Does the thought of a room full people people fill you with dread? For some people, events which mean they will be mixing with new people can evoke uncomfortable feelings and be the cause a great deal of worry. For introverts, social situations such as conferences can be hugely daunting, but there are a few things you can do to ease these concerns.
How to network as an introvert
Connect on social media in advance
Social media makes it really easy to find out who is going to particular events and chat to them beforehand. Some blogging events even have Facebook groups dedicated to those attending, which are a great way to do some pre event chat.
Prepare your elevator pitch
An elevator pitch is a few sentences which sum up your blog. It can be really useful to get this crystal clear, so it rolls off the tongue when people ask you about your blog. This preparation will reduce the umms and ahhhs, making you seem more confident.
Arrive early
No-one wants to walk into a room full of people, so making sure you get there early is really important. The room then fills up around you, which is much more bearable.
Buddy up
Find someone who’s going to the same event and go in together. Use social media to connect with people and arrange to meet up outside the venue. Any companion, whether you have known them previously or not, will be a welcome addition by your side as you walk round the event. Lots of people will be in the same boat, feeling just like you.
Prepare small talk
For confident people small talk is easy and spontaneous. For introverts small talk can be stressful and painful. The best thing to do is prepare some questions to ask people. Having a few things in your head will help you to avoid awkward silences and keep the conversation flowing.
Don’t try too hard
Don’t try to be something you’re not, be yourself – just a more confident version. You don’t have to try to crack jokes, be the funniest or the most entertaining person in the room. You will make lasting connections based on whether people see the real you.
Focus on one conversation at a time
Give your focus to the person in front of you at any one time. We can all fall into the trap of splitting our attention between the person we are talking to and people walking past, but this can be distracting for all involved. Instead focus solely on one conversation at a time and don’t worry if you aren’t left with enough time to talk to everyone.
Follow up on social media
After the event use social media to connect with people you have met. This is a great way to carry the relationship on beyond the event.
Are you an introvert of an extrovert? Do you have any tips that help you in similar social situations?
Comments 20
I’m an introvert (not yet a blogger), and this is great advice. Small talk is especially difficult for me, so I really appreciate your advice in that area.
I think social situations can be painful for both extroverts and introverts. I used to think I was introverted and that was why I wasn’t confident, now I know introversion just means I get my rest and energy from being alone, rather than with people like extraverts. These are great tips and another I’d add is to pretend you’re the host/hostess, you wouldn’t want your guests to feel uncomfortable, so speak to them giving your full attention be making sure they’re ok! Great post Aby xo
Great tips for anyone who can find social situations a little overwhelming. Great how social media enables you to buddy up in advance before attending events! Thanks for hosting #TheList
Some really good tips here and alot that can be applied to other social situations such as having some back up small talk. Thanks for sharing and hosting #thelust
This is a really good list though that could be applied to all sorts of social situations. In a way I am both – in a room full of strangers I am definitely an introvert but round a dinner table with friends my confidence blossoms and I am an extrovert! One thing I need to work on is small talk in French. It is so hard and invariably falls back on the weather (I am so British at heart!) #The List
I wouldn’t say I’m an introvert but I can be a bit shy and I know I will find Blogfest a bit daunting at first! But these tips are so handy and I’ll be making sure I’m nice and early and meeting up with some of the girls for Blogfest. xx #TheList
Lots of brilliant tips – I struggle in new social situations sometimes, so will certainly be remembering some of these points 🙂 #TheList
Helen x
Such a handy little list. Arrive early is a great one. I also spot people who might not be chatting to anyone and head over to say hi. Networking can be hard and we aren’t all born with the skills! #thelist
Great tips Aby. I haven’t been to a conference or anything simply for this reason, I find the thought of chatting to people I don’t know completely terrifying. I like the idea of meeting up with someone before hand and going in together.xx #thelist
I think arranging to meet up with someone beforehand is a great tip. The thought of going into a room full of strangers terrifies me! Having some ready-made questions is also really useful #TheList
This is really useful. Thank you. I consider myself to be an introvert, but once you get to know me I am a fun person to be around, promise! I think making small talk can be so difficult for me.
Great tips! I have pretty severe social anxiety problems so social situations can be VERY stressful. I like the idea of arriving really early, I think this would help a lot. Thank you
This is a fab post — and I totally echo Lizzie’s comment above — social events can be difficult for both intro and extroverts! I often feel a little anxious before an event but am generally at ease once I start chatting to people — that old adage ‘fake it to make it’ definitely applies in these situations. That said, if you’re always the one introducing yourself and starting conversations it can be exhausting!! CX #TheList
I think I’m somewhere in the middle! Quite shy to start with, but not bad once I get going. I’ve had to present to lots of people and dread the thought of it, but do well once I’m up on stage and in my flow! Timely list as I’m off to Blog On this weekend and very nervous! x #TheList
I really struggle with the whole concept of an elevator pitch; I tend to talk far to much to be able to say anything in such a short space of time! Great post Aby #TheList x
You are spot on with this article, such good advice and I agree that both introverts and extraverts can heed from this list!
Great advice – thank you! #theList
Great advise. Used perfectly at BlogOn.#TheList
I’m an introvert and I can come across quite shy which I’m not once I’m comfortable. So this great advice. .
I am the absolute worst at small talk and just coming up with words at the top of my head…I’ve never thought about planning ahead! Great advice!