Networking is a hot trend in business these days. For extroverts, it’s such a blessing. They are rewarded by what they enjoy: Talking to new people, growing their circle of contacts and making friends. Socializing is done by instinct.
For introverts, it’s a skill. They have to work on it everyday. The “fake it until you make it” is an everyday feed for them.
Ironic is that sometimes introverts are better at networking than extroverts. The fact is, although you may be a happy extrovert enjoying speaking to people and socializing, business networking is a skill. If you don’t really work on it, you’re just wasting your energy.
We really need a good network for a higher work and life standard. No matter if you are an introvert or extrovert, or are in business and law, or in technology and engineering. You need a network!
There are many articles and videos telling you that you “must” go into unwanted meetings or call people you don’t like, just to network.
But the fun fact is that you don’t necessarily need a huge network, nor a network including different new people.
There is no unique formula for everyone. Some can make friends with the old lady at the grocery store, or the young soccer player at their child’s soccer lesson, or the investor at the investor company.
While some have just one friend from high school.
Some studies show that having deep connections with old friends or coworkers, or going back to those who you used to have a relationship with, can be even more effective than making new connections at business.
Just following the business trends may lead you to frustration and anxiety. Trends are not tailormade for you. Find your own way of networking, and go for it.