Ultra-specific guidance from headhunter Andrew Ellis for more introverted professionals who find the prospect of networking a little daunting.

1. How to master networking
if you’re an introvert
6 tips from recruiter Andrew Ellis

2. Find safety in numbers
Take your comfort zone with you by networking in
pairs or even larger groups.
You’ll feel supported and bounce conversations off
each other.
Tag your partner in if you’re struggling.

3. Don’t assume others are confident
It helps to understand that the person (or people)
you’re speaking to will probably feel just as
awkward as you do, or they have done at some
point in the past.
The person you’re speaking to may appear confident
enough, but they could be feeling just as
uncomfortable as you. How would you know?

4. Challenge yourself
Quantify your efforts by setting achievable targets,
such as meeting with 5 new people every month.
Turn it into a numbers game and you’ll feel more
focused on the process than the outcome at each
meeting.

5. Set the tone
Do you worry about what to say in conversations?
Then shift the onus on to your acquaintance by
asking questions.
You can relax and practice your listening skills –
something you’re probably very good at!
Showing a genuine interest in the person you’re
talking to, will certainly make you one of the more
memorable people in the room.

6. You don’t have to be perfect
Remember there is no perfect way to interact with
another human being.
Realise that even ‘bad’ meetings bring opportunities
to learn and hone your approach so there really is
no need to worry or overthink on every social
encounter.
People won’t remember what you say; they’ll
remember how you made them feel. So be friendly,

7. And finally… Smile 
What better way to start a conversation?
People will see you as more approachable and you’ll
be the person that pops up in an acquaintance’s
thoughts when they’re racking their brain for
someone to refer – people remember a smile.

8. Happy networking!
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