The thing is (& this annoys me) there is an industry pandering to the perception that introverts are shy, unconnected & get overwhelmed by meeting lots of people - & so need assistance to network. The industry also has the solution - lots of books, articles & products to help introverts feel happier about networking & 'working the room'.
As I slumped in my chair, exhausted after another evening of 'working the room', I was pondering whether I am an extrovert or an introvert - & whether this had any relationship to my ability to be a nice networker.
I have numerous issues with this perception. First whether you are an introvert or an extrovert has NO bearing on whether you make a great networker. Yes, no bearing. Whether your natural preference - as defined by Jung - is for introversion or extroversion, this has no correlation along with your ability to build & maintain relationships. While an introvert has a preference for a tiny circle of close & deep friends, & extrovert has a preference for a bigger circle of friends but less deep friendships. If the key to being a great networker is to have strong relationships with the individuals who can help your business or career, then I need to both an extrovert & an introvert.
Jung's definition of extroversion is where people are energised by the company of other people. Introversion is the opposite - where people are energised by their own company. Jung did not say that introverts or extroverts have more or less social confidence, or that either is any better at growing mutually beneficial relationships. So why do people assume that extroverts will happily work a room & introverts hate working a room?
The other reason I get angered by this perception that introverts need assistance to work the room, is the assumption that to network you need to work the room. Not so. I am thought about by plenty of people to be a true connector (as defined by Gladwell in 'the tipping point') & someone with an brilliant tiny black book of contacts. 100% of my new business comes to me from existing clients & my network, a few key relationships. However, I seldom work the room - & when I do, I find it exhausting. I normally need an hour or so to myself to recharge after a few hours of 'working the room' with plenty of people I don't know. I now tend to make use of online tools & personal recommendations to find the right people for my business, than the random nature of working the room at a conference or mix & mingle type event. When I have identified a key relationship, I will then progress the relationship by 1-2-1 meetings.
As I slumped in my chair, exhausted after another evening of 'working the room', I was pondering whether I am an extrovert or an introvert - & whether this had any relationship to my ability to be a nice networker.
I have numerous issues with this perception. First whether you are an introvert or an extrovert has NO bearing on whether you make a great networker. Yes, no bearing. Whether your natural preference - as defined by Jung - is for introversion or extroversion, this has no correlation along with your ability to build & maintain relationships. While an introvert has a preference for a tiny circle of close & deep friends, & extrovert has a preference for a bigger circle of friends but less deep friendships. If the key to being a great networker is to have strong relationships with the individuals who can help your business or career, then I need to both an extrovert & an introvert.
Jung's definition of extroversion is where people are energised by the company of other people. Introversion is the opposite - where people are energised by their own company. Jung did not say that introverts or extroverts have more or less social confidence, or that either is any better at growing mutually beneficial relationships. So why do people assume that extroverts will happily work a room & introverts hate working a room?
The other reason I get angered by this perception that introverts need assistance to work the room, is the assumption that to network you need to work the room. Not so. I am thought about by plenty of people to be a true connector (as defined by Gladwell in 'the tipping point') & someone with an brilliant tiny black book of contacts. 100% of my new business comes to me from existing clients & my network, a few key relationships. However, I seldom work the room - & when I do, I find it exhausting. I normally need an hour or so to myself to recharge after a few hours of 'working the room' with plenty of people I don't know. I now tend to make use of online tools & personal recommendations to find the right people for my business, than the random nature of working the room at a conference or mix & mingle type event. When I have identified a key relationship, I will then progress the relationship by 1-2-1 meetings.
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