Redefining Networking for Introverts

Hello, and welcome to the traveling introvert. Today, I want to talk about something that can be a game changer for your career advancement, and that is networking. Yeah. I know. Okay. What I really mean is relationship building. I'm not talking about loud parties or forced interactions. Focusing on how you can leverage your natural strengths to build meaningful connections and relationships.

And let's redefine networking. It's not about collecting business cards or snoozing at events. It's about building genuine relationships that can go ahead and support your career goals or just genuine relationships in general. Think about it as creating a community of allies who understand and appreciate your unique skills and perspectives. And one of the key advantages of doing this and the way that you can do it as an introvert is to leverage your strengths, your ability to listen and observe. Using these skills to your benefit by engaging in 1 on 1 or 1 to 2 conversations, reaching out to colleagues or industry professionals for coffee chats or virtual meetings, asking questions, actively listening, and sharing your insight are all really good approaches to help you connect deeply and create a lasting impression with people and to help start building those long lasting relationships. Now you need to be strategic with your networking. Don't just pay and spray or throw spaghetti at the wall.

You need to think about where and with whom you're going to network with. Just as probably in your personal life, focus on quality over quantity. Identify events and or online communities that align with your interests and career goals. This ensures that your interactions are meaningful and relevant, and you're not overwhelming yourself with a bunch of things and people to talk to. Additionally, consider joining professional groups or associations related to your field where you can both contribute and learn from others. And, of course, what's really important and that many people will fail to do is following up. After meeting someone or being introduced to someone, the follow-up is critical and crucial because depending on the type of event, they probably met a few people, maybe 5 to 10 people, and you wanna stand out. You wanna be noticed.

You wanna be remembered. So a simple thank you email or note can go a long way in maintaining and starting that conversation and maintaining that connection. Share articles or resources that might be of interest to them or suggest another meeting to continue the conversation. This demonstrates a genuine interest. You're not trying to sell something. You're not trying to something from them, but you want to be interested not just in their work life, but anything personal that came up in your conversations, which will help solidify the relationship. Because then when you message, you'd be like, remembering that they talked about they like horses or Formula 1 or their daughter had a birthday coming up. Mentioning that shows you are listening and paying attention.

But as well as that going ahead and talking to people and networking, do not underestimate the power of building an online presence. And it can seem scary at times because you're out there and it seems very public and that everyone knows everything that's going on with you. But platforms like LinkedIn are excellent for showcasing your expertise and engaging with others in your field and outside of your field, to be fair. Share your achievements, comment on posts, and participate in discussions. This not only increases your visibility, but lets people know that you what you think and and how you think and what value you bring. And set boundaries. Don't get me wrong. Networking is important, but equally crucial to all interest is setting boundaries.

Ensure that you allocate time for networking activities that align with your energy levels and preferences. It's okay to say no to events or interactions that don't resonate with you or just are at a bad time for your energy. Remember, networking is about building authentic relationships that enrich your professional life by leveraging your natural strengths. You can create a network that supports your career advancement without compromising your true nature. Thank you for listening. This is Janice at the Career Engagement, helping you build your brand and get hired. I hope you found this episode helpful, and, share with others who might benefit. Until next time, have a great rest of your day.