5 Networking Tips for Introverts

Understanding Networking

Networking: that elusive thing that adults do. That word that darn extroverts keep throwing around. For us introverts, it's a cursed word that only brings destruction and terror. To never be spoken or mentioned in our introvert circle. Unfortunately, our circle is not the only circle in the world. And in this world, you're going to need to network!

What is Networking?

Networking is the process of making personal connections with people. It can be done to increase your network of friends or your career network. The more people you know, the more resources you have. Unfortunately, networking requires talking to people. That's why it can be so scary for introverts.

Tips for Introverts to Network

  1. Talk About Common Ground

    Talk about what brought you together. Maybe it's a party, talk to your new connection about the why or how you got there. If you find out you have some mutual friends, try some gossip. But maybe that doesn't work. That's okay! Just try something else.

  2. Find Deep Similarities

    Try and find a deep solid similarity. Not something like 'I like pizza and puppies'; everyone likes those. Try to really identify something that opens up some common ground for a discussion. Race, nationality, generation, even political or religious topics can work if the time is right.

  3. Ask Follow-Up Questions

    Any type of opinion they spit at you, ask to clarify! Try to get more personal and more philosophical as you go on to avoid any more lulls. But also remember that silence is natural. Don't panic if there's a pause.

  4. Keep the Conversation Going

    If you're talking, keep talking! If you think you're talking too much, just ask! If they say you are or you feel like you are, ask a question to change it up. Questions are a great way to get the pressure off you, maintain a conversation and avoid awkwardness.

Putting Tips to the Test

Finally, we decided we were going to put these tips to the test. So the author of this article tried out these tips when they went out to dinner with four people they were gonna go to college with the next year, whom they had never met before. They mostly relied on tip number one and talked about college. Cover the basics when you first meet people. Avoid the clichéd conversation starters and the discussion was pretty natural. Asking 'What about you?' was a valid way to relieve the pressure if they ever felt like they were talking for too long.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How Sleep Positions Affect Nightmares and Dream Quality

Image
Many people are aware that sleep positions significantly affect sleep quality and comfort during the night, but not everyone knows that certain sleep positions may also increase the likelihood of experiencing nightmares. The Link Between Sleep Positions and Dreams Theresa Cheung, a dream interpretation expert and bestselling author, suggests that sleep positions can indeed influence the nature of our dreams. Although everyone dreams regardless of how they sleep, studies indicate that sleeping on the right side may lead to more emotionally expressive and healing dreams compared to sleeping on the left side, which has been linked to an increased likelihood of nightmares. This is potentially due to the added pressure on the heart when sleeping on the left side, which can lead to poorer sleep quality and a higher incidence of nightmares. Cheung explains that while left-side sleepers might be more prone to nightmares, those who sleep on their backs are also more likely to experience t
Read more

Knife Angel: A Monument Against Violence

Image
The Knife Angel, also known as the National Monument Against Violence & Aggression, is a powerful contemporary sculpture created by British artist Alfie Bradley. Standing at 27 feet (8.2 meters) tall, this striking piece is made from over 100,000 knives collected from amnesty bins and police seizures across the United Kingdom. Creation and Purpose The Knife Angel was completed in 2018 at the British Ironworks Centre in Oswestry, England. The project aimed to raise awareness about the devastating effects of knife crime and to serve as a memorial for those who have lost their lives to such violence. The sculpture was constructed using knives that were disinfected and blunted before being welded onto a steel frame to form the angel's body and wings. Community Involvement Families who have been affected by knife crime were invited to engrave personal messages onto the blades used in the sculpture. Over 80 families participated, adding a deeply emotional and pe
Read more

The Dancing Plague of 1518

Image
The Dancing Plague of 1518, also known as the Dance Epidemic, is one of history's most peculiar and baffling events. It occurred in the city of Strasbourg, France (then part of the Holy Roman Empire), and saw dozens of people dancing uncontrollably for days on end. The phenomenon remains largely unexplained, but it has captured the imagination of historians and researchers for centuries. This article explores the details of the event, the possible causes, and its lasting impact. Historical Context of the Dancing Plague In July 1518, a woman named Frau Troffea began dancing fervently in the streets of Strasbourg. She danced for several hours without stopping, and within a week, dozens of others had joined her. Reports suggest that at its peak, around 400 people were affected by the urge to dance. These individuals danced continuously for days, some even collapsing from exhaustion, and a few reportedly died from heart attacks, strokes, or sheer fatigue. Strasbourg in the Early
Read more