Can Introverts Network?

“Every week, I get invited to another “must attend” business event sure to be full of important people who could affect my business. I know I should go, but it’s a chore. All too often, I end up standing in a corner clinging to the one person I know, feeling guilty that I’m not taking advantage of the situation.”
 
So writes Rebekah Campbell, CEO of Posse.com, a social search engine for which she—a self-confessed introvert—managed, shyness aside, to raise $3 million in start-up funding. Writing in The New York Times, Campbell says, ”I recognize the importance of this type of activity, so I stick to it — primarily because a few chance encounters at events have led to relationships that have made all the difference in my business. I have to accept that networking doesn’t come naturally to me…So I’ve developed techniques to help me form relationships and improve, even enjoy, the networking process.”
 
Among her ideas:
 

• Have short conversations with a lot of people; follow up later (Tweet it!);
• Focus on what you’re good at (it may not be your “ability to charm”);
• Know that a few close relationships trump a superficial network of hundreds or thousands.

 
Are you ever (even secretly) uncomfortable at networking events? What strategies do you use to overcome your reticence? To join the conversation, click "comments" below.

If you would like to read more about creating a habit around communication mastery, check out our book: Be Quiet, Be Heard: The Paradox of Persuasion
​

---