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Embrace your introversion -

If you identify as more introverted, be sure to own it! Embracing your introversion will help you tailor your approach to networking so that your experience is effective, comfortable, and authentic to you.

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Set realistic goals -

More extroverted networking event attendees aim to meet anyone and everyone. For an introvert, though, that thought could be extremely daunting. Focus more on forming meaningful, deeper connections versus trying to meet more people. Sometimes, deep connections can even prove more useful than many shallow interactions.

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Practice self-care -

Take care of your physical, mental, and emotional health in the days before the networking event is scheduled. Exercising, eating right, and being well-rested will help you engage more effectively with others and make strong first impressions with limited anxiety.

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Develop an elevator pitch -

Come prepared to networking events having an elevator pitch that you have practiced. A strong, well-crafted elevator pitch will aid you in delivering clear, confident introductions. Knowing that you have this pitch at the ready can help ease some anxiety and stress.

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Research the event -

To help avoid unplanned topics being discussed, ensure you familiarize yourself beforehand with the theme and attendees (if the information is available) of the event. By understanding the background of those two things, you can hopefully find common ground and make networking less stressful.

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Identify shared interests -

To help facilitate deeper, more meaningful conversations, look for some commonality between you and others. Shared interests often lead to longer conversations versus awkwardly standing around or attempting to meet many people.

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Visualize success -

See yourself as being successful and having an engaging conversation even before you approach someone. Visualizing a positive interaction can help reduce anxiety and mentally prepare you for the introduction and subsequent conversation.

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Choose your events wisely -

If possible, opt for smaller and more intimate gatherings. Additionally, find networking events that are with like-minded people. These settings often make for a less overwhelming environment and decreased stress.

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Arrive early or late -

As an introvert, consider arriving early or late to avoid peak crowd sizes. Set yourself up for success by arriving during quieter times with fewer people. Having a more relaxed environment should help ease some of the associated stress and anxiety.

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Bring or find a networking buddy -

Having a networking buddy can make a huge, positive impact on the experience you have as an introvert at a networking event. A buddy can help you break the ice with others while providing a sense of security. Knowing someone is there should you need out of an awkward scenario can help give you added confidence.

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Focus on listening -

Instead of focusing on the feelings of stress and anxiety you may be experiencing, try to focus on active listening. Show genuine interest in others and ask thoughtful questions as follow-ups. Focusing on something important, like making the most out of a conversation, can help shift your focus to something positive.

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Leverage online networking -

There are platforms like LinkedIn where introverted people might feel more comfortable networking without the pressure of face-to-face interaction. Work on building and fostering connections online and then graduate to in-person interactions. Practice makes perfect.

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Join professional organizations -

Finding a community of people who share the same or similar interests as you can help introverts when it comes to networking. These groups will often have opportunities to network and meet other members, and having shared interests will help conversations flow more easily.

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Follow up strategically -

Following up after an event is important for introverts for many reasons. Not only can you build a deeper connection without the pressure of real-time conversations, but you can also lean on other great strengths like written communication to aid you in building relationships.

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Manage anxiety -

Managing anxiety by relaxing before networking events can help introverted people. Take some deep breaths and focus on staying calm and composed during interactions. Manifest this peace and confidence and set your mind at ease.

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Set boundaries -

Take time to identify and evaluate your networking boundaries. It's okay to decline an invitation or leave an event early if necessary. You want to avoid overextending yourself.

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Embrace awkwardness -

As difficult as it might be to imagine, everyone has some level of unease or awkwardness when it comes to networking. Embracing this within yourself and knowing it about others can normalize things and help make networking not as scary.

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Build relationships gradually -

Don't force yourself to form a life-long bond with someone at a networking event alone. Know that as an introvert, it might, and usually does, take more time. Allow the new interaction to develop into a relationship at a gradual pace that's authentic and genuine to who you are.

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Leverage your strengths -

Utilize your strengths as an introvert. If you excel at written communication or listening better when you're with someone you already know, then aim to network that way. Don't pressure yourself to attend events or in-person gatherings if you know that they will not be useful.

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Nurture existing relationships -

Staying connected with people you're already in contact with will strengthen your network. Little outreaches can make a big impact over the long run.

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Offer value -

People like people they can trust and who can benefit them in one way or another. Offering to provide free assistance, share knowledge, or provide some other form of value can help you build rapport.

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Seek mentorship -

A mentor can help introverts in so many ways when it comes to networking. They will often teach practical skills that can be applied in real-time. They also usually have a network of their own who they can start introducing you to.

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Join online communities -

An online community can be an excellent way to participate in groups or forums in a low-pressure environment. Remember to always provide little bits of value to these communities to position yourself as someone worth getting to know professionally.

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Attend industry conferences -

Using the tips included in this guide, challenge yourself to attend an industry-specific event. The fact that it's the field which you work in should make meeting people a bit easier as you can talk about topics related to the industry.

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Leverage alumni networks -

Connecting with former classmates, colleagues, and professors is a great way introverts can continue to grow their networks. There is a sense of familiarity and comradery associated with interacting with fellow alumni. Use this connection to your advantage.

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Create your own networking opportunities -

If going to networking events, whether in-person or virtual, isn't your thing consider hosting your own. Then you have a complete say over who attends and can choose people you have an existing, more comfortable connection with. You can tailor the location and otherwise to you and your introverted needs.

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Use open-ended questions -

Open-ended questions encourage deeper conversations that foster connections and help you learn more about

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Celebrate small wins -

Progress and perfection take time. Celebrate small wins along the way as it helps reinforce the positive behaviors you're trying and encourages you to keep going with networking.
Sources: (Forbes) (Harvard Business Review) (LinkedIn)

See also: The power of networking events

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