But what if you are an introvert, and the thought of attending a live event fills you with dread?

The good news is that networking events have evolved considerably over the years and nowadays are not the stuffy, corporate, and oversalesy events they once were; instead, they come in all shapes and sizes and cater to all types of personalities, interests, and industries.

With this in mind, here are 3 networking tips for introverts to consider.

1. Choose a suitable event

Firstly, you’ll want to be clear about the type of event you want to attend and what your goals are for attending, i.e., what you want to get out of it, such as forming new contacts, learning something new, or building relationships. Not all events will be suitable for you or aligned with your goals, industry, or role. Some may be too far away or outside your budget. So take time to consider what you want to get out of it and also what you can bring to the event. Consider how your knowledge, experience, and talent can help other attendees. When you view an event from a two-way perspective, it becomes less daunting.

If you are worried about going on your own, it’s worth bearing in mind that in this day and age, event organizers and marketers are more conscious of solo attendees, so make an effort to make them feel welcome and part of the event. They may team you up with other solo attendees, sit you with other solo attendees, or suggest sessions that are specifically networking-friendly. Likewise, pre-event, they may send you a curated list of people you might like to connect with based on industry, shared interests, etc., which can help get the conversation started.

At the end of the day, good event organizers want their event to be a success; they want you to go away feeling like you’ve had an enjoyable and productive experience and will be back for more, so they will do everything they can to help make you feel included. If you are not sure if the event is suitable for you, get in touch with the organizer and ask questions beforehand to put your mind at rest.

2. Be prepared

To mitigate the risk of arriving late or not knowing where you’re supposed to be or the timing and location of the session you want to attend, go over the event timetable in advance so you know when and where to be at any specific time during the event. If you are traveling somewhere you’ve never been before, give yourself plenty of time to arrive and allow for contingencies such as late trains, planes, etc., because these things can put you on an immediate back foot and impact your mood (and confidence).

If you know other people who are attending the event, arrange to meet them pre-event for a coffee and catch up, or, if they are in the same area as you, you could arrange to travel to the event together. Attending an event with other familiar faces can be a nice way to ease into it.

It might be that the event is linked to a Facebook or LinkedIn business group or online community where you can network online, both pre-event to warm up and get to know people, and post-event to form part of your follow-up.

Another thing you can do is prepare a short, friendly personal intro to have on hand that introduces who you are and what you do when you meet new people. It can even be something fun or a way just to say ‘I’m new here’. Don’t overthink it; it’s just something to spark a conversation that doesn’t sound scripted or awkward. 

You could even prep a few questions or have interesting topics to talk about. While you don’t want to force a conversation on anyone, it’s good to remember that people attend networking events to connect with others, and while they might not look approachable, it may be that they are feeling awkward too and would love to speak with someone like you. You’ll find that once you start speaking to one person, you’ll gain confidence to speak to more.

3. Consider hosting your own event

This may sound counterintuitive, but if you are an introvert, you’ll know firsthand what it feels like at live events, so you’d be in a great position to help other fellow introverts with an introvert-friendly event. You’ll know what ‘icebreakers’ can be an instant put off for introverts, and the type of event they would prefer.

An event doesn’t have to be a grand affair either; it could be a cozy local meetup or cover something specific, such as a workshop on networking tips for introverts or a co-working session. By hosting your own event, you are transforming something that once could have held you back into something that propels you forward.

And when it comes to managing your event, EventSchedule is the perfect tool for managing calendars, ticket sales, QR check-ins, AI-powered tools, translations, and team collaboration all from one platform. You can also integrate it with Invoice Ninja, a free, leading invoicing software, to offer a wide range of payment options. Check it out here, and try Invoice Ninja for free here.

You’ve got this!

1. Build relationships and help others

Networking isn’t just about turning up at conferences and industry events and handing out your business card (real or virtual) to everyone you meet (although, of course, you can do that).

It’s about building genuine relationships with others, expanding your contact list and professional network, and finding out what’s going on in your industry or niche.

It’s also about helping your contacts and business colleagues where you can. For example, if they are facing issues, is there something you can do to help them? This doesn’t necessarily mean pitching your services at every opportunity but can include referring others, suggesting how a different approach might help, or simply sharing your experience when you faced a similar problem.

Networking can be a rewarding way to share your challenges, get help and make business friends.

Networking is not just about you – it’s a two-way street.

2. Network both in-person and online

While in-person networking is powerful, you don’t have to turn up at every industry event and network face-to-face; you can also network online.

You can network in online business groups and forums, Facebook business groups, X Spaces, LinkedIn business groups and much more. You can also join in online meetings and workshops, attend virtual events, and have group calls on Skype, Zoom, and Google Meet, to name just a few.

And don’t dismiss the power of sending a follow-up email to business colleagues you’ve met recently or catching up with members of your network via a virtual coffee. You can uncover valuable business opportunities this way.

3. Leverage current relationships

You don’t need a ‘go big or go home’ approach to networking.

You can start networking and getting your message out there by starting small via friends and family. Let them know you are open to work and looking for clients and contacts, the type of work you do, who you help, etc. This pathway is often overlooked by those new to freelancing, but getting the word out there via friends and family can have a ripple effect.

Likewise, contacting previous employers or clients you’ve worked with and asking them if they know anyone who might need your help or services is a great way to nurture relationships and keep you top of mind.

4. Consider co-working

If you work remotely and feel isolated, consider using co-working spaces in your area. Here, you are likely to meet like-minded people who are also freelancing, and it can be another great way to network and make connections while pursuing your craft. These interactions and relationship-building activities could lead to other social and industry events.

Another great thing about networking with people you work alongside is that they will get to know your work and can vouch for you when referring you to others.

5. Ask for referrals

Referrals are a great way to get more good clients. If you’ve enjoyed working with a client, at the end of the project (as well as asking for a client testimonial), ask if they know anyone else who might benefit from working with you. If they are happy with your work, they will, most likely, gladly refer you to others in their network.

You could even add a note to your final invoice to them. And if you’re looking for free invoice software that includes professionally designed invoices, multiple payment gateways, client-side portals, quotes, recurring invoices, time and task tracking and lots more to ensure you get paid quickly and as hassle-free as possible, try Invoice Ninja out for free here.

6. Be prepared and listen

As mentioned earlier, networking is a two-way street, so it pays to be prepared before you attend a specific event. Know what your intention is and your aims, and also be ready to help others too.

So, as well as having a short elevator speech or a concise line or two prepared that adequately describes who you are, what you do and who you help – take time to actively listen to others and understand where they are coming from.

People love to be heard and can tell when people genuinely listen – listen to understand instead of listening to respond. This will set you apart from others, and you’ll become known as a valued member of your network.

There is a saying that your network is your net worth. If you bear this in mind, it will go a long way toward building long-lasting, mutually beneficial business relationships and, in turn, boost your business.

Happy networking!