Are you exhausted by the mere thought of attending a social networking event?

Do you prefer spending coffee breaks at conferences on your own, instead of introducing yourself to other attendees?

Does the idea of raising your hand to ask a question or provide an insight at a training seminar make you queasy?

If your answer to the above questions is “yes”, then you’re likely an introvert.

And you’re in good company. According to Introvert Retreat, a site that explores introversion as a personality type, it was once believed that about 25% of the U.S. population was introverted. More recent studies have shown it to be closer to half of the population.

Often, people view “introvert” as a negative label. They liken it to being called unfriendly, antisocial, or painfully shy. Some introverts are indeed shy. But the truth is, many introverts are also quite friendly, outgoing, and have several close friends.

If that’s true, how should we define “introvert”?

Defining our Terms

As defined by Carl Jung, founder of analytical psychology, introversion is a personality trait where an individual relates to the world by first taking it “inward”.  Introverts tend to direct their interest toward their own thoughts and feelings, rather than towards the external world. Often, introverts are big thinkers with active minds and rich emotional lives. Their energy comes from within, and they replenish their energy by spending time alone.

Extraverts, on the other hand, are energized by direct interaction with the world, such as by socializing. There is nothing inherently negative about either introversion or extroversion. In fact, according to Jung, we all possess both of them, to a certain extent. However, most people tend to possess one trait more than the other.

Because introverts are naturally renewed by spending time alone, their energy is conversely drained when they are surrounded by other people. It’s important to note that this doesn’t mean introverts dislike being around others. It simply means that they need to separate from social situations in order to recharge their batteries. So, an introvert can – and should – attend networking events to connect with prospective clients and industry professionals. But, they also need to be mindful of the importance of scheduling planned alone time to recharge, so they can better enjoy themselves, socialize effectively and yield valuable results.

The Importance of Networking

I have always been a huge advocate of networking as a tool for professional and business growth. Networking is the art of making connections and building lasting, mutually-beneficial relationships. When you expand your network with the right contacts, you expand your sphere of influence. Remember: who you know matters, but who knows you matters more.

I encourage all of my Celeste Giordano Coaching clients – introverted entrepreneurs and professionals included – to make attending networking events a priority, and a regular part of their weekly routines. It is an absolutely critical tool for getting your name and face out there in the business community, and one of the most effective ways to build fruitful relationships with new prospects.

If you’re an introvert, the prospect of attending weekly networking events can feel daunting. Here are a few tips to help you get the maximum value out of networking events without sapping your energy or peace of mind:

Step 1: Set Concrete Networking Goals.

To achieve momentum in your business, goal-setting is crucial. Setting clear, measurable goals gives you long-term vision and short-term motivation. It allows you to efficiently organize your time and make the most productive use of your resources to yield results.

Just as it’s important to set personal and business goals, it’s essential to set networking goals. Ask yourself:

• What measurable goals do I want to achieve at the networking events I attend?
• How many people will I introduce myself to?
• How many leads will I walk away with?
• How many follow up-calls will I make (or emails will I send) in the days following the event?

Set tangible, realistic goals for yourself, and work to achieve them. Goal-setting should include creating a list of what specific actions you need to take. Goals will help hold you accountable and keep you moving forward.

Before attending your next networking event, write your goals down on a cue card and carry it with you (discreetly, of course!). This way, your goals become concrete benchmarks to work toward. When you take a bathroom break, you can quickly review them and reflect on whether you’re on track.

Step 2: Pace Yourself, Plan Ahead.

Setting networking goals is the first step, but to achieve those goals you need to recognize your needs and limitations. If you’re naturally more introverted and find networking events tiring, then you’ll burn out – or even make a poor first impression – if you don’t plan accordingly.

If planning to attend a full-day or weekend conference or networking event, find out the itinerary in advance. If you’ll require breaks to refresh yourself and renew your energy, then plan them ahead of time. Print out the schedule before you arrive, and pencil in the breaks you anticipate needing after long stretches of networking, workshops or seminars.

When you arrive at the event venue, scout it out and locate a quiet place where you can slip away later for a coffee break. If the weather is pleasant, you might take a short walk outside to clear your head. When you plan your breaks, you can embrace the rest of the event without feeling nervous that you’ll be exhausted or overwhelmed. Once you’ve taken your scheduled breaks, make a conscious effort to take advantage of the opportunities and potential connections at your fingertips.

Step 3: Bring Helpful “Cheat Notes”.

Although many introverts are at ease in social situations and are even outgoing, some introverts are shy. If shyness is something you struggle with, the prospect of having to engage in conversations with strangers can be nerve-wracking. Often, shy introverts struggle to be the ones to strike up conversations and get them rolling.

The good news is that you can improve your ability to start engaging conversations by coming prepared with a list of topics you can discuss.

In advance of the event, jot down some questions you can pose to your fellow event participants.

Here are a few examples. If you see someone on their own, you could say “Wow, there are a lot of people here. Mind if I join you over here where it’s a little quieter?”  If you’re hanging by the food table, you might say “Yummy, they have ___! Have you ever tried it?”, or “Hmm, I’m not quite sure what that dish is… do you know?” You might try complimenting someone. For instance, “That’s a beautiful necklace. Where did you get it?”

Once you’ve gotten the conversation started, keep it going by talking about something you have in common or about the event itself. You might say:
* “I’m Celeste, by the way, pleasure to meet you…”
* “So, have you ever been to one of these events before?”
* “So, how did you hear about the event?”
After that, you might transition to asking them, “Are you from the area?”, or “What line of work are you in?”

Remember, asking questions demonstrates your interest and gives you an opportunity to actively listen. But before the event, it’s also important to record key points that you would like to share about who you are, your own business, and the products, services or expertise you have to offer. Again, review these points before the event kicks off, and keep them stored in your pocket or pocket-book on a small cue card. If you find yourself isolated and see someone you’d like to introduce yourself to, quickly and discretely look at your cheat sheet. This simply refresher will help give you the confidence boost you need to put yourself out there and open yourself up to new opportunities.

My Personal Experience with Introverts

Those who know me are well aware that I’m not an introvert, nor am I shy. They would tell you that I have a reputation for being an active participant of many business gatherings, workshops and social networking events. I’ve always found it easy to talk to people, build relationships and put myself out there.

But I can also tell you that I’ve worked with introverted business owners and entrepreneurs who have learned skills and strategies that have allowed them to thrive at networking, sales and business development.

Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, the proven formulas we teach at Celeste Giordano Coaching are designed to help you develop confidence in the areas of business you find most challenging. With the right formulas – the very same ones I’ve been using and teaching to business owners for years – you can “Double Plus” your income THIS year, shy or not!

If you enjoyed this read, I encourage you to forward it along to an introverted entrepreneur or business owner you know.