It might surprise you that I call myself an introvert. Yes, I speak on stages, run events and put myself out there. But where do I truly get my energy? It’s from solitude, thinking and deep one on one connections.
The big crowds? Nah, they’re not really my thing. But despite this, I’ve successfully built a network that spans industries, countries and decades. How? Well, by doing it in my way.
There’s a myth that introverts can’t be brilliant networkers. But let me flip the script for you.
Introverts are actually phenomenal networkers. We don’t waste time on the surface level stuff. We dig deep, listen and observe. And these are huge strengths, given that true networking is about forging meaningful, authentic relationships.
Today, we’ll explore the innate strengths that make introverts excel in the realm of building genuine relationships. I also share my own approach to networking and some practical ways you can build meaningful business connections as an introvert.
I challenge you: dismiss the pressure to conform to a louder networking style. Be deliberate, authentic and true to yourself. As you navigate the business world, focused on expanding your network, always remember that your quiet strengths are not weaknesses—they are your superpowers.
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Transcript
Full of plastic name tags and elevator pitches. Today we're talking about networking as an introvert
that's right introverts. This podcast episode is just for you. Now I know what you might be thinking. Networking. Isn't that all about extroverted people shaking hands, talking to everyone, collecting a stack of business cards, or even a whole heap of new LinkedIn contacts.
o a tool that works for you, [:But first, can we just call out this BS around networking for a minute? Have you ever found yourself at a networking event surrounded by people all shaking hands, swapping cards or LinkedIn connections? And you're just there thinking, what am I even doing here? Or maybe you're someone who avoids these events altogether, because maybe you've convinced yourself that networking isn't for you.
Maybe you're telling yourself, I'm too shy. I'm an introvert. I just don't have that kind of energy. Well listen up, because we need to talk about the biggest networking BS that I see all the time. And I'm calling it out right here, right now, that idea that introverts can't be brilliant networkers is totally nonsense.
me, but Janine, I'm shy, I'm [:And honestly, that idea is complete rubbish. The problem is, we've been fed this idea that networking is only for the outgoing. That it's about being the most visible person in the room, shouting about yourself. It's about superficial conversations and shaking hands with everyone. Until you've met absolutely everyone.
But honestly, that's not networking. That's the circus. You don't need to be the life of the party to build powerful, meaningful connections. And if you think networking is about talking to as many people as possible and collecting a bunch of business cards that you'll never follow up on, you're actually missing the point.
[:It's exhausting! And more than that, it's really shallow. Again, that's not networking, that's just ticking boxes, and trust me, it doesn't work. Networking isn't about quantity. It's not about collecting business cards like some kind of Pokemon game. Networking is about building relationships. It's about connection, not collection.
wired for this kind of deep [:So when you tell me I can't network because I'm shy or I'm introverted, what I hear is you're actually good at this. You know what? That's perfectly fine. Because you shouldn't network in that way. So let me tell you something. I'm an introvert. Yeah, I know. I'm on stage. I run events. I'm out there because it comes, when it comes down to it, I actually have to be for work, but I get my energy from solitude, from thinking, from deep one on one connections.
how? Well, by doing it in my [:Introverts are actually phenomenal networkers. Because they don't waste time on the surface level stuff. You dig deep, you listen, you observe. And these are huge strengths. So here are the five qualities that I actually think make introverts brilliant at networking. Number one, deep listening. Introverts are exceptional listeners.
When you engage with someone, you're not just waiting for your turn to speak, you're actively listening. This helps you understand the other person better, and it allows you to ask thoughtful, insightful questions. Listening makes the other person feel valued, and that is the foundation of any great relationships.
ulge in small talk, are you? [:Instead of collecting 20 business cards or 20 new LinkedIn connections, focus on forming a few meaningful connections. Your third skill is one of observation. You notice things that others don't. Whether it's body language, tone of voice, or the mood in the room, introverts are observant. I want you to use this to your advantage.
care about the details. Your [:It actually makes your follow up far more genuine and effective than a generic, so nice to meet you last night, kind of email. And the final skill that you have is that you build trust over time. Introverts don't rush relationships. You're not trying to pitch or sell yourself right off the bat, are you?
Instead, you build trust over time, which is so much more sustainable in the long run. Networking at its core is about building relationships, and that is where introverts truly shine. So now that we've highlighted those, those five superpowers, what I want to talk about now is some practical ways to network as an introvert.
read networking events. Like [:That's it. Instead of trying to meet 30 people in an evening, I would focus on three meaningful conversations. And this changed everything for me. Because those three connections turned into long term relationships. They led to new opportunities, new collaborations, and so much more. And I wasn't exhausted by the end of the event.
e. Every one. One thing I've [:I said to them, why don't you start hosting your own? Small group event. This could be a dinner party, or it could be a virtual coffee catch up, or a small catch up over coffee. These kind of environments are much more conducive to introverted strengths. You'll feel more comfortable and in control, and the relationships will deepen as the conversations will naturally flow deeper.
ow one coffee at a time, one [:Here's another tip. Don't think that you have to say yes to every event. Yep, I'm giving you permission. Permission granted to say no. When you need to be strategic, choose the ones, the events, Situations that align to your goals, to your energy, and to your style. Try and embrace a little bit of the joy of missing out the jomo versus wallowing in the fomo, the, the fear of missing out.
finally, I want to bust that [:You don't! You need to be you, and the best version of you. The listener, the observer, the compassionate, the deep thinker. Own your strengths. Lean into what makes you so uniquely you and let your connections grow organically from there. Don't force yourself into situations that drain you.
Instead, own that beautiful introverted energy that is so uniquely you. And whether this is about attending fewer events, but choosing them wisely, or focusing on one on one connections, the key is play to your strengths. don't forget. It's okay to take breaks. After all, networking as an introvert doesn't mean you have to be on all the time.
It's about being [:Thank you so much for joining me today. I hope this has inspired you to really think about networking in a brand new light. One that works for you, not against you. And hey, if you've got any stories or tips about how you've turned networking into something you actually enjoy, I'd love to hear them, so please reach out, share your experiences and let's keep this conversation going.
And if you want more [: