Tips for Networking with Confidence

Sometimes, it's too easy to hide behind my phone. While most people will comment on my high energy, I am, in fact, very introverted, and I don't love "networking," so when my clients share that they feel this way, I get it. While I don't love "networking," I do love talking to people, interviewing others, and public speaking, but they all can run down my social battery. Do you ever feel the same way? The concept of networking can be anxiety-provoking, but chatting, sharing, helping, and asking can be much less of a drain. Here are some tips to help introverts network while keeping social anxiety at bay: 💎 Prepare in Advance: Research the event and attendees beforehand. Knowing who's going to be there can help you plan whom to approach. 💎 Set Realistic Goals: Aim for meaningful interactions rather than trying to meet everyone. Even connecting with a few people can be a success. 💎 Use Online Platforms: Start building connections online through LinkedIn or other professional networks. It's often less intimidating than face-to-face interactions. 💎 Focus on Listening: Introverts are often great listeners. Show genuine interest in what others say, and the conversation will flow more naturally. 💎 Choose Smaller Events: Instead of large conferences, start with smaller meetups where you can have more in-depth conversations. 💎 Have a Few Go-To Questions: Prepare a few open-ended questions to initiate conversations. This can help reduce anxiety about starting discussions. 💎 Bring a Friend: Having someone you know at an event can boost your confidence. Just make sure you still make an effort to meet new people. 💎 Find Common Ground: Start conversations around shared interests or experiences. It can be easier to talk about something you're passionate about. 💎 Practice Active Listening: Show that you're engaged in the conversation through nodding and relevant questions. This builds rapport and makes interactions more meaningful. 💎 Volunteer at Events: This gives you a role and makes it easier to interact with others, as they may approach you first. 💎 Embrace Your Introversion: Remember that being an introvert has its strengths, like the ability to form deep connections and think before speaking. Use these traits to your advantage in networking situations. 💎 Networking when you are an introvert doesn't mean changing who you are; it's about leveraging your natural qualities in social settings. Which tricks/tips have you used to navigate networking jitters more easily? 💎 I am Cathy, a 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐉𝐨𝐛 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐞 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞. 💎 I help people develop the tools they need to land jobs and build careers in less time than going it alone. Want to see more valuable career-related content? 🔔 Ring the bell on my profile and follow Inspire Careers 👍 Connect with me! #networkingtips #jobsearchtips #introvert #inspireothers #careercoaching

Networking changed my life. It helped me secure my first big consulting deal that let me quit my full-time job. Here's how to build relationships on LinkedIn (the right way): Networking can either make or break your career. Do it wrong: You’ll ruin your reputation. Do it right: You’ll have people speaking well of you when you’re not around. Here’s how to network like a pro: 1) Be genuine People can sense fakeness from a mile away. Instead, speak with them to get to know them. Not just because you want something. Besides… There’s no point in building relationships with people you don’t like. 2) Be a friend We want to feel cared for. Reach out once every 3 months to see how they’re doing. • Offer help • Schedule a coffee chat • Ask about their recent trip Don’t build connections. Build friendships. 3) Change your intent Turn your “I want this” mindset into a “I want to help” mindset. Start conversations without trying to sell something. But because you want to help them. Stop asking. Start giving. 4) Think long term It doesn't matter if they can’t help you now. In the long run… …you’ll be able to reach out when you need it. Be there for them now. They’ll be there for you later. That’s a real relationship. 5) Don’t ask for immediate favors This is where most screw up. They’ve barely met someone and immediately: • Ask for a job • Request a resume review • Or want some other big favor You wouldn’t do this to a stranger on the street. Why do it on LinkedIn? 6) Be mutually beneficial Start by building foundations. When/if it makes sense, think of how you can collaborate. Just like in business… This isn’t a one-way street. I help you. You help me. That’s how the world works. 7) Create on LinkedIn You never know who’s watching. Share your thoughts on the feed daily. And give people a glimpse into what you’re doing. You may not realize it… But others are going through the same as you. One of them might just come back with a life-changing opportunity. P.s. - What's one more tip you'd recommend for people networking on LinkedIn? Thanks for reading. Enjoyed this post? Follow Jordan Nelson And share it with your audience.

Introvert-friendly networking tip: Start your event connections before the event begins. If walking into a room full of strangers makes your stomach flip, here’s a quiet strategy that can make in-person events feel less intimidating, and more intentional: 💡 Connect on LinkedIn before the event. Look up the event page, RSVP list, or hashtag. Identify a few people, maybe a speaker, a fellow guest, or someone you admire. Then send a short, friendly note like: 👉 “Hi [Name], I saw you’re also attending [Event Name] this week. I’d love to connect here and hopefully say hello in person!” I’ve used this approach myself, attending events alone and still managing to create real conversations, on my terms. Why it works: - You walk in with familiar faces instead of total strangers. - You have a built-in conversation starter (no forced small talk). - You control the pace of connection—before, during, and after the event. 💜 And here’s a bonus: If you don’t get to meet them in person, you still have the connection to follow up later with a kind note or reflection on the event. You don’t have to “work the room” to network well. You just have to be intentional. And that’s where introverts shine. Have we met? 👋 Hi, I’m Ana, a career coach and strategist for introverts. If you are a professional who wants to improve your LinkedIn presence and become visible to recruiters without spending hours job searching, then follow along! #NetworkingTips #introverts

Networking was a nightmare in my 20s. Because I misunderstood it! College / early career is supposed to be a great time to connect with seniors, alumni, and other awesome people in the field. And there I was, an introvert with heart palpitations, canceling calls last minute, or hoping people didn’t turn up. I avoided connecting with new people with a vengeance for almost a decade even though I thrived in informal meetups! 😓 All the while seeing others networking effortlessly.. Here’s what helped me finally: 1️⃣ Removing the pressure of “networking” 2️⃣ Connecting with people I genuinely found interesting. What do I want to learn from them? (no spamming). 3️⃣ Personalizing my message. What’s my WHY? (short and specific). 4️⃣ Following up twice if I didn’t hear back (people aren’t ignoring me, they are busy). 5️⃣ Listening more, talking less. Be curious. Ask questions. If networking makes you nervous, remember you are not alone. Do it your way. Do it at your pace. And do it to GROW ✨ It’ll be a gamechanger. Trust me! What’s a tip you’d add? LinkedIn #OneThingToKnow #networking #community #careers #mindset