introverts.
Introverts need a different approach.
What is an Introvert?
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Introverts
 Think
to talk
 Go deep
 Energize alone
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Extroverts
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Talk to think
Go wide
Energize with others
Self-Assessment
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For each pair of choices, assign 3 points between
each pair based on your point of view.
For example:
A = 3, B = 0
A = 1, B = 2
Self-Assessment
1.
A) An ideal day off includes time on my own.
6.
B) An ideal day off is spent with others.
2.
lunch.
A) People may consider me a private person
B) I prefer one-on-one or alone time at
B) People may think I talk too much.
3.
A) When networking, I am good at circulating the
room.
B) When networking, I usually focus on one or two
people.
4.
5.
lunch.
7.
A) Ideas come to me by thinking things over.
B) Ideas come to me by talking things through.
A) I am uncomfortable making small talk.
B) I am a natural conversationalist.
8.
A) I prefer working independently.
B) I prefer working as part of a team.
A) I prefer being with a group of people at
A) I make friends wherever I go.
B) I have few true friends.
9.
A) I I often feel misunderstood.
B) I am easily understood.
10. A) Colleagues get to know me easily.
B) Most colleagues do not know me well.
Source: “Networking for People who Hate Networking”, Devora Zack
Self-Assessment
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Extrovert
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
B
B
A
B
B
A
B
A
B
A
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1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Introvert
A
A
B
A
A
B
A
B
A
B
Results
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26 – 30 Strong preference for dominant style
21 – 25 Preference
16 – 20 Slight preference
How to Network as an Introvert
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General Tips
 Plan
ahead
 Listen and process
 Take breaks
Meeting New People
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Plan ahead
Approaching Someone
Making Small Talk
Making an Exit
Write it Down
Taking Breaks
Plan ahead
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What are you comfortable sharing about yourself?
Prepare meaty answers to questions like “How are
you? Where are you from?”
Prepare questions. What are you interested in in
the people you meet?
Plan who you want to talk to and focus on them.
You are about to network with each other. Take a
few minutes to prepare.
Approaching People
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Ask an offhand question
 “Have
you ever been to one of these before?”
 “What kind of cheese is this?”
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Note unusual style, accessories, etc. and compliment
Smile
Make eye contact
Making Small Talk
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Focus on others.
Ask them questions about themselves
Listen and be interested in what they say
Continue asking insightful questions
Be prepared to answer the questions you ask
Get up and meet 1 or 2 people
How to Make an Exit
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Plan your exit ahead of time
Be gracious and warm.
“It was really nice talking with you.”
“I’m going to get some fresh air.”
“I’m going to walk around some more.”
“I don’t want to stop you from meeting other
people, but maybe we can add each other on FB
and continue the conversation there.”
Practice
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Meet at least 3 people
Write it Down
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Name (with pronunciation hints)
Event location, date
Personal Facts (family, birthday, interests,…)
Brief conversation summary
Intended follow-up
Take breaks
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If you’re at a networking event or a party, it’s okay
to take breaks!
It’s also okay to take the night off (refuse the
evening events at a conference, etc).
If you are exhausted, you will NOT make a good
impression.
Building Lasting Relationships
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This is where introverts can really shine.
Two parts:
 Follow up
 Keep in touch
Follow up
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Reference something specific in the conversation you
enjoyed hearing about.
 Ask
how a new project is progressing.
 Ask how their kid is doing
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If you really want to impress, send a handwritten
letter.
Be thoughtful and sincere. (introverts are good at
this)
Keep in Touch
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It’s tough! Here are some ideas:
 Get
lunch if you’re in the area.
 Send them relevant articles.
 Ask if they’d like a referral.
 Refer someone to them (ask them first)
 Ask for help!
 Go out of your way to help them.
Summary
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Introvert-centered Networking
 Think
to talk
 Go deep
 Energize alone
 Plan
ahead
 Listen and process
 Take breaks
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Life is one big networking opportunity
Recommended Reading:
Networking for People Who
Hate Networking
Devora Zack