I finally did it! After an hour of apprehension, I clicked the “Going” button to a networking event invite. Ok,  I got that part over with. I would spend the next week preparing my mind and my nerves to endure 90 minutes of small talk, being bombarded with business cards, and wondering how and if I will remember everyone’s name I encounter.

The life of an INTROVERT!  I am a self-proclaimed introvert. I didn’t know that my desire to sit in a corner and “people-watch,” the anxiety I felt before any event where I didn’t know anyone, and the undeniable exhaustion I felt after being around a lot of people for an extended period of time was due to my low energy state. I learned this about myself after going to counseling.  Introverts are not “shy” people as most typically think. To be quite honest, I am nowhere near shy! I am extremely vocal, charismatic, jovial, and social.  But I have some limits to my sociability; a couple being engaging in shallow superficial conversations, attempting to engage with others when the room is loud (from music or others talking), and ultimately the length of time I socialize. Introverts are individuals who gain energy when they are alone and are drained when overly stimulated by their environments. Imagine this: Entering a networking event on a full tank of energy and leaving the even on an empty tank at the end. That’s what it’s like being an introvert.

As an entrepreneur, speaker, and non-profit president it behooves me to attend networking events. And although it is a psychological struggle, it is one of the many life-lines to my success. So, how do I master attending multiple networking events each week without making myself go berserk?

Here are some strategies I use to help me make the most of my networking opportunities while preserving my energy.

Select events that align with your purpose, industry, or interest

I find that if I go to an event that is focused on something, I am passionate about, I am more likely to strike up meaningful conversations with like-minded people. The connection will have depth to it, and I won’t feel drained by speaking to someone about something I have no interest in (and having to act interested!)

Give myself alone time before an event to store up my energy

I try my best to make time to be by myself before I attend a networking event. This means clearing my mind of the days stressors or taking a nap (Yup! Great energy restoring activity).

Wait for them to come to me!

I learned that I don’t have to force myself to greet people. I felt my efforts were disingenuous and probably appeared feign. If I am alone at an event and I don’t know anyone, I will sit/stand in a conspicuous space, and show welcoming body language like smiling. In no time, I find people will individually flock to me, which takes the pressure off of me to engage.

Invite a friend!

Attending an event with a friend makes it easier to engage in conversations because there is authenticity, familiarity, and genuineness. Plus, if the event is boring, I have the company of my friend.

Grab, Give, Go (GGG)

Although I don’t like this form of networking (because there’s no deep connection), sometimes it is necessary for my energy conservation. I will swoop the room, giving out cards, grabbing others cards, and then I dip! Again, small talk drains me. But if I can swoon through the room really quickly and make as many contacts as possible, I can leave right afterwards, while maintaining at least a quarter tank of energy!

Make connections afterwards

The beauty of the GGG method is I have many contacts I can follow up with AFTER the event on a ONE-ON-ONE basis. Then, I get to choose the optimal space or mode of communication, and get a chance to know the person.

Networking is a very rewarding and exciting feet. You don’t have to let your introversion get the best of you! I didn’t!

Tiffanie Williams

View posts by Tiffanie Williams
Dr. Williams is a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Florida and has provided mental health services for 10 years. She currently provides services through her private practice- MasterPeace Counseling Services.

5 Comments

  1. Ashish godkarNovember 28, 2020

    great article.!!!! its very informational thank you so much….

  2. Dionna CarterNovember 21, 2020

    As an introvert who dreads networking, I really appreciate this post! Especially the tip about having alone time beforehand to store up my energy…that’s gold.

  3. NihalOctober 14, 2020

    I was really love is this article

  4. Kanisa WilcoxAugust 18, 2020

    I absolutely love this post!!!! It describes me spot on as I’m looking into venturing out into the networking world all while working my 9-5 job. I’m challenging myself to take the next step and getting out more to networking events and reaching out to other women with the same mindset as me. Thanks a lot for the sharing this post.

  5. LesJaxxMarch 9, 2020

    In describing yourself, you described me to a “t”. As I am trying to move out of my current job and position, I know networking is something I need to start pushing myself to do. Thank’s for these strategies.

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