Networking Introverts!

I keep coming back to networking - not just its importance, but also its influence on you, your connections and potential connections.  Nothing feels as bad as someone coming to you only because they want your contacts, particularly if you are well connected.   There is nothing wrong with asking for an introduction and most are happy to assist, but we all can sense when we are simply being used.  I must add, the small talk made to get to "the ask" and the fact that the whole production seems rehearsed can be a bit grating to more sensitive types. 

Bottom line, networking is best done when we approach it from from the angle of what we can do for the other - paying it forward.  That builds the sturdiest and most long-lasting bridges.  It is genuine because it requires us to know and give from our position of strength. But, networking is not something that introverts tend to get jazzed about.  So, aside from knowing oneself and listening for opportunities to offer one's assistance to others, what else can introverts do to help them embrace networking?

Lisa Evans writes for Content Loop:

...community groups offer...a chance to be with other people and a chance to learn new things and have fun in ways that aren't socially demanding. 

So, that may be the answer for introverts.  You don't necessarily have to connect with others at meetings meant for networking.  Perhaps you can find opportunities to build genuine bridges doing what you love.  

Read the article, How Introverts Can Network Without Changing Their Personalities.

Networking versus “Networthing”

Some people find networking awkward.  Let's examine two ways of looking at networking.

Option A - You walk into the room full of strangers with the express purpose of making contacts that can help you move along in your career.

Is that how you see it?  Let’s try again.

Option B - You walk into a room full of strangers armed with full knowledge of yourself, your skills, your interests and how you might be helpful to others with a need. 

 A switch to Option B accomplishes a few things:

1.      We are forced to know ourselves – skills, abilities, interests…

2.      We build confidence, and learn to communicate our worth.

3.      The focus changes to others rather than ourselves. This alleviates some of the awkwardness and pressure inherent in a networking event.

4.      We become helpful and feel good about ourselves, building our self-esteem.

5.      In the end, we help others and build relationships.  Now we have genuine networking contacts who may feel more compelled to help. 

What is your net worth?  What are your interests?  What are your skills?  What makes you special?  How can you communicate this?  How can you get involved to help others?

Do this on a regular basis so that it becomes a habit and you build a group of trusted associates. This will help you in future job searches.  Moreover, since not all jobs are posted on job boards, this could help you uncover hidden opportunities.  

____________________________________

Note:  When I finished this short post, I Googled to see if anyone else had ever utilized the term “networthing.”  The term has been coined, and a book has already been published.   

LifeStyle NetWorthing: Integrating Personal & Professional Relationships Paperback – 2014

Inspirational article on networking...

Martha Finney, an author and workplace expert, has written an inspirational article on networking that you shouldn't miss.  Read Are You Too Shy to Network?

Excerpt:

I’d been thinking about networking all wrong! It was about letting the world know that I was here to help.

July 27th Network Roulette

Brazen Careerist brings you Network Roulette on July 27th beginning at 7:00 p.m. eastern.

What is Network Roulette?  "It's an online speed networking service that allows professionals to build their network hassle-free."    More...

Tackling your fear of networking...

Does the thought of networking bring on a feeling of dread?  Denise O'Berry at the Quickbase Blog offers 3 Ways to Overcome Your Networking Fears.   Her tips include:

1. Using the Three Foot Rule
2. Ban the Buddy System
3. Follow Up to Extend the Relationship

Read more here.

Fostering a good attitude toward networking

I laughed when I read Ashley Hoffman's initial reaction to networking because I could envision myself doing the same.  People with introverted tendencies don't always feel comfortable in a room full of strangers and might even feel a bit awkward.  That is what happens when we step out of our comfort zone.  But, unfortunately, we must do just that at times. 

If you are not a natural at networking, read Ashley Hoffman's article, If 'Networking' Makes You Want to Vom, This Post is For You at Brazen Careerist.  Her advice helps take the fear out of networking and lets us know that we're not alone in our hesistancy to do so. 

LinkedIn Faux Pas

Jessica Simko at CareerRealism writes about LinkedIn groups in her article LinkedIn Strategies that Keep You Unemployed:

When I read through the content in these groups, I am often shocked at what some people are saying, on a public website, that many employers use to find candidates for their open positions.

She continues to describe the various mistakes that job candidates are making in their group interactions, and she is right on target.  Take a moment to read the article so you don't make the same mistakes.

Facebook, Twitter are new hiring hotspots

Economic Times - With social networking having caught on in a big way, going through classifieds, meeting prospective employers over lunch, calling companies and getting connected to the HR department are all routines that seem passe. Using Bump on your smart phone to exchange professional details, tweeting or posting on your Facebook walls are the new ways to get hired or hire.   More...

Avid Careerist: The Wickedly Effective On-Line Job Search Guide

Avid Careerist cites her readers’ favorite posts on resumes, cover letters, networking and social media, interviewing, reference checking, job offers, job search tools, and life design.

Read more here.

Networking for Introverts

Personal Branding Blog - ... if you want to grow your personal brand and advance in your career, you’re going to have to deal with people. So here are four ways introverts can improve their networking. 

Why College Students Should Join LinkedIn

USNews - LinkedIn is the best designated professional network and the first social network job seekers should consider using to find opportunities.  More...

Cachinko, Coming Soon...

Jibe - Online Job Search Networking Tool

Jibe is another tool making its way into the online job search / networking space.  Their differentiating factor appears to be that Jibe allows the user to import both Facebook and LinkedIn contacts.
 

Networking: Keeping it real

Advice for networkers on how to avoid being a "glommer" via reCareered.   

May 24th Career Fair in Durham, NC: "Tech Jobs Under the Big Top"

The American Underground and Triangle Tech Talk are proud to host a first-of-its-kind event. Join us for the first "Tech Jobs Under The Big Top."

Sharing your business card at networking events

Are you tired of carrying around a pocket full of paper business cards?  Are you weary of dealing with all the business cards that you collect?  Well, there are several apps that will make your life easier. 

What is LinkedIn OpenLink?

The OpenLink network allows anyone on LinkedIn to send you a message for free, even if they are outside of your network. Plus, you can send free messages to all OpenLink members. The OpenLink network is available exclusively to Premium Account holders.

Quora - What is it? Why should I use it?

What is it?

Quora defines itself:  Quora is a continually improving collection of questions and answers created, edited, and organized by everyone who uses it.

Why should I use it?

Balancing Social Versus Professional Networking

Greg Harris, the Product Manager at Vizibility, discusses the boundary between social and professional networking and offers advice on where you should draw the line on personal life.  

Read the article.

The Importance of Networking

The informed job hunter knows that it is not enough to cruise job boards and apply for jobs.  Networking is crucial to avoid falling into the application black hole.  In addition, companies are increasingly moving away from job boards.

According to a December 2010 Corporate Executive Board survey, nearly 80% of respondents said they plan to increase their use of job-board alternative methods this year, such as employee referrals and other websites like Facebook Inc. or LinkedIn.