Tips for Introverts to Shine at Conferences and Events

Being a Pretend-extrovert: Networking Tips for Introverts

Scroll down to read more!

Being a Pretend-extrovert: Networking Tips for Introverts

Scroll down to read more!
Tips for Introverts to Shine at Conferences and Events

Table of Contents

For introverts, the idea of professional networking—particularly in a face-to-face scenario—is a daunting one well outside the typical shy, quiet person’s comfort zone. But as introvert expert Susan Cain points out in her 16-point Manifesto, “Sometimes it helps to be a pretend-extrovert. There’s always time to be quiet later.” Take her wisdom to heart and follow these simple tips to help you get through your next networking event or conference.

Networking Tips for Introverts

Prepare beforehand

introverts rule

To help ease your nerves on the day of the event, it’s crucial to prepare beforehand. Rehearse your personal elevator pitch (but not so much so that it sounds rehearsed!). Also, set a goal for the day, whether it’s to have conversations with five new people or to hand out 15 resumes, and then envision yourself successfully completing it. Hire a printing service to produce business cards you can distribute to help you make a lasting impression without being too heavy-handed.

Bring a friend

Having an ally you already know can make it easier to approach new people in an unfamiliar situation. It’s especially helpful if your friend happens to be an extrovert!

Listen closely

One area most introverts are strong in is listening skills. Take advantage of that ability at networking events by asking a lot of questions and listening well to the responses. You’ll be remembered as a great conversationalist because you kept the other person talking and made her feel good by expressing genuine interest in what she had to say.

introvert

Know you’re not alone

It sounds elementary, but bearing in mind that you’re not the only introvert in the room—and that, in fact, most people there, introvert or otherwise, are feeling nervous—can help make networking events easier. Roughly two thirds to one half of the population are introverts, so you’re likely in good—introverted—company at your conference.

Smile

Introverts tend to forget that their fear of approaching others can sometimes make them unapproachable themselves. Try to loosen up and smile at people to encourage them to approach you. You’ll leave a better impression and take some of the pressure off yourself.

Follow up in writing

If you leave the networking event feeling like there was someone with whom you made a connection, do what many introverts do best and express yourself in writing. Send a follow-up e-mail or letter expressing how much you enjoyed meeting that person and suggest a second meeting like lunch or a coffee date.

As you enter into your conference or networking event, remember that there are plenty of successful introverts who have come before you to pave the way for other shy, quiet people in the business world. Put on a brave face and prepare to step out of your comfort zone a bit. Just remember to be yourself and to behave only in ways that remain authentic to who you really are.

Did you like this post? Share it!

2 Comments

  1. Sometimes introverts do have to wear a mask, but the most difficult task for them is to break the wall of silence and speak up, show their real emotions and feelings. On the other hand, it’s a problem of a work community as a whole. Others have to learn to perceive introverts as they are. If both sides try to find a solution to effective cooperation with different personality types, then it’s a win-win.

Comments are closed.

A Word From Our Sponsors

Ads help make Workology resources free for everyone. We respect your privacy. To see our Privacy Policy click here.

Recommended Posts

27 Companies Who Hire Adults With Autism

List of companies who hire and employ adults who are neurodiverse. ...

The Costs of Form I-9 Software

Read the complexities of Form I-9 compliance software costs. We break down pricing structures, features & benefits to help HR professionals....

Episode 415: Registered Apprenticeship Programs in the Clean Energy Sector With Dr. Janell Hills

In this episode, we interview Dr. Janell Hills from IREC about developing registered apprenticeship programs in the clean energy sector....
Sanjay Sathé, Founder & CEO of SucceedSmart, is no stranger to disrupting established industries.

Q&A With Sanjay Sathé, Founder & CEO of SucceedSmart

Sanjay Sathé, Founder & CEO of SucceedSmart, is no stranger to disrupting established industries. ...
supporting caregivers: the sandwich generation at work

Supporting Caregivers: The ‘Sandwich Generation’ at Work

Are companies doing what they should to support employees who become caregivers? ...

Recruiting Reimagined: How Specialized Software Strengthens Hiring in 2024

Even during fluctuating economic crosswinds, the war for talent remains white-hot across most industries. To efficiently staff crucial openings while staying within strained budgets,...

Checkout Our Products

Ads help make Workology resources free for everyone. We respect your privacy. To see our Privacy Policy click here.

More From Workology

Recruiting Reimagined: How Specialized Software Strengthens Hiring in 2024

Click on read more to open this post on our blog.
supporting caregivers: the sandwich generation at work

Supporting Caregivers: The ‘Sandwich Generation’ at Work

Are companies doing what they should to support employees who become caregivers?
Sanjay Sathé, Founder & CEO of SucceedSmart, is no stranger to disrupting established industries.

Q&A With Sanjay Sathé, Founder & CEO of SucceedSmart

Sanjay Sathé, Founder & CEO of SucceedSmart, is no stranger to disrupting established industries.

Episode 415: Registered Apprenticeship Programs in the Clean Energy Sector With Dr. Janell Hills

In this episode, we interview Dr. Janell Hills from IREC about developing registered apprenticeship programs in the clean energy sector.