𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫: 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲

While introverts tend to focus inward, entrepreneurship often requires an outward focus, adding difficulty for them. This post is part of a series.*

Introverts may dread networking. However, building a startup requires talking with many people regularly to discover new ideas, opportunities, and markets.

“𝙏𝙤 𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙜𝙤𝙖𝙡, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤 𝙞𝙩."
– Judy Robinett

Introverted founders can convert their reflective and thoughtful nature into a networking superpower.

𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝘀

As an introvert, I'm constantly networking, organizing events, and managing a group for finance leaders. My advice:

 * Know yourself. Introverts are often more selective, thoughtful, and better listeners, which are valuable qualities in building meaningful connections.

 * Narrow concentration. I only approach events with exciting topics and people I'm eager to meet.
 
 * Choose quality. I constantly remind myself that a few valuable conversations are much better than trying to meet everyone.
 
 * Take care. I carefully select the frequency, timing, and length of events. I give myself breaks, and when I feel overwhelmed, it’s time to go.

𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀

While socializing may be daunting and unpleasant for introverts, there are proven benefits. A system can minimize discomfort and maximize outcomes.

BEFORE the event, identify your goals and the people you'd like to meet.

Research the speakers and attendees and plan on meeting a couple of people. Focus on how to offer them value e.g. an introduction, resource, or insight.
 
Prepare a concise version of your story that captures the head and heart – what you do and why – based on the audience.

DURING the event, aim for meaningful conversations.

Consider these questions to connect more deeply:
· What excites you right now? 
· What is something incredible about you that even your friends don't know?
· What’s the best thing that happened in the last few weeks?
· What one thing has influenced you the most?
· What do you do for fun?

AFTER the event, promptly follow up with anyone interesting.

𝗣𝗿𝗼 𝗧𝗶𝗽: I keep in regular contact to maintain a strong network. Consistently sharing connections, media, and ideas benefits everyone in your network.

I value diverse connections across professions, industries, ages, backgrounds, etc. to capture various perspectives and discover fresh ideas.
 
Finally, my energy is finite. I will regularly and carefully curate my connections. The more inspiring my network, the more energy I gain and value I add.

Introverted founders can network effectively by applying their strengths, preparing well, prioritizing quality interactions, and managing their energy.

________________________________________

Special thanks to Judy Robinett who wrote 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙖 𝙋𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/judyrobinett/

*𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗲: Being a founder is always tough. Introverts tend to be more inwardly focused and recharge when alone. Entrepreneurship often requires an outward focus. This series sets out to surface being an introvert across selling, networking, leading, facing anxiety, and finding happiness. To be clear, there is a range of introverts, and extroverts also face many stressors. Hopefully, these posts offer something to everyone.

Our latest newsletter includes posts on Humanity & AI: The Value of Connection and Cybersecurity Leadership: https://bit.ly/4aIScLa   
To subscribe, go to https://bit.ly/3OHOXuK

𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲: 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗸 allows founders to reach the next level. Learn about leadership, growth, sales, finance, teams, and more to apply best practices immediately with 130+ self-contained articles. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BP9GVRPY

This post was written by me with AI editing. The picture is from Product School which can be found at https://productschool.com/