Hello again!
Last week, I wrote a post about how introverts can use their unique traits to excel in networking. It would be unfair of me to leave it at that, though. After all, networking falls at least a little more comfortably into the realm of extroversion. This article will offer some tips.
As a disclaimer: I'm just about as introverted as you can get, so I can't speak from personal experience here. To make up for that, I asked a few of my extroverted friends to tell me about their feelings on networking. The following is informed by their opinions (thanks friends!). I also referred to articles like this one, which is worth checking out.
Of course, keep in mind that no two extroverts are the same - just as no two people are the same. These tips may not apply to everyone, but hopefully they can shed some light.
You're a natural at meeting new people. Since your energy comes from socializing, you can use your people skills to draw others in and start making connections. Friendliness can go a very long way when it comes to networking. You have an advantage in comparison to introverts, who might have more trouble "turning it on" when they need to. Being approachable makes meeting new people that much easier. As an extrovert, use this to your benefit - attend networking events whenever you can and connect away!
You have more energy for socializing. Since extroverts derive their energy from people and experiences, they are generally able to spend more time socializing than introverts. An extrovert might find that networking is actually kind of fun once you meet someone interesting. Just let your natural energy guide you. If you're talking to someone and there isn't a "spark", don't feel bad about politely excusing yourself to focus energy on someone else. If you're strongly extroverted, you'll probably have a lot more time to mingle than the introverts anyway, who might opt to leave events early.
You're great at conversation. If you find yourself at an event where there are a lot of potential connections to be made, being able to start a good conversation is key. Nothing is worse than trying to talk to someone you're interested in and watching the conversation die, trailing off awkwardly. While most introverts have trouble with small talk, extroverts are usually more comfortable coming up with things to talk about on the fly.
Despite the advantages extroverts might have, it's important to remember that:
Being an extrovert doesn't mean networking is easy. According to my extrovert (and ambivert) friends, normal socializing and networking are two very different things. When I asked if they enjoyed networking, the general consensus was that it wasn't fun. With the constant pressure of trying to further your career development, some extroverts feel like networking is disingenuous and awkward.
I think that feeling stems from the misconception that networking is all about putting up a front. This couldn't be farther from the truth. Networking, at its core, is just about getting to know new people - something I'm sure extroverts usually enjoy. It doesn't have to be about walking up to someone and giving your 30 second spiel (though it is sometimes). It can also be more simple and totally natural. Think about it this way: if you go to a professor's office hours and talk about potential internships - that's networking!
Last week, I wrote a post about how introverts can use their unique traits to excel in networking. It would be unfair of me to leave it at that, though. After all, networking falls at least a little more comfortably into the realm of extroversion. This article will offer some tips.
As a disclaimer: I'm just about as introverted as you can get, so I can't speak from personal experience here. To make up for that, I asked a few of my extroverted friends to tell me about their feelings on networking. The following is informed by their opinions (thanks friends!). I also referred to articles like this one, which is worth checking out.
Of course, keep in mind that no two extroverts are the same - just as no two people are the same. These tips may not apply to everyone, but hopefully they can shed some light.
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| Applicable to networking, and life. Source |
You have more energy for socializing. Since extroverts derive their energy from people and experiences, they are generally able to spend more time socializing than introverts. An extrovert might find that networking is actually kind of fun once you meet someone interesting. Just let your natural energy guide you. If you're talking to someone and there isn't a "spark", don't feel bad about politely excusing yourself to focus energy on someone else. If you're strongly extroverted, you'll probably have a lot more time to mingle than the introverts anyway, who might opt to leave events early.
You're great at conversation. If you find yourself at an event where there are a lot of potential connections to be made, being able to start a good conversation is key. Nothing is worse than trying to talk to someone you're interested in and watching the conversation die, trailing off awkwardly. While most introverts have trouble with small talk, extroverts are usually more comfortable coming up with things to talk about on the fly.
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| Remember to pull your talking ring! Source |
Despite the advantages extroverts might have, it's important to remember that:
Being an extrovert doesn't mean networking is easy. According to my extrovert (and ambivert) friends, normal socializing and networking are two very different things. When I asked if they enjoyed networking, the general consensus was that it wasn't fun. With the constant pressure of trying to further your career development, some extroverts feel like networking is disingenuous and awkward.
I think that feeling stems from the misconception that networking is all about putting up a front. This couldn't be farther from the truth. Networking, at its core, is just about getting to know new people - something I'm sure extroverts usually enjoy. It doesn't have to be about walking up to someone and giving your 30 second spiel (though it is sometimes). It can also be more simple and totally natural. Think about it this way: if you go to a professor's office hours and talk about potential internships - that's networking!
One warning for extroverts. Sometimes, extroverts speak without thinking first, and that's where introverts and extroverts differ. Be careful in those instances where you find yourself really excited and needing to get your "air time". In situations where it matters, like networking, you may want to train yourself to think about what you want to say before you say it.
At the end of the day, networking is about broadening your horizons. Whether you're the life of the party or a wallflower, networking doesn't have to be scary or overwhelming. It's not as high pressure as you might think.
Remember: the Career Center is always available to help you! Just give them a call at 617-627-3299 or come in for drop-in hours!
Signing off,
Kelly F. Vieira
Class of 2015
At the end of the day, networking is about broadening your horizons. Whether you're the life of the party or a wallflower, networking doesn't have to be scary or overwhelming. It's not as high pressure as you might think.
Remember: the Career Center is always available to help you! Just give them a call at 617-627-3299 or come in for drop-in hours!
Signing off,
Kelly F. Vieira
Class of 2015
