Oftentimes in social situations, individuals tend to classify themselves as falling into one of the two following personality categories: introvert or extrovert. Extroverts tend to recharge by being social; they enjoy group conversations, have more friends and perhaps more easily accept change, while introverts are on the opposite end of the spectrum. Introverts often recharge by spending time alone; they enjoy one-to-one conversations, have fewer but often deeper relationships, and may take longer to process change. Networking may feel like a daunting experience for anyone, and for those with an introverted personality, it really can be more difficult. But it certainly definitely doesn’t have to be.
Going into a networking event or session with an end-goal in mind can certainly make the entire experience much less intimidating. Perhaps setting the objective to walk out of an event with at least two business cards is a comfortable starting point. This post from Forbes emphasizes the importance of knowing your strengths as an introvert and how using them to your advantage can set you apart from the rest of the competition the next time you step foot into a room of unfamiliar faces.
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