Navigating Networking Events—An Introverted Creative’s Guide

You’ve heard it a million times…okay, maybe dozens of times. You have to get out there and network to make an impact on finding a job. The old way of searching for jobs is so passé. It’s just not effective any longer to have your resume on job boards, to set up search engine bots, and to keep replying to online postings. You have to put it all out there folks. Get out and talk to people.

I know…it’s a pretty scary thing for the average person. But, for an introvert, multiply that times ten.

I think it’s ironic that when you tell people you’re a creative professional, they automatically think you’re extroverted as well. Not always the case. Case in point, me. I’m a creative professional, but need alone time to recharge my intellectual battery. I’m not shy and can be the life of a party if I’m comfortable in the space. It’s the reflective time I need sometimes.

In fact, I recently read on Suite 101.com about introverts’ personality traits, including things such as:

• Processing emotions, thoughts, and observations internally;
• Being social, but revealing less about themselves than extroverts do;
• Needing time to think before responding to situations; and
• Developing ideas privately through reflection.

So how does all of this impact an introvert’s networking capabilities?

Well, we have to keep in mind that getting out there is one of the best ways to put our best foot forward. We need to consider the same networking tactics the extroverts are using.

Matt Krumrie goes into detail on his blog about the following networking tips, including:

• Bringing your game and dressing for success.
• Being sure to include your current salary requirements on your resume so recruiters can gauge your earning potential power in the market place. Also, including why you are currently looking.
• Having your 3-30 pitch ready.
• Bringing your own business cards, not the ones from your office. You can have them created inexpensively from places like VistaPrint.com.
• Identifying recruiters quickly and making an effort to speak with them. Sure, say hello to people you might know, but make a concerted effort to speak with the recruiters.
• Circulating and meeting others after you’ve met the recruiters. You never know what kind of opportunity you may find.
• Following-up the next day with everyone you met, recruiters and new contacts alike.

Remember, being introverted, in its most basic sense, means you’re reflective, not necessarily shy. So, go through the networking event in your head. Reflect on it before it happens. Use sports psychology to prepare yourself to reach your goals. See the win at the end of the game. Go in there. Be creative. Be yourself. And make those connections that will help you to reach the personal and professional goals you’ve set for yourself.

I know you can do it. After all, you’re a creative professional! Use some creativity. Go out there and sell the best product you’ve ever been able to market. Yourself!

Ciao!