For introverts – How to survive and thrive in the holiday entertaining season
Introverts R Us
I’ve got a confession to make. Joanne loves to network, me not so much. Joanne is an extrovert. I’m an introvert. There is nothing wrong with being an introvert. More than 30% of the population are introverts. (30% of the population are extroverts and 40% of the population can go either way.)
How to tell if you’re an introvert.
- If you would rather stab yourself with a cocktail fork than go to a networking event, you’re probably an introvert.
- If you think to talk rather than talk to think, then you’re probably an introvert.
- If you energize alone rather than energize with others, you’re probably an introvert
- In socializing if you would rather go deep than go wide, you’re probably an introvert
There’s nothing wrong with introverts.
We don’t have to be cured of being an introvert. We are just different from extroverts.
Advice to help introverts enjoy networking:
- Tip 1 – Set reasonable goals. Contrary to the extroverts, you don’t have to meet everyone in the room. Reconnect with two or three people and connect with two or three new people.
- Tip 2 – Hang out near the food. It will give you something to start a conversation about.
- Tip 3 – Arrive on time. If you arrive late you’ll have a hard time matching the energy in the room. Arriving on time allows you to build the energy as the event gets into swing.
- Tip 4 – Don’t be afraid to leave early. Extroverts gain energy from networking events. We introverts find it draining. When you feel your energy level dropping that’s the time to make a graceful exit (before you turn from a nice Dr. Jeckle into an angry Mr. or Ms. Hyde).
Introverts can be great networkers and conversationalists.
Introverts just need a slightly different skill set and approach to make networking successful and enjoyable for themselves.
The best way to become a better and more comfortable networker
Join us for our Mix and Mingle with Ease a 3 hour seminar in Edmonton for people who hate to network. Or attend a full day Complete Professional seminar in Edmonton or Calgary or Complete Engineer seminar in Kelowna or Vancouver, each has a networking segment.
Each seminar covers:
- Overcome shyness in yourself & others
- Take small talk to big talk
- Smoothly enter & exit conversations
- Leverage networking opportunities
- Success plan for hosting/attending events
- Build business & rapport with clients
Click here for a pdf brochure Mix and Mingle with Ease or The Complete Professional
Other Articles:
- Savvy networking skills, the key to connecting in business and life.
- Dining For Success Online Program