7 tips for introverts on

going to networking

events

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You Must Prepare for Networking Events

I was once given a ticket to a guest-speaker event put on for a group of young professionals in my community. I was excited and grateful for the opportunity because I’d be seeing them speak about social media…..

An article titled Networking for Introverts brings to mind some great points, namely: 1) network on your own terms, 2) create a comfortable environment for yourself, 3) leverage your skills as an introvert.

Here’s a few tips ….which advise that introverts prepare for a networking event, not simply go with eyes closed.

Here are the tips:

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Know what’s on the agenda.

1.  When accepting to attend an event, ask what kind of event is it going to be.

Clearly understand ”What is the agenda  for the night?”

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Ask if there’s a dress code. 

2. Had I known there was going to be a networking session before the speaker went on, I would have dressed better. There’s nothing more distracting than knowing you’re under dressed for a networking event.

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Go with business cards

3.  I have business cards for work as well as personal business cards, none of which were on my person. Had I known what was going to precede the speaking event, I would have brought a set of business cards.

There is nothing worse than someone handing you his/her business card and having to say, “I’m sorry, I didn’t bring my cards with me.”

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Bring a buddy

4.  Go to the event with someone or arrange to meet a person or two there. Perhaps there’s a person or two you’re interested in meeting for the first time. Reach out to see if they are going. It’s assuring to know there will be someone you can speak with after you’ve made an initial connection.

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Make a soft introduction to the speaker

5. For introverts the soft introduction, via e-mail or LinkedIn, is a great way to introduce themselves to someone at an event. If possible, contact the person who’ll be speaking at the event. This takes some of the pressure off of approaching the person for the first time.

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You don’t have to stay until the end

6. It’s not like when you closed the bar during your college days. Oh, you didn’t do that? In any case, don’t feel like you have to stay to the end.

There have been many times when I had such a great time at a networking event that I ended up staying the whole time. “Is it really time to go?”

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Mentally prepare for the event7. Introverts have to develop a “Just do it” attitude. We need to prep ourselves to get outside our comfort zone, which includes preparing for small talk, not relying on seeing a room full of familiar faces.

Preparing for a networking event might begin hours before the event, or, for some, days beforehand.

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