Networking for Introverts

Great article in Kellogg Insight

By Jeffrey Cohen, May 16, 2019
​After spending ~30 minutes reading through meetup.com invitations and groups, and not signing up for a single one (not feeling social) I came across this article by the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University (May 1, 2019 - access via the button above).  Maybe the four tips would help me network more...

1)  Prepare a Repertoire of Questions—but Maintain a Curious Mindset
2)  Choose Conversation Partners Wisely
3)  Focus on Relationships, Not Business Cards
4)  Know When to Move On

At this level, I didn't learn anything new...but there were small nuggets of insight.

1) Be interested in the answers to the questions you ask, or don't ask them.  Don't fake it.  Listen carefully.  Look for things in common, and ways that you are similar.

2) Read the room first, quick hello to the senior executives, and focus on meeting new people.  Don't pick people that look 'senior' or 'executive' and keep learning new things from people.

3a) It is ok to meet just one or two people, if it can lead to a deeper professional relationship 
3b) Connect people appropriately to others to help or collaborate; this is a valuable skill.

4) Transition out of a conversation quickly enough with a thank you, interest in continuing the conversation at another time, and exchange information.  We are there to network...

Hope that helps.  Thank you to Holly Raider, Clinical Professor of Management at Northwestern.