4 Tips on Networking for Introverts

I never thought I would be writing a blog post on this topic. As an introvert, whenever I heard the word networking I would be filled with a sense of dread. To me, it meant having to put myself out there and interacting with people - which isn't a comfortable or easy thing for me to do. Despite all of that, I'm surprised as I feel like this is the biggest my network has ever been, and I have been able to get a majority of my jobs through referrals as a result of my network.

This is the advice I wish I had read before I really started progressing in my career. I’m going to help you learn how to build up a network on your own terms, in an introvert-friendly way. Let’s get started.

1) Build one-on-one relationships

For me, I'm a lot more open and comfortable interacting when it's one-on-one versus a larger group. If you can connect with one coworker at first, you can slowly branch out from there once you feel comfortable. Try and do the same with another coworker, then another. Repeat that process a few times and eventually you will have built up a solid rapport with a few people in your company. That's the start of building a network.

If I approach this as trying to be friendly, and getting to know the people I am working with, it manages to not even feel like networking to me. As an introvert, I don't usually initiate conversations unless I have to ask a question about work, so it feels like an approachable way to start a conversation when I can center it around work and then maybe branch out from there.

2) Have a mentor

Another way to build up a one-on-one relationship is through having a mentor. I joined the Developer Mentorship Program earlier this year, as a way to force myself to connect with somebody new and expand my network further.

I recommend signing up for it next year when applications open again. Not only is it low effort on your end to sign up, but it also removes the introvert's struggle of having to be the one to initiate and carry the conversation, since you can rely on your mentor to be doing that.

By the end of the mentorship not only will you have gained knowledge to help your career, but you also will have gained a new relationship to add to your circle of contacts.

3) Share your knowledge

This is something I'm still working on doing myself (this blog post being an example). It's difficult to put yourself out there for fear of being wrong, or giving bad advice. I find myself more likely to share my knowledge in the community when I feel confident in a solution or just generally feel good about what I'm sharing.

But by sharing your knowledge in the community, eventually it will resonate or help somebody out. Even better is if you get engagement on your content such as with comments or additional follow-up questions. That's another way to potentially meet others in this community outside of work.

Even if you end up saying something not totally correct, or if someone points out a better way to do it, you can learn and grow from that interaction and do better next time. This also shows the community that you’re willing to learn and become a better contributor over time, and people take notice of things like this.

And from there, you can circle back to the first point of building a one-on-one relationship with the person engaging with your content.

4) Attach yourself to an extrovert, if possible

So this is the easiest way to build up a network - if you're able to do this. Shout out to Earl and Gabi for being those people to me. They both have helped push me forward out of my comfort zone and have introduced me into their circles of people. 

However, this is a privileged take and really comes down to luck, so I wouldn't focus too hard on this. I feel like I couldn't just not mention this since most of my success networking has come from this.

But it's good to keep in mind as one potential way to build up a network. Be sure to always try your hardest and put your best work forward. You never know if, some years down the line, that old coworker of yours ends up wanting you to work on her new team or if your old manager offers you another job at their new place because of your past together. Always try your best, learn from your mistakes and be a positive presence on your team.

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Networking can be intimidating as an introvert, but it doesn't have to be. If you're like me, try building up a network by focusing on a single relationship and going from there. You could surprise yourself when you notice how many people you end up connecting with.

I hope this advice helps you out, and if you like you can reach out to me on the SNDevs community, my username is @Jesalyn.

I will gladly be that first person in your network! 😊