You’re More Likely To Get A Job From Acquaintances
Studies have shown that most job opportunities come from casual acquaintances or moderately “weak ties” rather than close friends.
When two people have strong ties they typically know the same people as you and have access to the same information. Weak ties, however, are more likely to know something you don’t.
Weak ties are far more beneficial to people looking to capitalize on social networks than strong ties.
Sociologist Mark Granovetter, whose classic 1974 study, Getting a Job, surveyed 282 Boston workers and found that 56% got jobs through a personal connection. Of those connections, most were weak ties.
When it comes to finding out new information, weak ties are more important than strong ones.
Acquaintances are more likely to know something you don’t. They represent social power, and the more acquaintances you have, the more powerful you are.
Career Advancement
People tend to do business and hire people they know, like, and trust. Up to 80% of jobs are filled through personal connections, yet networking is often overlooked as the key to getting ahead in a career.
Networking allows you to build connections with people at all professional levels and helps you create new relationships to exchange ideas.
It can be intimidating for anyone, but it doesn’t have to be. Your network will naturally grow if you treat people fairly and do great work.
There are plenty of ways to make meaningful connections for introverts without feeling overwhelmed or anxious. You can learn to build connections that will help you succeed without compromising your personality or values.
Let’s explore some networking tips to help you build the connections you need to succeed.
Take Small Steps
There’s no need to dive in headfirst. Start by attending small events like industry meetups, open houses, and information sessions.
These events tend to be more intimate and focused, which can make it easier to strike up a conversation with someone you don’t know.
Practice making small talk and ask questions that show your genuine interest in what the other person has to say. It’s okay to take baby steps to build your confidence as a networker.
Be Open to Meeting New People
When you’re starting out in your career, go out of your way to meet new people. Don’t underestimate new acquaintances just because they don’t have a connection to an employer or role you want. The more people you meet and share career goals with the better.
You need to always be on when it comes to networking, even if you’re not looking for a job.
As long as you’re in the workforce, you must build professional relationships.
Prepare Ahead
Introverts tend to be more comfortable with structure and routine. If you’re nervous about a particular networking event, take the time to plan ahead.
To ease your stress, have a strategy for networking events. Ask a close work friend to come along to help navigate the event. Then, create specific goals to help you make the most of attending.
That might mean staying at the venue for at least one hour or getting contact information from at least two people before the event ends.
Many events also provide attendee lists ahead of time, so you can research who to prioritize speaking with as well. Prepare a couple of talking points, and practice introducing yourself and your work.
Having some prepared topics to discuss can help you feel more confident and in control, which makes it easier to strike up a conversation with someone new.
Try scheduling networking events when you have enough energy to do something that doesn’t come naturally to you. Consider avoiding events right after work, when you might be too tired to put your best foot forward.
Focus on Shared Interests
One way to make networking feel less intimidating is to focus on finding people who share your interests, whether that’s a particular industry, hobby, or career path.
When you strike up a conversation with someone, look for commonalities that you can build on. No matter how introverted you may be, you can always find a way to connect with someone who shares your passion.
This will likely lead to more meaningful conversations and more valuable connections in the long run.
Lead With Your Curiosity
Forget collecting a ton of business cards. Instead of aiming to meet as many people as possible, make it a goal to have a few deep and engaging conversations with a handful of people.
Focus on shared interests and let curiosity be your guide.
Getting people talking about what they care about can help you build a stronger connection. Ask a lot of questions and listen. Be open about your passions, goals, and interests, too.
Most importantly, don’t forget to follow up afterward. When you connect on LinkedIn or reach out by email, share something interesting you learned from the person.
Ask thoughtful questions and get to know the person you’re talking to.
Here are a few questions to get you started:
Have you always been interested in this role/industry?
How did you get started in your current role?
What’s your favorite part about your job/employer?
Work on Your Body Language
Body language plays a significant role in how we communicate and network. Shifting your body language to be more inclusive and welcoming can help make you a master networker.
For example, instead of crossing your arms, keep your body open and your arms at your sides. This unspoken signal helps build trust and shows people you’re open to connection.
Be a Joiner
Introverts have a real advantage when it comes to professional societies and service organizations. They often prefer focusing on a single task or project rather than multiple diversions.
So, by joining one or two organizations rather than six or seven, they can go deeper and make a difference.
If you’re an introvert, consider volunteering for the membership committee of an organization. It gives you a ready-made reason to contact senior execs. Chances are other committee members will be further along in their respective careers.
As your small group works toward a common goal, you’ll form real bonds.
Always Follow Up With People
Networking isn’t just about meeting new people, it’s also about maintaining those relationships over time. Introverts often prefer one-on-one interaction, so follow-up emails or coffee chats can be a great way to develop the relationship.
Send a quick thank-you note after an event and follow up with any action items you might have discussed. Don’t be afraid to ask for a follow-up meeting or invite someone to grab a coffee.
Building relationships over time is key to developing a robust network. Following up after connecting with someone at an event or one-on-one meeting can make you stand out.
Make it a habit to send those follow-up messages within 24 to 48 hours of connecting (IDEALLY WITHIN 24 HOURS).
It’s a simple step that can make others remember you in a positive light.
Networking Can Unlock Opportunities
Whether at a coffee shop, in an elevator, or in line at the grocery store, you can find a networking opportunity. By building strong relationships with other professionals, you can gain valuable insights, learn new skills, and stay up-to-date in your field.
It’s a powerful tool for advancing your career. And it will help you stand out from the competition and position yourself for success.
Don’t overwhelm yourself with trying to build a massive network too quickly. Take your time and provide value to those you are networking with.
It’s not only about trading information but also helps create long-term relationships with mutual benefits.
With these networking tips and tricks, you will approach networking with confidence!
