NJ Business Networking Blog

Successful Networking for Introverts - Three Proven Strategies

How many times have you stood at the entrance to a networking mixer frozen in fear? “A root canal would be easier than this,” you say to yourself. Having to make small talk with strangers, trying to be interesting and charming, is not your strength nor your idea of a good time. But you believe that if you can just endure this for an hour, you might walk away with some valuable new contacts. The reality is that your discomfort often has negative results, and you don’t gain the new relationships you had sought.

In the 1930s, Swiss psychologist Carl Jung coined the term introvert as someone who tends to find his psychological energy within… in the world of thought, contemplation and reflection. This inward focus can result in a tendency to pull back and maintain a safe distance, especially around new people.

In the world of networking, introverts can face a long list of daunting challenges - not the least of which is sending nonverbal messages that may be misinterpreted as aloofness. And “aloof” is not a good message when your purpose is to mix, mingle, and foster new relationships.

As a card-carrying introvert myself (by Jung’s definition), I’ve developed some guidelines that have always worked well and have allowed me to be confident and outgoing at networking events. Practice these, and you will soon become the “master of the mixer”: Read more »

We’ve heard it before - networking is a fundamental element of building a business. What’s a business without suppliers, customers and overall, a community of support? Large or small, businesses need to pay close attention to creating a world of reliable and valuable contacts.

For small businesses, in particular, there are resources dedicated to cultivating effective networks. First stop: your local chamber of commerce. Small businesses comprise the bulk of chamber of commerce membership in the U.S. In fact, almost 96% of U.S. Chamber member companies have fewer than 100 employees. Read more »

Turning contacts into allies is of critical importance for maximum results in your networking. Remember, though, it is always necessary to provide VALUE for others as well when networking.

The gradual relationship building process is not only about you and your needs, it is about the other person almost moreso.

Understand this, and your networking efforts will be greatly rewarded.

Welcome to the all new NJ Business Networking Blog. We will be updating the blog periodically with networking tips, methods, techniques, and videos, as well as discussing a variety of business networking related topics.

 Please feel free to comment on any of our topics as an interactive Blog will be much more valuable to our community.

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Thanks for reading and we look forward to providing you with value on our new blog. jj

Be back again soon with another post.