The Introvert’s Guide to Better Business Networking

Here are some additional, creative networking tips sourced from my friends on Facebook:

• Bring an extroverted friend with you to a networking opportunity to help keep the conversations rolling.
• Go outside your comfort zone at least once a day.
• Be a connector. Take someone you are comfortable with and make an introduction for them to someone you think they would connect well with. Build your network with people you already know.
• Get to events early. As people arrive, they’re approachable before they get into their own groups.
• Lose the fear that you’re going to make a bad impression. Everyone has the same fear. Just show genuine respect and interest in the other person, and you’re 99% of the way there.
• Approach a new experience with the intention of offering assistance to help someone else. For people uncomfortable in a new social situation, it helps to draw your attention away from your uneasiness and allows you to refocus your attention on someone else. Think how happy and flattered that person will be to get your offer of assistance.
• Introverts often crave deeper connection than just small talk. Look for opportunities to move from surface-level small talk to more meaningful conversation. Ask thoughtful questions beyond “What do you do?”. Pick up on little things in a conversation that you can turn into something meaningful, deep or valuable.
• Write letters or personal hand-written notes. Too few people still do it and it stands out. It can be easier for someone to reach out, ask for help, and get a pre-meditated point across in writing. Besides, you can reach almost anyone. And, if you’re an extrovert, seek out introverts and engage them in the networking process.

What did I miss? What are your best networking tips? Let me know in the comments section below.

This article has been edited and condensed.

Ryan Estis helps progressive companies embrace change, attack opportunity and achieve breakthrough performance. Delivering more than 75 live events annually, Ryan provides high-impact keynote presentations and professional development in partnership with the world’s best brands. This article originally appeared at the author’s blog. Connect with @ryanestis on Twitter.