Networking as an Introvert
I’ve met folks in my career who consider their networking events a success if they hand their business card to everyone in the room - it’s networking by volume. As an introvert, that sounds exhausting! Instead, my goal is to make a meaningful connection with just one person. So much more efficient!
This has been my approach for many years, but I recently heard it framed in a way that really hits on why it actually works. After launching my consulting business, I learned about Allison Davis’ monthly Sales Roundtable. Something she talks about a lot is the difference between meeting people powerfully versus passively. I realized that my approach to networking has always been about meeting folks powerfully, or as I’ve framed it, meaningfully.
So what does a powerful or meaningful connection look like? To me, I’ve made a meaningful connection if we’ve mutually committed to a plan to follow up after the event, whether we agree to a coffee date or to connect via email to schedule a virtual check in. Another great measure is if we both know what the other does well enough to introduce each other to someone else at the event - my one meaningful connection can help me make more connections at the same event!
Forming just one powerful, meaningful connection at an event creates far more value than passively handing out business cards in bulk. By focusing on quality over quantity in networking, introverts can leverage their strengths to build authentic relationships that truly benefit their careers and businesses.
If you’re interested in learning more about networking efficiently and effectively, let me know in the comments. If there’s enough interest, we’ll make this a topic for an upcoming session of LEAP with Shannon Parris Consulting (which is also a great opportunity to practice networking).
