Much is made by people on whether they are extroverts/introverts and that certainly being on extrovert is necessary to be a successful networker. Actually, both have natural strengths and weaknesses.
The intelligent networker first understands where they are on the scale of extrovert and introvert and uses the strengths (and works on the weaknesses) to their advantage.
First myth. Introverts are uncomfortable meeting strangers. The fact is EVERYONE is uncomfortable meeting strangers. And that's ok. A major part of networking is meeting new people. We just need to understand that being an extrovert or introvert has nothing to do with it.
So what are the differences?
Two things really..
* The interaction with other people
* Personal Energy
Extroverts love to interact in groups. If you're networking and see a group of 4 or 5 people (or more) with one person "holding court", chances are you're seeing an extrovert in action. Extroverts are bigger, more expansive, the hand gestures will be more pronounced.
The problem for extroverts is that we love to talk. Extroverts can be fun, hold a group together, provide the energy, but they also will do most of the talking. You will learn about the extrovert all sorts of things, but she may not learn much about you.
So it's important for the extrovert to scale back a little. Learn to not "take over" the conversation, listen, truly listen to other people when they talk, not just wait patiently until they can talk again.
The introvert is not someone who has difficulty networking. They just have to do it a little differently. Introverts for example excel one on one. Two people talking to each other is the perfect networking environment. Introverts are more likely cede talking time than others, but he might still need to learn how to listen properly just like everyone else.
For an introvert, groups are probably not going to be a comfortable environment for you, so if there is someone in a group that you want to talk to separate them from the herd! Take them aside and create that one on one comfort zone.
The other differentiator between extro's and intro's is energy levels.
Think of a long day at work. You're tired, but you have to go to some networking event. Geesh!
The extrovert on one hand, while maybe starting out bushed, starts getting energized as the networking event progresses. Extroverts basically get energy from groups and gatherings. Extroverts can typically last the night away!
Heck, as the event draws to a close, the extrovert might even try to get a group together and head out for a beer!
Understand that the extrovert will probably crash on the way home. They no longer have the group feeding them that energy and on the car ride home, tiredness will set back in. That's ok. The extrovert just needs to watch themselves because they can crash.
The introvert on the other hand essentially loses energy at group events. And if there was a long, tough day at work, the last thing you want to do is go networking.
So it's important for an intro' to recharge first. Perhaps between work and networking, stop someplace, do a caffeine and sugar thing, maybe if alone time with a book helps you recharge, stop at Starbucks or Mickey D's and take a half hour by yourself. If you show up a little late that's fine, especially if you are now more ready to dive in to the networking event.
Also understand that you may not last the whole time. Figure out what works for you. Don't make this an excuse to leave early (or not attend at all!) but try different things that will help you be on top of your game when you do network. It would be much more productive for you to be "all there" for 2 hours of a 3 hour event, then physically there, but mentally in la-la land for the entire event.
So understand where you sit on the extrovert/introvert scale and what are your strength's and weaknesses when networking. Adjust your schedule or behavior to maximize your networking to make it more successful and enjoyable for you.
