On creating networking opportunities

Here’s a useful link if you’re a shy introvert.

Click-bait heading. With a heading like that, it’s bound to get some clicks.

I’ve tried some of the tips mentioned in the article. Sometimes they’ve backfired. Especially, if the other person is shy, or answers all of your conversation openers with a monosyllable.

Related links:

Networking for introverts

Personal Branding for Introverts

The power of introverts

Quora

Learnings:

My networking abilities depend on the format of the event. Some events are more difficult and closed. If you’re planning an event, think about how to encourage networking and interaction.

Creating and hosting my own event or speaking at an event has been a good way to network for me. When you’re the organizer, the host or the speaker, the networking part is different. People come up to you with questions, or you specifically need to follow up with them. Speaking in public about topics that I am passionate about has helped me a lot.

Listening carefully is important. You can do more research and then follow up at a later stage.

Doing something together, e.g. going on a photo-walk, or building a website, or going jogging together is an easier way to get to know someone. I have a common social object to talk about which makes interaction a lot easier. And in the meantime, I can discover if there’s more common ground.

Be yourself. Don’t worry if you fail at networking today. Learn from mistakes. Don’t give up. There will be better events ahead.

Maybe one solution is to avoid the term networking. I like this answer on Quora:

You don’t “network”, you meet people. Get out of the results-oriented mindset and enjoy the conversations.

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