Creative Networking for Introverts

Being self-employed means always being ready to network with people. As an introvert, though, this concept can feel overwhelming. That’s why many people have stopped networking and started connecting. The result may be the same, but for an introvert it’s easier to connect with one person than it is to “work a room” at a networking event.

I had occasion to practice this on a flight from Oakland to Minneapolis. During the journey I met Jonathan, a man who was travelling for work.

I’d intended to use my flight time to write about the difficulties introverts have in promoting their work, and I thought I could write about this on the plane. But Jonathan was a funny and engaing guy, so I decided to talk with him instead. Turned out to be a good choice.

After we introduced ourselves he asked me what my name meant. I said it meant “beloved.” He said his name, Jonathan, meant God’s gift. I said, “My middle name, Elizabeth, means Oath of God or God’s promise.” He said his last name was Harte pronounced Heart.

I was starting to see a pattern.

I said, “Do you feel like there is destiny written in your name?”

Admittedly, I was a bit surprised when Jonathan answered my question with, “Absolutely.” Turns out he’s a deeply spiritual man and a massage therapist who is studying healing work.

Right up my alley.

He asked me what I do for work and I told him I help women grow their lifework and that most of them are massage therapists, healers, counselors, spiritual guides etc.

He said, “Do you ever work with men?” To which I replied, “Yes, I have some male clients.”

Do you see where I’m going with this?

It was a natural conversation. I wasn’t trying to promote my work. Instead, I was simply connecting with Jonathan, and in doing so I discovered a man who does work that is completely in alignment with my area of expertise.

Networking for Introverts isn’t Networking, It’s Connecting

Networking can feel like a daunting task for the introvert, but it’s still an important part of growing your practice or small business. Fortunately, that doesn’t mean you have to go to networking events.

You probably know that 1) being visible and 2) engaging in one-on-one conversations can help you grow your practice or small business.

But if you’re like a lot of people, you may get stuck when trying to figure out where to be visible and how to strike up a great conversation.

So if you’re one of these people, here are some ideas for you:

Most important: know how to talk about what you do and be able to do it conversationally and naturally.

If you’ve been reading my ezine for awhile you’ve heard me talk about this before: know how to talk about what you do. It’s essential.

If you don’t know how to talk about what you do it’s a good idea to practice. You can do this when you’re by yourself or with friends.

It’s also important to find words you feel comfortable saying to people you don’t know.

For example, if you’re a “psychic”, but feel uncomfortable using the word because you know people will react critically to what you say, you might say something like, “I help people see their life in a different way so they can make informed choices.” If the person you’re talking to is interested in what you have to say you can give them more information and test the waters before you drop the big “P” word on them.

Do what you love to do and talk to people

One of my current clients and colleagues, Elizabeth, swims on a regular basis at her community pool and often has opportunities to talk about her work. She’s an introvert, yet because she’s been working with me and the women in my marketing class she has clarity about what she’s doing and she can talk about her work with relative ease.

Also, since part of what Elizabeth does is help women feel comfortable in their bodies, talking about her work at a community pool is completely natural. She doesn’t actively try to promote herself, but because she talks about her work with the intention of simply sharing, people are naturally drawn to her and want to learn more.

Elizabeth wouldn’t attract the attention of potential clients if she stayed at home all day long wondering how to grow her business. Instead, she participates in activities that bring her joy and when the opportunity arises she talks with people one-on-one, introvert style.

Hang out where your potential clients hang out

If you’re a massage therapist, healer, acupuncturist, etc. get a membership at your local gym or take a yoga class to meet people. You can exercise and share about your work at the same time. The right people will want to learn more.

If you’re a spiritual counselor, go to where spiritual people hang out: bookstores, yoga studios, meditation centers, spiritual communities. Participate and meet people one-on-one. It may take awhile if you’re shy as well as introverted, but that’s ok.

Teach a free and valuable one hour class at your local church or synagogue, etc. Many spiritual centers offer classes for their congregations and communities and are eager to have people help grow their communities.

Some local libraries also have a place for people to teach classes.

Tell everyone you know what you’re doing

Whether you have a formal ezine like I do or a group of friends who would love to receive an email from you, make sure you tell everyone you know what you’re doing. Ask for referrals, and ask your friends and family to spread the word about your work.

The thing for introverts to remember is that networking for you is not networking. It’s connecting, and it’s usually something that has to happen one-on-one, not in large groups. Find comfortable (or semi-comfortable) ways to connect. Stretch yourself to grow where you’ve never grown before, and pretty soon you’ll be well on your way to attracting clients you love.

In case you’re curious about my new friend Jonathan, he hasn’t asked me to make an appointment for a website or marketing consultation, but I was able to recommend a great school for him to check out, and I made a new friend.

Not every connecting interaction has to result in a sale, but if you don’t tell people about what you do, you’re likely to never have any.

So be visible. Do things you enjoy doing and go where your ideal client might hang out. Offer free classes to spread the word about what you’re doing and then grow somewhere great!