Networking Nuggets

Keith: 00:37

Hi I'm Keith and welcome to Networking Nuggets. Today's episode is for anyone who's ever said I'm just not a networking person. More often than not what they really mean is I'm an introvert. Somewhere along the way we create this idea that networking belongs to extroverts. That it's all about walking into a room full of strangers talking to everyone being the loudest voice telling brilliant stories working the room.

Keith: 01:25

I don't buy that. In fact some of the best networkers I've ever met have been introverts. Why? Because networking isn't actually about talking it's about connecting and those are very different things. Let's think about what introverts often do well.

Keith: 01:56

They listen. Really listen. They ask thoughtful questions. They tend not to interrupt. They're often genuinely interested in other people.

Keith: 02:15

Those are extraordinary networking skills. People rarely leave conversations saying that person talked brilliantly. They leave saying I really enjoyed talking to them. Notice the difference? One focuses on performance the other focuses on connection.

Keith: 02:42

I've met extroverts who could talk to absolutely anyone. They could talk to the coach stand in the corner. Wonderful people! But I've also met introverts who made me feel like the most important person in the room simply because they listened so carefully. Just which conversations I remember.

Keith: 03:09

Here's another strength. Introverts often prefer deeper conversations over lots of brief ones. That's a huge advantage. Networking isn't a competition to collect the most business cards. One meaningful conversation can be worth far more than 20 superficial ones.

Keith: 03:37

I also think introverts prepare well. They think before speaking. They often ask better questions because they've generally considered what they want to know. That's valuable. One mistake you see is people trying to become someone they're not.

Keith: 04:01

An introvert trying to act like an extrovert or an extrovert trying to tone themselves down because they think they should. Neither is necessary. The best networking happens when people are authentic. If you enjoy smaller conversations have them. If you prefer toffee to crowded events arrange a toffee.

Keith: 04:36

If you need quiet time afterwards take it. Networking should 100% fit your personality not the other way around. I've often encouraged people to stop trying to impress. Instead become interested. That advice works particularly well for introverts because curiosity removes pressure.

Keith: 05:11

You don't have to think of clever things to say. You simply have to ask good questions and then genuinely listen. One of my favourite questions remains what's one thing you wish more people understood about what you do? It's amazing what follows. People light up.

Keith: 05:38

Stories appear. Real conversations begin. Those conversations build relationships and relationships build opportunities. Not because you were loud but because you were present. So if you're rather worried that you're too quiet for networking I'd encourage you to rethink that.

Keith: 06:12

Quiet isn't a weakness. Sometimes it's a superpower. This week's challenge is simple. At your next networking event forget trying to meet everyone instead aim to have two genuinely meaningful conversations. That's enough because networking isn't measured by how many people you meet it's measured by how many relationships you begin.

Keith: 06:55

This week's Networking Nugget is this: You don't have to become more extroverted to become a better networker. You simply have to become more interested in other people. Thanks for listening and until next time keep building relationships one conversation at a time. If you found this week's episode useful make sure you follow or subscribe and if you want more check out Networking Nuggets on LinkedIn. It's my weekly newsletter where I share deeper insights every Wednesday.

Keith: 07:36

But also do check out my new book From Awkward to Connected available now on Amazon. Until next time keep connecting! Networking Nuggets is a Think of Something Publishing production.