Networking for Introverts

Networking is so important for small businesses (see also: Networking for Small Business Owners, Without the Ick Factor) so I thought I’d share some more thoughts.

I know you think that the socializing comes easily to the extraverts, while it seems almost impossible for introverts to get over themselves long enough to make it out the door and to one of those networking opportunities. So I have some more tips for you!

You go to a thing and meet new clients… right?

When I first made myself go to things, I thought that I had to pitch and bring home a contract, at the very least a “maybe” to follow up on. That’s the whole point, right? And if I didn’t come home with at least one new prospective new client, then it was a failure.

I was so wrong!

How it actually works:

Step 1 

Go to one. Make a couple of acquaintances. Don’t feel the need to pitch your product or service. If somebody asks (and they will), tell them what you do, without going into “sales mode” – with the confidence of somebody that already has enough business. Be pleasant to be around.

Step 2

Go to a few more. Run into some familiar faces. Tell some fun stories that have happened to you (and your business) recently. When others talk about their challenges, be helpful.  Wish them well. Be remembered.

Step 3

Go again. Run into some people you look forward to seeing there. Ask them how it’s going with their projects and challenges from last time. Witness relationships beginning to form. Become the person that people remember as friendly, approachable, interesting, competent (and generous with their knowledge).

At this point you may be making actual friends. You’ll start looking forward to seeing them, and you’ll partially forget that you started this whole thing to sell your services and make some money. Instead, you are building a mutual support network, and you’re probably having at least a little bit of fun.

And it is at this point that new business will find you – and you don’t even have to pitch.