As a follow-up to my previous post about supporting introverts in the workplace, let's talk about how you should go about your daily life to make the most of your work without stressing about your introversion. Firstly, to maximize the most out of this blog, here is a list of things you could ask yourself:

1. Do I prefer one-on-one conversations to group activities?

2. Do I often prefer to express myself in writing?

3. Do I enjoy solitude?

4. Do I dislike small talk, but I enjoy talking in depth about topics that matter to me?

5. Do I enjoy work that allows me to "dive in" with few interruptions?

6. Do I prefer not to show or discuss my work with others until it's finished?

7. Do I do my best work on my own?

8. Do I tend to think before I speak?

9. Do I feel drained after being out and about, even if I've enjoyed myself?

10. Do I prefer a weekend with absolutely nothing to do to one with too many things scheduled?

Introvert Networking Tips

Networking is an important aspect of corporate life. Developing connections with co-workers, employers, prospective clients or even present clients becomes an important stepping-stone. Meetings, parties and other such get-togethers demand some modifications in your lifestyle.

Keep the following points in mind for a brighter future at your workplace:

Participate Virtually

One way of being vocal without literally having to talk to people is by being virtually active (commenting and opinionating) in ONLINE PROFESSIONAL GROUPS on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Quora, or industry-specific message boards/forums. Be sure to chime in with useful and meaningful material. 

Own Your Social Profiles 

Let your SOCIAL PROFILES do the talking! Keep your basic personal information, accomplishments, present and past work experience up-to-date on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn. Here, you control your professional identity which helps potential recruiters and contacts develop a specific impression of you.

Practice Ahead of Time

Chart down your calendar for social meetings! PLAN ahead and PRACTICE your moves – be it breaking the ice, your body posture or the type of open-ended questions that you would like to ask your counterparts. Do a thorough research on your target audience; know  where they hangout and what appeals to them. Avoid touchy topics of discussion that may be incindiery, aggressive, or confrontational. 

Set Reasonable Goals

While you may be equally enthusiastic and nervous about going there and making your mark, SET REASONABLE GOALS for yourself. Do not expect to mingle with tons of people at first. Start with a measured 3-4 initial contacts per gathering and grow from there. Soon, you will have developed a healthy network as strangers become acquaintances and friends.

Ask for Advice

It is true that you may feel like you would be the last person to ever solicit advice, as it is very important for you to get your situation crystal-clear in your own head. However, sometimes it is perfectly fine to ask for help when you know the source is reliable. Advice is a form of nostalgia and dispensing it makes a person feel special about himself/herself. 

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Be willing to TALK ABOUT YOURSELF too. While most of us like being heard and you probably are a good listener, your conversational counterpart may start feeling a little insecure and start looking at you suspiciously if he is the only one talking! Make meaningful, intermittent comments on how you feel or how the topic of discussion affects you. This eases the person in a more comfortable place while talking to you.

Find Mutual Contacts

Look for mutual connections when you approach a prospect. It always helps to have a common associate/friend introduce you. Here, you benefit from his/her credibility in the eyes of your new contact. 

Follow Up

Be it regarding a proposal you put forth in the recent meeting or a new acquaintance you made at a party, following up is the key to good networking by completing the communication cycle.

Invite

Include different co-workers to lunch, dinner gatherings, and other social meetups. Discuss and share other parts of your life outside of a professional context if you feel comfortable. Many people are waiting for that catalyst to conversation. Be the active force that brings people together - on your terms! 

Rejuvenate Yourself

Even though people usually misinterpret your love for being with yourself as your dislike for being with them, take time to REST and REJUVENATE YOUR MIND by indulging in ALONE TIME.

This "you time" can be achieved by negotiating and opting for MORE HOME-BASED WORK. More and more companies are catering to such an open-office system or telecommuting options where you can get your sought space.

Lead

Do not be afraid to LEAD! If we look at the CEOs of top corporate firms, we see how every four out of 10 of them are introverts – take Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg for instance. It is a myth that a leader has to be an extrovert with an extensive set of people skills.

Over and above the above mentioned points, it is important to note that for any introvert, the battle is half-won when you choose the right career. You know yourself (and your introversion) better than anyone else. It is essential to choose a path that not only suits your interests but also caters to your personality as someone who re-energizes when alone and prefers control over your surroundings.

Read these resources to improve your networking and leadership approaches:

• How to Support Introverted Employees
• Eight Tips to Remember Someone After Networking Meetups
• Five Reasons Why Your Personal Network Is Your Best Job Search Tool
• The Power of Recommendations
• 10 Tips to Help You Get Noticed on LinkedIn

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