5 Networking Strategies for Introverts

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Networking is a crucial skill for meeting new people in your industry, making professional connections, and growing your career. However, for those of us who are introverted, networking can be a struggle.

As an introvert, just the thought of having to mingle with strangers – let alone network – can sound unpleasant and overwhelming.

If you’re an introvert looking to expand your professional network, but don’t know where to start, you’re not alone. That’s why we’ve put together five networking strategies that are perfect for introverts.

1. Use social media

Social media is an introvert’s best friend when it comes to networking. In-person networking events often feel fruitless and like time wasted when you walk away without having made the connections you hoped for.

The beauty of using platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram is that you can focus your energy on connecting with specific professionals and companies in your niche (or target niche).

Using social media, you can grow a strong network from the comfort of your own home, without having to socialise in person.

Let’s go over some specific tips for networking on social media as an introvert:

Update and optimise your online profiles

If you’re using social media to network, then it’s essential to regularly update and optimise your profiles. 28% of employers think online profiles are the most effective way to find candidates, so if your profile isn’t up-to-date you could be missing out on opportunities. Make sure to update your current position, skills, certifications, and achievements.

Additionally, share social media posts regularly about job updates, events, or industry-related news to show that you’re active on the platform. Lastly, optimise your profiles by including key industry terms or skills that your target audience might be searching for.

Engage with professionals and companies you admire

Interacting with companies you want to work for and professionals in your target role or industry can be a great way to gain visibility and build recognition. This means following individual and company accounts, commenting on their posts, re-posting, and tagging them in your own posts. This is a great way to get the attention of industry leaders or professionals who can help you grow and unlock new opportunities.

Reach out to make connections

When you follow someone’s page or send a connection request, take the time to send a message introducing yourself. Include your name, your occupation and industry, something you admire about their work, and why you think you should connect.

Here’s an example:

“Hi Jean. I’m Sam, a fundraising associate based in Seattle. I really enjoyed your recent article on the lack of funding for founders of colour in climate tech and thought you offered a very needed perspective. I would love to connect and learn more about your expertise in the industry and how I can contribute to the solutions.”

Create content to get noticed and shape the conversation

Another way to grow your network on social media is to regularly post engaging content. Create written, photo, or video content about your industry, things you’ve learned recently, trends you’re seeing, or content that adds to an ongoing discussion or debate. Seeking to add value and shape the conversation will help portray you as a leading voice in your industry, as well as increase your reach and grow your network.

2. Join professional communities online

There’s an abundance of industry-specific online communities and professional networks that are easy for even the most introverted professionals to join. Some are in the form of groups on social media platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Others are housed on websites (for example, The Marketing Society) or Slack (like Work On Climate).

Whatever your professional interests are, chances are good there’s a specific community just for you.

Start by searching for groups related to your industry or occupation. Your efforts may be most fruitful if you focus on niche groups that align with your career goals. For example, marketing groups can span broad categories like digital marketing or Instagram marketing, or cater to narrowly-defined groups of professionals like “Women in B2B Marketing” or “Sustainable Brand Marketers.”

Find your niche and request to join these groups. Once you join, introduce yourself and let others know whether you’re open to opportunities or connecting. But don’t just join and leave it at that. Keep actively participating, and reach out to other members you’d like to connect with directly.

3. Seek out opportunities that align with your professional goals

Not all in-person networking has to happen at “networking” events.

There are plenty of other ways to meet people who can help expand your network in valuable ways, and it’s always easier to socialise when you’re in more relaxed settings and connecting with others over shared interests.

Here are some examples of informal networking opportunities to try:

Attend local events

Local events that are relevant to your industry or career goals are great opportunities for growing your network and often provide the chance to mingle with others, learn something new, or expand your awareness of the industry as a whole.

Not sure what kind of events might be relevant? It depends on your profession and what your goals are, but they can be anything from workshops and conferences to trade shows and city hall meetings.

If you’re an architect, for example, you might consider attending local urban planning meetings, building and design award ceremonies, or architectural tours. If you’re a small-batch honey vendor looking to grow your market, regularly attending honey festivals or local farmers’ markets and building relationships there could help expand your network in valuable ways.

Volunteer

Volunteering can be just as beneficial for your network as it can for your personal growth. Pursuing volunteer opportunities that align with your interests and values is a great way to meet new people and explore new skills or roles.

Volunteering gives you unique access to a diverse group of individuals who share a common goal or purpose, and often puts you in touch with influential contacts like nonprofit executives and community leaders. The contacts you can make through volunteer opportunities will be much more varied and cross-disciplinary than the contacts you’d make from a niche professional group, which could prove invaluable as you navigate your career.

Join groups or clubs that connect with relevant interests or hobbies

It’s easy to bond with others over shared hobbies and interests, which is why seeking out relevant clubs can be an effective way to network.

If you want to work in the outdoor industry, for example, joining hiking, climbing, or cycling clubs can be a great way to meet others who share a passion for the outdoors and who might have connections in the industry already.

Interested in working for a gaming company? Get online and find a game for your niche – a large segment of the online population participates in gaming and you never know who you might meet. Sometimes just doing what you enjoy is the best way to meet people who can help you meaningfully shift your career.

4. Plan ahead for in-person networking events

In-person networking events can be intimidating for introverts, but with some preparation, nothing is impossible. Here are our suggestions for planning ahead for social-heavy events:

Do some research

First, do your research about events that might be a good fit for you. Make sure the event actually fits in your niche, and that it will be worth your time and effort. Additionally, don’t be shy to do research on some of the people who will be attending.

For example, if there’s someone in your network who you see is attending, refresh your memory on what their current job role is. By researching other professionals, you can decide who you want to prioritise talking to.

Have a clear goal

Having a clear goal is a great way to make the most out of a networking event. Make sure to start with a small, reachable goal to help you feel accomplished after the event.

For example, your goal could be to talk to just one person. Then, at your next event, you might be able to reach a new goal of talking to two or three people. Taking it slow can make networking a more sustainable endeavour as an introvert.

Focus on quality over quantity

This goes for both the events you attend and the people you talk to. Focus on making the most of one or two events, rather than attending as many events as possible. Additionally, try having authentic, quality conversations with a handful of people, rather than talking to everyone there.

5. Foster meaningful relationships

Our last tip for networking as an introvert is to foster meaningful relationships. For many introverts, engaging in repetitive conversations and small talk can be exhausting – why waste your limited social battery on topics that aren’t adding value?

Try focusing on fewer, more in-depth and meaningful conversations with people both online and in person. When you make a connection, show genuine appreciation, interest, and kindness.

Conclusion

Networking as an introvert can be challenging, but with the right strategies and tools, it’s absolutely possible. By harnessing the power of social media, online communities, relevant opportunities, and networking events, you can sustainably grow your professional network and build meaningful connections just as effectively as the extroverts out there.

Author Bio

Corissa is a committed introvert, career advisor, and staff writer at Resume Genius, where she loves equipping others with the tools they need to pursue their dreams. She graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in Philosophy and a certificate in Peace and Conflict Studies.