Does the idea of attending a social networking event exhaust you?

Would you rather spend your break at a conference solo rather than chatting with other attendees at the coffee station?

Does the thought of raising your hand at a training seminar make you feel nauseous?

If you’ve answered yes to any – or all – of these questions, then chances are you’re an introvert.

And you’re not alone. According to The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World, by Marti Laney, 25% of people are introverts.

Many people take offense at being called an introvert. They equate being called an introvert with being perceived as antisocial or terribly shy. While some introverts are shy, you may be surprised to know that many are actually outgoing individuals with excellent social skills and plenty of friends.

If that’s the case, then what exactly does it mean to be an introvert?

Introverts get their energy from spending time alone. When they’re surrounded by others, their energy is drained. Often, introverts are big thinkers with active minds and rich emotional lives. After networking with industry professionals and potential clients, they crave alone time where they can recharge.

At Celeste Giordano Coaching, I encourage clients – introverted entrepreneurs and businesses owners included – to attend networking events throughout the week, if not daily. Networking is an important way to get your name and face known in your business community, and – of course – build relationships with new prospects.

If you’re an introvert, I’d like to share a few tips you can use to get the maximum value out of networking events:

Set Networking Goals

Goal-setting is one of the first and most important steps on the road to success, especially when it comes to growing your business. Similarly, it’s important to set networking goals. What measurable goals do you want to achieve at the networking events you attend? How many people do you plan to introduce yourself to? How many leads will you walk away with?

Set yourself attainable, tangible goals and work to achieve them. Goals help keep you accountable and on track. Before you attend your next networking event, write your goals down on a cue card. This way, rather than simple pipedreams, your goals become concrete benchmarks to work towards.

Pace Yourself, Plan Ahead

In order to achieve your networking goals, you need to acknowledge your needs. If you require breaks to recharge when you attend a day-long or weekend networking event, then take them. Just be sure to plan ahead. Take a look at the day schedule in advance and pencil in the breaks you anticipate needing after long stretches of networking, workshops or seminars.

When you arrive at the networking venue, find a quiet place where you can slip away for a short coffee break or – weather permitting – plan to take a short walk. When you plan for the occasional solo break, you don’t have to be daunted by spending the day feeling drained or overwhelmed. Scheduling breaks allows you to refuel and gain the energy necessary to come back to the event ready to take advantage of the opportunities at your fingertips.

Come Prepared with Cheat Notes

Not all introverts are shy, but some are. If you fit into that category, the idea of having to strike up conversations with a roomful of strangers can be absolutely cringe-worthy. One of the things that introverts struggle to do is get a conversation rolling. The key is to anticipate this and come prepared with a list of topics you can discuss.

Before the event begins, write down a list of questions you can ask your fellow event attendees. It’s also important to jot down a few key points that you’d like to share about who you are and the service you offer in your business.

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, take a fast, discrete look at your cheat sheet. This review will give you a badly needed confidence boost.

Those who know me are well aware that I’m not an introvert, nor am I shy. People who know me will also 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.