The document discusses networking and provides tips for introverts on how to network effectively. It defines networking as developing relationships to benefit one's business or career. While networking can help further one's success, it makes many introverts anxious. However, the document suggests that introverts can network successfully by attending structured events that reduce pressure, and by looking for daily opportunities to connect with others through casual social interactions. The best networking involves focusing on learning about others and finding ways to help them, in order to build strong relationships over time.

1. “The process of developing and activating your relationships to increase your business,
enhance your knowledge, expand your sphere of influence or serve the community.”
Ivan Misner, founder & chairman of BNI International
Networking is always a popular career topic, and the reason is simple: the people you know and those who know you will have an
enormous influence on your personal and career success. If you're an introvert and the very thought of networking makes you
want to dive for the nearest rabbit hole, that statement may provoke panic. But keep breathing, because networking doesn't have
to be painful -- not even for introverts. How's that? Let's first see why networking is important, and then we'll look at how
introverts can get in the game.
Why should you network?
People hire, give work to, and buy from other people they know, like, and trust. Networking allows people to meet others and
see what they're about, essentially with no strings attached. Networking is not the process of going somewhere armed with
business cards, ready to pounce on the first person you encounter to get their business or to get a job. That's the kind of behavior
that gives networking a bad name and leads nice people everywhere to dread it.
Instead, good networking involves relationship-building. It's the process by which you meet someone, learn about him, his
work, his interests, his family, what he needs and desires, and so on. It's developing an acquaintanceship that may yield benefits
someday for you or someone you know. Sometimes the benefits are immediate: occasionally, networking will reveal an
immediate need that you can meet or will lead you toward an as-yet undiscovered opportunity. More frequently, it's simply the
opening stages of a relationship that will mature over time.
How can introverts network?
One option reduces stress for introverts and folks who call themselves shy: structured networking events. Structured events, such
as "speed networking," match attendees and prescribe a set amount of time for conversation, so you don't have to worry about
breaking into clusters of people to introduce yourself, knowing how and when to end a conversation. Without the pressure to
figure out how to start and end a contact, you can focus instead on listening to your partner and sharing what you'd like him to
know about you.
Another option lies in recognizing the daily networking opportunities that come your way every time you meet someone. When
you meet someone at the gym, that's a chance for networking. Attending a party is a networking opportunity. Even attending your
child's little league game can be an occasion for networking. Through "social networking," you meet people with whom you
already have some connection. You can and should network whenever you meet someone, but you should be networking to
build relationships and not to get a job or get business or to get anything else. The best networking occurs when the person
with whom you're networking has no idea that you are networking. It's social behavior at its best.
How can you excel in networking conversations?
The bottom line is that you should seek to get to know other people, to look for opportunities to make yourself useful to them, to
be other-focused. First, and most importantly, this is an honorable way to conduct oneself in any setting. Second, people like to
talk about themselves and their business, but few people like to listen deeply. That's where introverts can shine. You will
distinguish yourself by focusing on the person with whom you're in conversation. She will appreciate your attention, and she'll
especially appreciate anything you can do to help her. One terrific way to follow up on a networking contact is to send an article
that would be of interest to your contact. It shows that you were paying attention, and it'll demonstrate your desire to help that
person. Your contact will be flattered by the attention, and she will reciprocate because she will be curious about the person who
is so nice and so interested in her and her business or her personal interests. That's a first step to building a strong connection.
Keep these tips in mind, and while you might not enjoy networking right away, you'll begin to find your comfort level.
What is your typical response when asked “What do you do?”
Notes
Networking Defined
Effective Networking
Networking for Introverts – Avoid Panic and Build Relationships
by Julie Fleming
What are the key messages you want your firm to be known for?

2. 1. What do you enjoy most about your work?
2. What do you enjoy most about working at your firm?
Describe Your Work
What is unique about your marketplace?
What activities are you involved in outside of work?
What organizations have a mission or purpose important to you?
Are there certain types of clients you really enjoy serving and what
trade groups are they involved in?
What services do you enjoy providing and believe there is demand?
Marketplace / Community
1. What is your educational background?
2. What are some unique work experiences you’ve had?
3. What challenges have you faced so far in your career and how did
you overcome them?
4. What is it about you that makes you a good fit for this profession?
5. Describe the impact you make for the firm, the clients or your
fellow team members on a regular basis.
6. Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
Elevator Speech (Personal Presentation)
Create a first draft of your elevator speech (1 or 2 sentences)
Business Introduction: Take your responses above along with the first
draft of your elevator speech and draft your response to the question
“What do you do?” (1 or 2 sentences)
Goal: Build relationships with others and find ways you can help
them, improve yourself or make an impact within your community
What are your next steps to make the above goal a reality?
Networking Plan – Next Steps
Ideas / Best Practices / Other Resources
Effective Networking