In the event planning world, you will predominantly find extroverts as they tend to excel in their ability to network, put themselves in the spotlight, and maintain several relationships in the building phase. But what about those introverts who find it a little harder to start those conversations from scratch or put themselves at center stage with all eyes on them.
As an introvert myself, in the past, I have avoided attending those classical networking events but realized I was missing out on the valuable face to face time with potential customers and industry friends as well as peer education. Learning from those who have more experience.
With the help of a few tried and true tricks I have been able to not only attend networking events but enjoy them. Here is what works for me in the hopes that you get out there and meet a few new friends.
Try these tips at the next networking event
- Allow yourself to acknowledge that networking isn’t easy for everyone and that it’s ok!
- Know that you are not alone, in general, or at any specific event. There will be other introverts just like you stepping outside their comfort zone to attend.
- Bring a friend with you, even if they are not in the same industry, having someone you trust with you makes it a little easier to open up and introduce yourself to someone new.
- Plan out a few questions that you can use in rotation. Once you introduce yourself, having a few questions to ask others gets them talking more first and naturally opens up a dialogue that you can add to once you feel comfortable. Having them planned out ahead of time prevents you from freezing and now knowing what to say.
- Head towards those communal areas where you can spark natural conversation about what is literally in front of you such as the buffet table, bar, or activity like the photo area (there is always a photo area).
- Start small - walk up and introduce yourself to one other person who may be at the event alone or find a pair of people. As you settle in and become more comfortable in the setting you can introduce to larger and larger groups.
- Focus on offering genuine help versus what you think ‘networking’ is supposed to be. Someone drops a napkin, pick it up for them. Someone asks about a book you happened to have read, recommend it. Someone mentions they are struggling with something you have experience in, offer advice on what has worked for you.
- Some folks (myself included) find it a little easier to mingle after one glass of wine. Don’t overdo it - you do not want to be the intoxicated person at the event.
- If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck - just excuse yourself to the bathroom. Freshen up your lipgloss, wash your hands, check your email - basically anything that gives you a few minutes of quiet time to collect yourself. Then get back out there and meet a few new people. No one will notice if you excuse yourself to the bathroom a few times.
- Block off your schedule for a few days after the event to recharge. After putting myself out there and being social with lots of new people at that level I usually need a few days to recharge. I won’t make any plans, work or social, and stay home and rest.
Networking when you're an introvert can be a bit scary and a challenge. Yet, attending these events do offer great value that I don’t want you to miss out on. The next time you are invited to attend a networking event either live or virtual, try my tips and trick on how to make it a little easier. With each event that you attend, it will get easier as you master these tools.
Do you have a tip or trick that works for you? Share with us in the comments below or on social.
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