Networking is for the introverted: here’s why

By Hannah Jackson, Marketing and Engagement Manager at Brighton Chamber.

If someone says the word ‘networking’, what kind of person springs to mind?

You might imagine a classic extrovert – someone who’s outgoing, loud, chatting away and looks like the whole thing is coming to them with ease.

Networking is something we all know we should be doing for our business. But the word networking can make some people feel a bit ‘icky’; a bit intimidated if you’re more towards the introverted side.

And yes, walking into a room full of people you don’t know can be scary, even a little off-putting. But I’ll let you in on a secret: no one finds networking easy (even the extroverts!)

As an introvert, I get it. It can take a lot to put yourself out there and just go for it. I’m an oxymoron when it comes to this – I’m an introvert, but I have a job where I do a lot of chatting and networking; public speaking and hosting events. I can chat for England, but I also really value, and need, that quiet time to restore my energy too.

So, as an introvert who does a lot of networking, here are my reasons why networking (and networking with the Chamber) is actually for the introverted.

1. You haven’t found the right events or network for you (yet!)

There are swathes of different types of events out there, and all sorts of different flavours of networking. If you’re introverted, or an anxious networker, what’s the thing you’re most worried about?

One thing we hear a lot at the Chamber from new networkers, nervous networkers, or introverted networkers, is the anxiety around joining a conversation or getting a conversation started.

The Chamber team has a few ways to help with that (see reason number two), but it’ll also help to have a look at what type of networking events you’re going to.

If you like a crutch, something to help you get conversations going, or an excuse to go ahead and introduce yourself to someone, structured networking or events with an activity are your best friend here. It’s a great way to get started and flex those networking muscles, with much less anxiety around how to get conversations going and introduce yourself to a group.

Get comfortable in those environments (maybe even pinch some of the prompts for your own conversation starters outside of these events) and you might then feel more confident to try more free form networking.

2. Ask the organisers

Any event organiser worth their salt will want to make sure that the environment they’re creating for businesses to meet, connect and have valuable conversations is warm and welcoming.

If you’ve taken the plunge and booked onto an event you’ve not been to before, or you’re trying out a new network, pop the organisers a message. If you’re a first-timer at a Chamber event, we’ll keep an eye out for you, and buddy you up with one of our friendly Chamber Ambassadors (the members who know the Chamber really well), who can give you an extra friendly welcome, get you settled in, and chatting to a few interesting people. If you’re a bit nervous, let us know! The more we know, the more we can do to help you feel welcomed and comfortable.

You can also ask for an attendee list. See if the organisers are able to facilitate a couple of introductions to people you’d like to chat to, so you know you’ll have some conversations already lined up before you arrive.

3. Listening is the most important part of networking

We have all had those conversations (work events, down the pub, your weird uncle at Christmas…) you get stuck talking to someone who is really just talking at you. They reel off their accolades, chat your ear off about what they do, without asking you any questions about who you are and what you do.

These people are actually really bad at networking, so don’t let them put you off. The best networkers listen, are curious and ask questions.

Asking questions, taking time to listen and empathise sets you up to be the best type of networker: curious and interested.

4. Practice makes…habit

One last reason to persuade you to keep at it. Making networking a habit, ingrained into your business and what you do will make you feel less ‘icky’ about it in the long run. But you’ll also make long-lasting connections and even business friends.

Networking is all about growing your network – and yes, that can mean leads and sales – but it can also mean finding a community of like-minded business-people that you can rely on; who share your values; and are generous with their time and advice.

If you make networking a habit, in no time you’ll bump into a familiar face or two at events. It’s okay to still get a bit nervous or feel a bit awkward, but having those conversations with new people will eventually get much easier, because you’re amongst friends and feel prepared to get out there and give it a go.

Brighton Chamber is a welcoming and inclusive membership organisation for businesses of all sizes, running a vibrant events programme to help businesses in Brighton to meet, learn and grow. Find out more at brightonchamber.co.uk/event.