Mindy Audlin

I often marvel at the irony of founding a business networking organization since I am one of the most introverted people I know.

I could have (and often did) work from my home office for weeks on end, only venturing into the outside world for groceries and to check the mail.

I try to justify text or an email when a phone call is clearly the better option.

If I can do it myself, I do it myself.  That’s my comfort zone.

But I knew, as a business owner in a rapidly changing and highly competitive marketplace, there are limited opportunities for a “lone wolf.”

The extroverts among us have a clear advantage.  Success today is the result of our connectivity.  It happens when we reach out to each other.  When we are proactively looking for ways to serve not only our customers, but our colleagues in business.

Networking (and networking well!) is no longer an option.

With introverts making up approximately half of all business owners today, it’s time to create local business networking communities that meet the needs of extroverts without blowing our shyer introverted colleagues out of the water.

Here are a few tips for both sides of the equation to help you maximize your networking time and build relationships – across the board!

Top Tips for the Introverted Networker:

1. Know your purpose. Be prepared to communicate who you are, what you do AND what you are looking for.  If you’ve got this clear in your head before you leave the house, it’s easier to feel prepared to mingle.

2. Intend to serve. Once you know what you’d like to gain from the event, redirect your primary focus to how you can serve others.  It’s hard (and unproductive) to try to start a conversation with a stranger that you hope will become a customer.  It’s much easier to initiate that conversation with a curiosity about what they need and an authentic desire to help them find the resources they seek.

3. Bring a friend.  If you’ve got an extroverted friend, all the better!  Find out what they are looking to gain from the event, and help them find the resources they seek.  A familiar face will help you relax.  Sometimes it’s easier to slip into a conversation when you are introduced by someone who already knows you.  Remember to do the same for them!

On the other end of the spectrum, here are some tips for all you glorious extroverts who love to mix and mingle, share your “elevator speech,” and work your magic in the room!

Tips for Extroverts who network with Introverts:

1. Remember, not everyone likes the spotlight.  I can always identify the extroverts at our Network On Purpose events because they inevitably ask, “Could we have everyone go around the room and say what they do?”

I know many introverts who avoid networking altogether in an effort to sidestep their 30 seconds of stardom. Introverts tend to prefer one-on-one interactions to group introductions.  If you’ve got that social streak in you, make it your mission to meet new people one and one and ask them face to face.  Introverts will be grateful to you for initiating the conversation!

2. Make introductions.  Let’s face it, extroverts tend to be some of the best networkers on the planet.  Find out what your introverted colleagues are looking for, and get them connected with a personal invitation.  The bond of gratitude you create will propel you to new levels of success!

3. Follow up with a phone call.  When you connect with an introvert, the chances are good they will want to follow up with you, but hesitate to pick up the phone.  Regardless of your social styles, we all love creating meaningful relationships.  Introverts tend to have fewer relationships, but those relationships run deep.  Let your new-found connection know how much you enjoyed getting together, follow up with any resources you believe would be useful to their business, and know that YOU will be remembered by your introverted colleagues as someone they would feel comfortable working with or referring business to.