Guest Post: Networking strategies for introverts
Guest Post: Networking strategies for introverts
Resa E. Lewiss, MD shares her secrets on networking for introverts
Networking is often viewed as a crucial aspect of professional development, but for introverts, the prospect can be daunting. In this post, Dr. Resa E. Lewiss, a professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, offers practical strategies tailored specifically for introverts.
Lewiss is the co-author of MicroSkills and we spoke to her this week about her book and her advice for personal growth. You can listen to her interview here.
This interview was previously published by UAB Medicine Office of Wellness through their Take 5 Tuesday eNewsletter
Professional networking events often feel like a loud whirlwind of small talk and socializing, designed with extroverts in mind; yet, according to Myers-Briggs, 56.8% of us identify as introverts. Introversion is not a state of shyness or anti-social behavior; it refers to finding solace in calm environments. An introvert prefers solo time to recharge and to connect in deep and meaningful ways. How might the majority of professionals with more introverted tendencies navigate workplace social landscapes without feeling overwhelmed?
Dr. Resa E. Lewiss, a professor of emergency medicine here at UAB, a professional development subject matter expert, and co-author of the award-winning business self-help book MicroSkills: Small Actions, Big Impact, offers valuable fundamental steps to help introverts not only attend these events but also thrive in them.
PRE-EVENT PREPARATION
Dr. Lewiss emphasizes the importance of self-care before an event. "Ensure you are rested. This generally means getting good sleep and maintaining your self-care routine, which hopefully includes exercise," she explains. She also suggests taking some time to mentally prepare yourself. "Plan to join the event with a timeframe in mind that aligns with your energy level to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Set a goal that you can revisit when you arrive (i.e., see how you feel at the event itself).”
Designing the way you create professional connections can include setting a timeline. Dr. Lewiss adds, "There’s no obligation to attend
the entire event. You can arrive on time and leave early (e.g., arrive for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and leave before dinner), or arrive later and leave early (e.g., pick an hour of the three-hour event you plan to attend), or arrive late and stay to the end (e.g., come for dessert and coffee).”
Pre-Event Strategies:
Sleep well and rest before the event
Create an event timeline
Set interaction goals
SELF-CARE DURING AND AFTER THE EVENT
“There is no need to avoid and completely remove yourself from networking events. There are many positives to growing your connections and it is an important skill for professional success,” Dr. Lewiss emphasizes. Introverts should prioritize managing their energy levels to prevent feeling completely exhausted afterward. “Focus on quality conversations over quantity." She suggests setting a goal: for example, “I am going to meet and have a meaningful verbal exchange with three people and not try to speak with the twenty people in the room.”
Leaving the event early and planning an exit strategy may be anxiety-provoking. Many of us are taught that we should not leave without saying goodbye to the host or organizer. Dr. Lewiss offers, "While leaving without saying goodbye might feel impolite, you can send a thank you email that evening or text the host or your team once you leave as a sign of appreciation." This is one way introverts can depart when they have had their social fill.
During/After Event Self-Care Strategies:
Find start & end times that are best for you
Seek quality conversations over quantity
It’s ok to leave early and follow up with host
BUILDING AUTHENTIC CONNECTIONS
Dr. Lewiss emphasizes the importance of quality interactions. "Engage in one conversation at a time. Ask questions and discuss topics that genuinely interest you. Offer and ask if it’s ok to follow up and meet at a future time. Try to ensure you have a way to connect with the individuals after the event – ask for an email address, business card, or even mobile phone number. You can text them right then and there so you are now a contact in their contact list.”
Building Authentic Connections Strategies:
Focus on one person & convo at a time
Discuss topics that interest you
Exchange contact info for connecting later
OVERCOMING COMMON OBSTACLES
Introverts can feel distracted and uncomfortable at networking events from the noise, from the crowd, and from the inherent design of the activity. Dr. Lewiss suggests thinking creatively; for example, “Step outside the room and seek quieter spaces to speak or go for a walking conversation that leaves from and arrives back, to the event. Plan ahead: make a dinner reservation for a table for 4, invite people ahead of time, meet there, and plan to leave early together.”
Finally, she advises, “Be kind to yourself. Don't be discouraged if you feel drained or feel like the only one who does not enjoy the event.” Bring this up and explain your introverted tendencies at the next team meeting and you may be surprised how many people express that they feel the same way. Self-reflect, deeply listen to yourself, and experiment with different routines to become skilled at building professional connections in ways which energize you.
Overcoming Common Obstacles Strategies:
Find quieter spaces for conversation
Plan ahead to mitigate discomfort
Embrace your introversion and discuss it
RESOURCES FOR INTROVERTS
We asked Dr. Lewiss for good reads that offer valuable insights for people looking to build their networks without feeling socially drained. Dr. Lewiss noted there are many and offered 3 good books to start: Devora Zack’s Networking for People Who Hate Networking, Susan Cain’s Quiet, and Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith’s How Women Rise.
While introverts may frequently find themselves uncomfortable in the overwhelming environment of networking, they can make these events less daunting and more fulfilling with the appropriate strategies and mindset. Dr. Resa E. Lewiss offers valuable insights that can guide introverts in conserving their energy, establishing genuine connections, and conquering potential obstacles. By preparing, prioritizing self-care, and leveraging beneficial resources, introverts have the potential to turn networking into a positive and rewarding endeavor. This transformation can lead to the discovery of new prospects and the cultivation of significant professional relationships.