Introverts
are shy whilst extroverts are outgoing. Most people attending in various networking
events are extroverts because they love the talking and interacting with
other individuals as well. However, extroverts usually fail to succeed in
business networking career. Why? This is simply because extroverts are talkers,
but, are usually poor listeners.
Many
extroverts engage
in business networking. They gain energy from other people. They easily
recharged by being socially active. According to Han’s theory, extroverts have
lower basic rates of arousal. They need to work harder to stimulate their body
and minds to reach the normal state. This triggers the extroverts to seek
adventure and novelty, craving the company of others.
Meanwhile,
networking involves good listening skills to succeed. Listening helps you
understand a situation. By understanding a situation, you identify the
concerns. Then, you ended up finding ways to help them. Once you offered help,
you build a new connection and starting to establish trust. When trust is
there, strong relationships are widened. Therefore, networking is like a
puzzle. It simply connects the dot one by one. There is no shortcut; it always
being with a single step.
Networking Tips for
Extroverts
Whether
you are an extrovert or an introvert, a few tactics can help you out to gain
more important connection. Introverts always get a bad rap because of shyness
and lack of confidence. Extroverts are the life of the party or event. But, in
terms of business networking, similar practices are recommended.
Manage Your Expectations
If
you are going to a business
networking event, avoid stressing yourself in meeting a lot of people. Keep
in mind that successful networking does not depend on how many people you have
met and talked in the event. The real concept of successful networking is to
have at least one or two real connections. One quality conversation is more
beneficial than the 20 superficial ones.
Plan Some Ice-Breakers Ahead Of Time
Introverts
might have difficulties in interacting with other people. Extroverts, on the
other hand, are play makers. To avoid dominating the conversation, it would be
ideal to plan an icebreaker ahead of time. This will enable you to allow others
to talk and tone down your energy to recharge.
You
can also prepare questions. Make sure it is relevant to the topic to avoid
awkward situations. Avoid asking personal questions. You can ask about their
hobbies, favourite places to visit and many more. As much as possible, avoid
talking about your favourite topic.
Set A Time Limit
Attending
in a networking event doesn’t mean you have to stay until the end. Set a time
limit to avoid exhaustion. You can stay at least one hour or so. The great
advantage on networking is that you only need to show up and get to know some
people around without even hanging out with for too long.
Ask For An Introduction
You
are extrovert; hence, you can easily find someone who can introduce you to
other people within the event area. Introducing yourself is a gateway of
getting more connections through others effort. This also gives a different
light and importance. Asking someone for an introduction signifies trust on
you.
Practice Empathic Listening
Extroverts
have common mistakes why they often fail in networking. They always do the
talking, but forget the practice of listening to others. As a matter of fact,
they also forgot listening to themselves. So, put your feet into another
person’s shoes. You talk, they listen. When they talk, you listen, and
understand. Most networkers are remembered by other people because they know
how to listen and understand.
Share Personal Stories
Share
personal stories that are interesting and relevant to the topic. You can start
asking someone about his recent travel or his favourite hobby. Choose topics
that make other person connect.
Practice Every Day
You
choose to live day by day networking your business. The more you network, the
easier for you to get connected with others. However, you don’t have to attend
all networking events just to do the networking routine. You can even go to the
gym, walk around the park or shop around and at the same time, you make brief
conversations with the people you meet. This will help you hone how to do the
right business networking even if you are an extrovert.
Why Extroverts Need
Luxury Business Cards
Being
an extrovert businessman is an advantage; you can easily socialise and interact
to other people most of the time. But, many of them are too carefree, flaky and
indulgent. They tend to forget that networking is still a business and it is
not all for fun. Later, they realised that what they did was all wrong.
So if
you are a networker, whether you are a newbie or a pro, walking out as an
extrovert is bad for the business. You can be intimidating, dominating or does
not take the anything seriously. Remember, first impressions always last. To
counteract with those misconceptions, have a set of luxury business cards and
avail these perks.
Catches Good Attention To Clients
Handing
down your luxury business cards to your potential clients and introduce
yourself catches good attention to them. This will give you enough time to hold
their attention to you without even maximising your networking effort.
Keep The Conversation In Context
Being
an extrovert shows an advantage of getting connected with people easily.
However, this advantage can also take you to mess up. Holding one of your
luxury business cards keep the conversation in context and leave you with a
good impression to remember.
You Will Be Remembered
Whether
you like it or not, people will always form opinions about you. But with luxury
business cards, you will be remembered as it stands out among their
collections. There will always be a time where they will contact you. Hence,
you will have the possibility
of expanding your network.
Final Take-Aways
The
wines and laughing during the events is just temporary. You may have the best
sales pitch or have the most luxurious business cards. But, business networking
will never be successful if you do not define who you really are. Accept the
fact that you are an extrovert and you, too have flaws. If you want to be known
in the business, use these flaws to improve your personality.
Sources:
Are
You An Introvert Or An Extrovert? What It Means For Your Career, Fastcompany.com
7
Networking Tips for Introverts, Extroverts, and the Socially Awkward, Inc.com
5
Reasons Why Extroverts Need Luxury Business Cards,
Businessmantotherescue.com
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