Few people who’ve met me believe I’m an introvert, but those who REALLY know me understand that I need a lot of alone time. I grew up thinking I wouldn’t be good at networking because I didn’t * love * being around people 24/7. And that’s one of the key reasons I think I waited so long to start.
So it was surprising to me that once I got into networking, it was a lot easier than I thought precisely BECAUSE I am an introvert. A recent article in Entrepreneur.com by Ivan Misner, founder of the BNI (Business Networking International) explains why introverts may have an advantage (they’re better listeners, they ask questions, etc.). Perhaps it’ll encourage some of you to come out of your shell.
I agree with Dr. Misner that because networking is a skill, it can be learned. And just like anything you might attempt to learn (or have learned) -- French, tennis, cooking, piano, etc. -- once you get your skill level up through lessons, courses, and practice, your confidence will increase automatically as well.
© 2007, Liz Lynch
Liz Lynch is founder and executive director of the Center for Networking Excellence which develops products and programs to help professionals learn how to build profitable relationships. If you're ready to start networking smarter, get your free networking tips now at www.NetworkingExcellence.com .
Listening to others is a key to building relationships. You don't want to dominate a conversation and only make it about you. So, if introverts are more inclined to listen than speak, then that is a great personality trait for networking.
Posted by: Jason Jacobsohn | June 08, 2007 at 11:41 PM