The concepts of “introvert” and “extrovert” have become very common in the modern world, and scientists are still actively studying them. There are almost three times less introverts in the world than extroverts. Nevertheless, this type of temperament also has advantages, as studies have shown that introverts have more developed creative and analytical skills.
What is the main difference between these temperament types? The source of energy! Extroverts are filled with energy from interacting with the outside world and communicating with others. Introverts, on the other hand, need time alone to replenish their energy reserves. That’s why it’s often difficult for them to become part of a large company or establish connections with other people. So, here are six networking tips for introverts that will help improve your social life!
1. Fake it till you make it
Society encourages us to be extroverts because they have many traits that make them successful: initiative, leadership, and quick decision-making. While introverts have many advantages too, sometimes, this list of traits is also necessary for them in situations such as a business meeting or meeting a potential employer. What should you do in this case? If you feel uncomfortable taking the initiative in such meetings, practicing Act As If will be handy for you.
This practice involves acting like an extrovert while being an introvert, in other words, faking it until you make it. You may also need to practice A Free Trait Agreement, which allows you to occasionally act out of character in exchange for being your authentic self the rest of the time. Read more about this and other techniques for introverts in our Quiet by Susan Cain summary.
2. Don’t forget to make a Friendly Face
When attending networking events, parties, or business meetings, introverted people often worry about how to make a good impression on others. You don’t have to be a bright extrovert who instantly becomes the life of the party. It’s enough to start with just one step: a friendly face. A smile and prolonged eye contact are already the key to a good first impression of you.
The first component, the smile, will show your willingness to engage in a dialogue. Eye contact is important to demonstrate your interest and involvement in the topic of conversation. That’s why, even when talking to strangers, try to make eye contact during a conversation. This simple skill will help you in your daily communication with other people.
3. Leave your comfort zone
In life, there are often difficulties and situations that require extroverted traits to overcome them. Complaining about a noisy neighbor who interferes with your sleep, returning a dress that didn’t fit, or complaining about a dish in a restaurant that was not prepared the way you asked for. These seemingly small things often frighten people with an introverted temperament because to solve these problems, they need to get out of their comfort zone. Therefore, introverts often choose to remain silent and not “cause trouble.”
However, the comfort zone is often an illusion, and you have to defend your position without fear of difficulties, otherwise, the situation may worsen. But how can you do it? Develop self-confidence and remember that your interests and desires are valuable regardless of what others think. Standing up for your boundaries and protecting your interests are not only traits of extroverts, but also something you can do for a happy life. After all, an introverted temperament is not synonymous with shyness or insecurity.
4. Connect with others online
Do you feel exhausted and drained after attending networking events, parties, and meals? Of course, face-to-face meetings and networking are integral to our lives, but there are other ways to communicate. Nowadays, with the development of technology and especially social media, it has become much easier not only to share your life but also to communicate with others. There are many social platforms, such as LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook, where you can meet new people and find like-minded individuals.
You can use social media in your work and personal life. There are many sites and programs for finding partners and friends. Online communication, unlike face-to-face meetings, does not require as much energy, but it also brings results. Many people find new jobs, friends, and soulmates online, so why not give it a try? Read about this and other daily tips about the life of introverts in the comic book Text, Don’t Call: An Illustrated Guide to the Introverted Life.
5. Prepare for face-to-face networking
Awkwardness, devastation, a strange feeling inside... All of these things can happen to introverts when they find themselves in a large group of people or face-to-face meetings with many strangers. If you are not prepared for such situations, you usually do not know how to properly tell about yourself and feel completely lost. How can you make new friends and create a good first impression despite your awkwardness? Prepare and rehearse your presentation in advance!
Try to make a plan for your introduction at home: what can you tell other people about yourself, your hobbies, work, and interests? Formulate and write your introduction on a piece of paper, and then read it out loud and say it in front of a mirror. This practice is useful because you will be prepared for the meeting, and in a moment of awkwardness, you won’t feel like you don’t know what to say. On the contrary, this practice will give you confidence and peace because you will immediately recreate everything you wanted to say before the meeting, and feel less stressed.
6. Accept yourself and your temperament
The last but most important point that will help you establish connections both with other people and yourself is accepting yourself and your temperament. Often, in the pursuit of extroverted traits, introverts can forget about their uniqueness and advantages, which are undoubtedly there. In the modern world, introversion is not taboo or something to be ashamed of. It is a temperament many people have, and whose features are not scary.
That is why, if you have an introvert personality, the first step to establishing communication with others is to accept your temperament and build communication strategies. Don’t be afraid to explain to your friends or acquaintances that you are an introvert and may often avoid parties or don’t like being in large crowds. Open communication is the key to understanding and good relationships in general. Read more about how to do this in our The Introvert Advantage summary.
These tips for confidence will help introverts find and maintain new acquaintances in all areas of life. If you still have doubts about your temperament, take the Introvert/Extrovert Test to help you determine your exact type. Remember that the key to successfully applying any communication skills is self-confidence and acceptance of your uniqueness.
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