Hi PM Community - Networking is an important skill in today's world. If one is an introvert it can be rather challenging. I would like know if you have some tips that might help introverts become better at building new connections. Saving Changes...
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RAJESH K LProject Manager, PMP| Bharat Electronics, Bengaluru, IndiaBengaluru, Karnataka, India
The core of this topic/discussion is based on premise that introverts are poor in networking skills.
In my view, an introvert can be reasonably good in networking, but he may not share / discuss with others. Discussion is more restricted to select topics/areas.
I have seen / come across individuals who are intorverts but with very good analytical / reasoning capabilities. Saving Changes...
Amit SharmaProject Manager| IT MajorDelhi, Delhi, India
You may need to change any simple interaction into a targeted conversation by which you can make a relationship and expand your network. Saving Changes...
Dinah YoungProject Manager / Software Asset Manager| Prince William CountySpringfield, Va, United States
I am also an introvert.
I am best one-on-one so every time I meet someone new, I try to begin the networking process. Learn about them, share about myself, etc.
It helps if you can find a partner for networking if you are going to try to go to a meeting or seminar. Initially you may just follow them around but as you get more comfortable, you will find yourself talking to people on your own.
I also make sure to get people's name and where they work as soon as possible and make a note. That way, I can connect with them later on LinkedIn and continue networking with them.
For some of us, talking to people and networking does not come easy. Just keep trying and practicing though. You will eventually become more comfortable with it.
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1 reply by Srikana Ray
Jan 17, 2019 3:32 AM
Srikana Ray
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Hi Dinah - Thanks for your insights.
I am good at both one-on-one as well as meetings and relatively large audience since I have hosted contests and conferences. If find it difficult to make connections specially at the work place. I feel in today's world networking often means talking to everyone and to engage in discussions which might not be interesting or enlightening in any way.
Saving Changes...
Carl Elden-FordSenior Project Manager ChPP| FISUnited Kingdom
Fake it 'till you make it.
Try pretending to be an extrovert, to give you confidence. Then focus on finding out about them, ask questions and smile :)
good luck!
Carl Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Think developing your emotional intelligence is important as prerequisite for successfully building your network (when actually will you be successful in that?). Empathy and active listening, being curious about other people is core here. Pursue diversity. Consider the rule of thumb that you are as good as the average of the 5 people you interact most. Saving Changes...
I am best one-on-one so every time I meet someone new, I try to begin the networking process. Learn about them, share about myself, etc.
It helps if you can find a partner for networking if you are going to try to go to a meeting or seminar. Initially you may just follow them around but as you get more comfortable, you will find yourself talking to people on your own.
I also make sure to get people's name and where they work as soon as possible and make a note. That way, I can connect with them later on LinkedIn and continue networking with them.
For some of us, talking to people and networking does not come easy. Just keep trying and practicing though. You will eventually become more comfortable with it.
Hi Dinah - Thanks for your insights.
I am good at both one-on-one as well as meetings and relatively large audience since I have hosted contests and conferences. If find it difficult to make connections specially at the work place. I feel in today's world networking often means talking to everyone and to engage in discussions which might not be interesting or enlightening in any way.
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1 reply by Dinah Young
Jan 17, 2019 8:18 AM
Dinah Young
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To me networking is about establishing a connection with a person. There may be absolutely no benefit immediately, but in the future you or they may come across something that is beneficial.
For example, I talk the "Joe" one day. He starts to tell me how he is working on a project using a technology to derive statistics, etc. At this time, there is no benefit to me of this knowledge. I save his information anyways. Six months past and I meet someone else who is looking for someone to help them with the same technology to derive statistics. I remember "Joe" and contact him to see if he can help.
So for me networking is about meeting people, finding out their interests and strengths and remembering for future reference. You never know where life is going to take you.
Saving Changes...
Dinah YoungProject Manager / Software Asset Manager| Prince William CountySpringfield, Va, United States
Jan 17, 2019 3:32 AM
Replying to Srikana Ray
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Hi Dinah - Thanks for your insights.
I am good at both one-on-one as well as meetings and relatively large audience since I have hosted contests and conferences. If find it difficult to make connections specially at the work place. I feel in today's world networking often means talking to everyone and to engage in discussions which might not be interesting or enlightening in any way.
To me networking is about establishing a connection with a person. There may be absolutely no benefit immediately, but in the future you or they may come across something that is beneficial.
For example, I talk the "Joe" one day. He starts to tell me how he is working on a project using a technology to derive statistics, etc. At this time, there is no benefit to me of this knowledge. I save his information anyways. Six months past and I meet someone else who is looking for someone to help them with the same technology to derive statistics. I remember "Joe" and contact him to see if he can help.
So for me networking is about meeting people, finding out their interests and strengths and remembering for future reference. You never know where life is going to take you. Saving Changes...
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