While introverts tend to focus inward, entrepreneurship often requires an outward focus, adding difficulty for them. This post is part of a series.*
Introverts may dread networking. However, building a startup requires talking with many people regularly to discover new ideas, opportunities, and markets.
Introverts can convert their reflective and thoughtful nature into a networking superpower.
“To achieve any goal, you need other people to help you do it.”
– Judy Robinett
Embrace Strengths
As an introvert, I'm constantly networking, organizing events, and managing a group for finance leaders. My advice:
Know yourself. Introverts are often more selective, thoughtful, and better listeners, which are valuable qualities in building meaningful connections.
Narrow concentration. I only attend events with topics and people that excite me.
Choose quality. I constantly remind myself that a few valuable conversations are much better than trying to meet everyone.
Take care. I carefully select the frequency, timing, and length of events. I give myself breaks, and when I feel overwhelmed, it’s time to go.
Networking Process
While socializing may be daunting and unpleasant for introverts, there are proven benefits. A system can minimize discomfort and maximize outcomes.
BEFORE the event, identify your goals and the people you'd like to meet.
Research the speakers and attendees and plan on meeting a couple of people. Focus on how to offer them value e.g. an introduction, resource, or insight. Then prepare a concise story that captures the head and heart – what you do and why – based on the audience.
DURING the event, aim for meaningful conversations.
Consider these questions to connect more deeply:
What excites you right now?
What is something incredible about you that even your friends don't know?
What’s the best thing that happened in the last few weeks?
What one thing has influenced you the most?
What do you do for fun?
AFTER the event, promptly follow up with anyone interesting.
Pro Tip: I value diverse connections across professions, industries, ages, backgrounds, etc. to capture various perspectives and discover fresh ideas. I regularly contact those people to maintain a strong network. Then, I constantly offer connections, media, and ideas to everyone in my network.
Finally, my energy is finite. I will regularly and carefully curate my connections. The more inspiring my network, the more energy I gain and value I add.
Introverted founders can network effectively by applying their strengths, preparing well, prioritizing quality meetings, and managing their energy.
______________________________
This post was written by me with AI editing. The picture is from Product School.
Special thanks to Judy Robinett who wrote How to Be a Power Connector
*Premise: Being a founder is always tough. Introverts tend to be more inwardly focused and recharge when alone. Entrepreneurship often requires an outward focus. This series sets out to surface being an introvert across selling, networking, leading, facing anxiety, and finding happiness. To be clear, there is a range of introverts, and extroverts also face many stressors. Hopefully, these posts offer something to everyone.
Our latest newsletter includes posts on Humanity & AI: The Value of Connection and Cybersecurity Leadership. Subscribe here.
𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲: 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗸 is a 500-page handbook with over 130 articles that ascend into topics like leadership, growth, sales, marketing, operations, finance, and teams. In five minutes, learn the best methods and practical solutions to reach your dreams.