Good news if crowds make you nervous: The advantage in networking goes to introverts instead of extroverts.
“What? you ask. “Introverts have an advantage in networking at social events?”
That’s right. As an introvert, you have advantages in networking and also advantages in becoming a leader. Yes, that’s true.
Extroverts aren’t necessarily great in networking or qualified to be leaders. They’re not naturals in the art of persuasion, charisma, have boldness or in getting projects done successfully.
Introverted people are more likely to listen. Listening is an important quality for networking and leadership.
Moreover, extroverts are more likely to feel threatened if their ideas aren’t readily acted upon. They especially act with fear when questioned or challenged by others.
Conversely, this also means introverts can unobtrusively dominate at networking and other events.
Here’s how you can make shyness work for you:
Envision success by listening
During the 1970s and 1980s in my career as a young broadcast journalist, I learned valuable lessons about listening, negotiations and leadership when meeting two presidents – Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford.
While I was very nervous, they made me feel important in the meetings. They were fantastic listeners. Ditto, when I interviewed Nancy Reagan.
Then, there was a comment by another great leader in American history: “Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care,” said Theodore Roosevelt.
Of course, he was an American statesman, writer and the 26th U.S president from 1901 to 1909, 25th vice president, and governor of New York.
President Roosevelt knew success results from empathy and focusing on others.
So try to always ask open-ended questions, not closed-ended questions. By asking open-ended questions, you’ll get people to talk freely. (More on this later in this article.)
Many extroverts miss the point of networking. Networking should be all about starting and building relationships by listening well.
Take baby steps seeking quality contacts
It can be very entertaining to watch many extroverts and narcissists working at social event.
They’re so busy working the whole room and grabbing business cards, they’re not as successful in launching valuable relationships.
The trick is to be affable and likeable.
Quality prospects are not impressed by a narcissistic approach by someone running around willy-nilly collecting business cards without regard to the feelings of others in attendance.
Introverts, on the other hand, take the time to learn important information from a few people. This means they can make the most in chatting with the people they do meet, especially with other introverts.
Do this, and you’ll have a better shot at developing relationships.
Ask the most-advantageous questions
Extroverts get off on the wrong foot by talking about what they care about, which means they’re less likely to pique the interests of others.
So be a leader. Briefly reveal something about yourself so the persons will feel comfortable in answering questions. (People appreciate what psychologists have called “free information.”)
Then, don’t ask mundane questions such as “What do you do?”.
Ask questions that will prompt people to reveal important details, such as “What projects are you excited to be working on?” or “What interests you the most these days?”.
Read between the lines
Strive to be intuitive.
In conversing with a stranger, you also need to grasp what the persons aren’t saying. In effect, listen to what people aren’t telling you.
Success in sales is all-about creating opportunities for growth by finding needs to fill.
Once you entice people to talk about their interests or even their passions, you can anticipate their challenges and determine needs you’re able fill.
From the Coach’s Corner, additional helpful information:
Football Lessons for Business Networking, Partnering — Nine key steps for companies to become stronger by teaming with others. By combining resources, companies succeed in meeting the needs of customers.
Sales, Networking Strategies to Build Strong Relationships — Knowledge has always been essential for success. But the ability to sustain strong relationships was and is both gratifying and important for success. Here are tips for strong sales and relationships.
Listening Skills to Improve Your Relationships and Business Performance — What counts in communication? Listening skills for discernment and trust. Discerning people are the most successful and listening skills are important for discernment. That goes for athletes and management, alike.
Tactics to be Memorable but Respected in Sales Calls — In this frenetic marketplace, creating a lasting impression on your prospects and clients – so they become loyal as repeat buyers – your approach should include seven tactics.
Sales Secrets for Getting by Receptionists, Gatekeepers — Getting past receptionists and other gatekeepers is a universal sales challenge. Successful salespeople, however, have the right insights and approaches for success. Here’s how they do it.
“Networking is rubbish; have friends instead.”
-Steve Winwood
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