How To Tell If You’re an Introvert 

First of all, let’s dispel the misconception of the term ‘introvert’. It doesn’t mean “shy” or mortified to talk to people. According to WebMD, introverts feel more comfortable focusing on their inner thoughts and ideas, rather than what’s happening externally. They enjoy spending time with just one or two people, rather than large groups or crowds.  Introverts turn to their own minds to recharge their energy, while extroverts seek out other people for their energy needs. 

So let’s say you’re at a party full of people, there comes a point when you feel the energy has been sucked out of you and you are looking for an excuse to leave early. Even though I have enjoyed being a public speaker for many years, I’m an introvert.   

We Have Our Limits 

I’m that person who goes to a conference, enjoys the heck out of meeting and chatting with small groups of people, but during the “cocktail hour networking” I skip the free wine and go to my room to find some peace. Then after an hour of self re-charging, I’m ready to be social again at dinner. I don’t feel the need to hop from table to table, meeting everyone. I’m happy with the few around me. 

Introverts do like talking to a few people but may clam up if they are in a room (physical or virtual) with 29 other people. It’s too much, it’s overwhelming. So they stay away from networking.  

How This Affects Your Book of Business 

Now – when the number of clients in your roster is too low and your bank account is weeping, it’s time for a change in strategy. It’s time to “get out there”. I can hear you shuddering. 

In this new world, I’m very grateful for all the new virtual networking opportunities out there, all over the world. Zoom and similar tools have allowed us to connect to new people who are nowhere near us. I have networked with people in all states and in the UK and beyond.  

But for true introverts, that appears to be more reason to remain offline and in the shadows. If this is you, listen up, because I’ve figured it out. 

You Can Use My Zoom Strategy 

I join a Zoom networking meeting with 20, 30 other people. The facilitator knows that for every person to introduce themselves to the whole room is impractical. So the facilitator welcomes all and then introduces a discussion topic and sends us off into small breakout rooms. 

Now there are only 3 or 4 of us, maybe 5. Very manageable, especially when you’re armed with a topic. Each person takes a turn with introductions and answering the topic question, and really only gets 2 or 3 minutes. Then we get thrown back into the main gallery, given another topic, and sent off in another breakout room. It’s all organized so nicely! 

Now here’s my secret sauce: I have LinkedIn open on my 2nd monitor. As each person in the breakout room introduces him/herself, I look them up in LinkedIn and send a connection request, with a note reminding them of where we met and when. Takes 1 minute.  

Building a Relationship 

When/if they reply at some point that they have accepted my invitation, and IF they ask to get to know more about me, I offer my Calendly link for a one-to-one networking call. It’s limited to 45 minutes and you can choose phone or zoom. I typically choose phone so I can avoid internet connection problems. 

That’s when we can relax and have a focused conversation and learn about each other and how we might support one another. 

That’s how my calendar has filled up. 

That’s how I’ve met a few referral partners, fabulous new friends, and new clients. 

So much better than walking into a crowded room, not knowing anyone, trying to figure out where to stand and what little conversation group we can rudely go interrupt (hate that feeling!). 

Does this sound better? 

Does the concept of “going out to drum up business” make you feel cold and clammy? 

We can tackle this and other challenges together. Book a Strategy Session with me and let’s get to work!