NETWORKING FOR INTROVERTS Presented by: Melissa Victor Totah, M.A., LPC, NCC Career Coach and Licensed Professional Counselor

Networking for Introverts  What is Introversion? Facts vs. Myths  Networking Challenges  Hidden Strengths of Introverts  Using Strengths in Networking  Developing Your Networking Plan  Implementing Your Plan

Introversion: Fact or Myth?  Introversion is the same as shyness  Introverts do not like people  Introverts are self-absorbed  Introverts make up 75% of the population

So What is an Introvert? “Introverts focus their attention and energy on the world inside of themselves. They enjoy spending time alone and need this time to ‘recharge their batteries’. Introverts try to understand the world before they experience it, which means a lot of their activity is mental.” – Paul Tieger & Barbara Barron-Tieger

You Might be an Introvert if… You like to rehearse before talking You need time to “recharge” after prolonged contact with people You get to know people slowly, but on a deep level You want experiences to be personally meaningful

Networking Challenges  Too much Internet/computer time  Feeling overwhelmed by trying to do too much OR not doing anything  Not comfortable approaching others at events  Underestimating yourself

Overcoming Challenges – Computer Time  Avoid logging on to computer until end of day.  Limit online job search to 2 hours per day.  Extra computer time can be used as a reward.

Overcoming Challenges – How Much is “Too Much”?  Trial and error to find your “happy medium”  Prioritize events:  Is this a one-time event or is it recurring?  How likely is it to generate potential job leads?  Will I know anyone there?  How large will the crowd be?  Join groups selectively but go regularly

Overcoming Challenges – Reluctance to Approach Others  Smile  Give sincere compliments  Use a “prop” to appear approachable to others  Learn to recognize and seek out other introverts

Overcoming Challenges – Underestimating Yourself  List your best qualities (if difficult, ask others)  Review your list of qualities before each event  If you still do not believe in yourself, act “as if” you do

Introverted Strengths  Conscientious – Notice details, highly observant, careful to do things right the first time  Considerate – listen more than talk, avoid interrupting, sensitive to others  Creative – Active imaginations (both a blessing and a curse), deep/original thinkers but sometimes not fully appreciated

Using Strengths In Networking  Conscientiousness – Prepare conversational topics in advance; volunteer to help set up, clean up, or greet guests  Consideration for others – Schedule informational interviews to utilize listening skills; always send thank- you notes afterwards  Creativity – Develop a website or blog; offer to write articles; put your name on everything

Developing Your Networking Plan Step 1 – Set your intention Step 2 – Determine your priorities Step 3 – List “baby steps” to achieve priorities Step 4 – Choose action items to do THIS WEEK Step 5 – Reward yourself for progress

Step 1 – Set Your Intention “I am finding a position in __(field)__ utilizing my strengths in ___________, _____________, and ____________.”

Step 2 – Determine Your Priorities  Learn more about __(target company or industry)_ by doing research, attending events, and setting up informational interviews.  Conserve your energy throughout the process by _________________ and _________________.  Integrate what you’ve learned by _____________.

Step 3 – “Baby Steps”  Attend ____ networking event(s) per week  Follow up with _____ new people from each networking event (by phone or )  Contact ____ person/people per week to schedule informational interviews

Step 4 – Action Items  I will attend the following networking events THIS WEEK: 1. _________________________ 2. _________________________ 3. _________________________ 4. _________________________  I will contact ______________ THIS WEEK to schedule an informational interview

Step 5 – Choose Your Rewards  Watch a favorite movie or TV show  Go for ice cream  Read a book or magazine (NOT job-search related)  Listen to your favorite music  Remind yourself that people enjoyed your company!  What else????

Implementing Your Plan: Before, During, and After Before: Check your energy level, re-energize when depleted, keep up with current events During: Set goals of talking to new people, smile and practice approaching others, act “as if” networking feels natural After: Follow-up, maintain relationships, integrate what you have learned, and reward yourself

Remember One Thing… Networking is all about relationships. Focus on quality, not quantity.

Resources Aron, E.N. (1996). The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You. New York: Broadway Books. Laney, M.O. (2002). The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World. New York: Workman Publishing. Nierenberg, A.R. (2002). Nonstop Networking: How to Improve Your Life, Luck, and Career. Sterling, VA: Capital Books Inc. RoAne, S. (2000). How to Work a Room: The Ultimate Guide to Savvy Socializing in Person and Online. New York: MJF Books. Tieger, P.D., and Barron-Tieger, B. (2001). Do What You Are: Discover the Perfect Career for You Through the Secrets of Personality Type, 3 rd Ed. Boston: Little, Brown and Co.

Resources (cont’d.) Break the Ice: 8 Networking Tips for Introverts - Jung Typology Test - win/JTypes2.asp Networking Tips for Introverts - gottsman/networking-tips-for-intro_b_ html For questions or copies of the slides, contact Melissa Victor Totah: or (512)