They thought that I was hiding. Or worse, disinterested.
As an introverted head of school, I would often close my office door.
It helped me focus, think, and get more done.
And I didn't think much of it.
But others did.
Largely because my predecessor kept an open door policy.
And was always accessible.
When people lack information, they typically assume the worst case scenario.
Do you go to networking events?
And are you an introvert?
If you are, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed. How will you manage in a large, crowded space?
Good news! It doesn’t have to be scary or impossible to navigate.
To those who say otherwise, I say “B.S.!”
No. Not THAT B.S.
Here are my 4 “B.S.” networking strategies for #introverts.
Be Still
Be Strategic
Be Seen
Be Sticky
The reality is that introversion has little to do with our levels of social comfort or verbosity. Rather, it reflects on our energy source. Extroverts are people who gain their energy from others. They walk into a room and feel energized, feeding off of the collective energy as they navigate through the crowd. They seek other’s company and feel somehow incomplete if they are left in isolation for too long.
Introverts, in contrast, gain their energy from quiet, private time. They love to think and reflect privately, with the door closed, and enter into public settings out of necessity rather than preference. While many introverts can be described as quiet, introverts are more than capable of speaking and engaging as circumstances dictate. It’s more about their preferences and inclinations rather than their disposition or capacity.
Read MoreDo you go to networking events?
And are you an introvert?
If you are, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed. How will you manage in a large, crowded space?
Good news! It doesn’t have to be scary or impossible to navigate.
To those who say otherwise, I say “B.S.!”
No. Not THAT B.S.
Here are my 4 “B.S.” networking strategies for #introverts.
Be Still
Be Strategic
Be Seen
Be Sticky
Networking is important. We all get that. But what do you do if you’re shy, introverted and/or struggle in social settings?
One workaround is social media. Many folks much prefer engaging from behind a picture or avatar than in person. While the quality of the engagement can often be more limited, there’s a ton that one can achieve by showing up authentically online, sharing great content and demonstrating real interest in others.
Another approach is to use FaceTime, Duo, Skype, Zoom or some other online audio/video chat platforms. It can be less intimidating for folks to talk through their technology and preserve their personal space than to actually get in the same room as them. It can also make connecting much easier from a logistical standpoint.
Read MoreThe reality is that introversion has little to do with our levels of social comfort or verbosity. Rather, it reflects on our energy source. Extroverts are people who gain their energy from others. They walk into a room and feel energized, feeding off of the collective energy as they navigate through the crowd. They seek other’s company and feel somehow incomplete if they are left in isolation for too long.
Introverts, in contrast, gain their energy from quiet, private time. They love to think and reflect privately, with the door closed, and enter into public settings out of necessity rather than preference. While many introverts can be described as quiet, introverts are more than capable of speaking and engaging as circumstances dictate. It’s more about their preferences and inclinations rather than their disposition or capacity.
Read More
