10 ways to network as an introvert in social events

The dreaded pin drop silence. We all have been there. Introverts feel like a headless chicken in networking events. We know we are supposed to mingle but how to go about it is a different ball game.

But guess what? You don't even have to be Santa Claus, ho-ho-ho ing your way during office networking events.

We have two ears and one mouth for a reason and introverts know that.

You can be comfortable being an introvert and form lasting bonds with your colleagues.

Speaking from experience, I was in a job that required a lot of talking. There was one caveat I noticed.

While I blurred out in big social interactions like a group, I shined in one-on-one conversations. I couldn't shut up then as many people came up to me and told me, 'Talking to you is so comfortable'.

That's when I realised extrovertness doesn't need to be a default setting, even in professional environments.

Before I dive into how I thrive as an introvert in social situations, this entire article can be summed up in one sentence by Susan Cain, who wrote the book 'Quiet Power of Introverts In A World That Can't Stop Talking':

Don't think of introversion as something that needs to be cured.

If not harnessed properly, introverts will spend their entire life thinking something is wrong with them. There is a probability of them turning 'people pleasers'. moulding into whichever clay shape they find fascinating. That they are 'socially awkward', have a 'dry personality' or are 'boring conversationalists'.

My teacher in high school gave me this advice: Focus on your strengths but do have a knowledge of your weaknesses.

Here are the strengths of the introverts:

• Perceptive
• Creative and intuitive
• Great at analysis
• Forward thinking
• Logical
• Great focus and concentration
• Good at strategy

Here is how an introvert can network at social events:

Find your penguin

I am serious. But in this case finding your penguin does not mean finding a soulmate (congratulations if that works out for you in an office). This is finding your conversation partner. Stick with one for the beginning and scan through the crowd to find other penguins.

Follow up with your contacts

I hated doing this but a sweet 'It was nice talking to you' does wonders. More so, add what you liked about the conversation or you can actually watch or listen to the movie or music or podcast they recommended. It will show that you actually care.

Come with your First-Aid Kit

Introverts tend to get overwhelmed with social or external stimuli. Too much music and we are bleeding from our ears. Too much back and forth? We need a short nap to recover.

So, if you feel your social barometer is breaking, find your first aid kit i.e go to the washroom, wash your face or simply sip on a coffee alone.

Tell me more

When you find yourself running out of things to talk about, hone in on what the other person is talking about. The death knell for any conversation is appearing uninterested on unbothered. It actually shows up on your face. And that's what pisses people off. So, ask them: Tell me more. Either they'll exhaust themselves or you will gain a friend.

Call me by your name

I cannot stress this enough but it is important to remember names in conversations. If you are forgetful, jot them down (I do that, I know its embarrassing but we work with what we got). It takes effort to remember names in events that are usually superficial. And introverts are great at that.

Get Friendly With The Mirror

I get it. You love to see people display confidence while talking. But trust me, a lot of it is just hot air. Every speaker, whether it be Luther King or your class topper, get nervous. Their legs shake and their voices quiver. But one thing they do well is, they don't run from the stage. They take the mike and get friendly with it. Practice conversations in the mirror.

Sherlock Holmes your event

Good at researching and analysis? Perfect. Now try that out in an event. If you want to talk to that CEO or that marketing specialist, know a little about what they are passionate about. CEOs and entrepreneurs are vocal of their interests on social media. So do your research and try striking up a casual conversation about it.

Be curious, not judgemental

Introverts have the habit of dissing on extroverts for being 'extra' or being loud. As introverts have their strengths, extroverts have them too. They are great at connecting people, almost acting like human bridges. The common complaint extroverts have is introverts coming across as 'intense and intimidating'. If quiet people are annoyed, it shows on their face. Extroverts are great at reading body language.

Participate in group chats

This one works even for virtual meets. I have noticed everyone is pretty vanilla in office chats. Of course, there is a decorum that needs to be maintained. But if you are a textovert (great at having conversations on text but not in person) use that! That will be your padding for the next in-person event.

First to arrive, last to leave

Before getting into the wrestling match, you need to know the ring you would be fighting in. So arriving early is actually a great idea. You set up your desk, notepad, go to the washroom and be ready to receive humanity. Even though you got nothing to talk about, stay back and simply listen. That shows commitment to be there for the team.

I'll end the article with a quote from Oscar Wilde: A bore is someone who deprives you of solitude without providing you company.

And this is what most introverts face. And they can provide exactly that. Company.