Networking for Introverts

7 Tips for Overcoming Anxiety & Making Great Use of Your Time

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People use networking events to find jobs and build referral networks. Unfortunately, if you are shy or introverted, you probably find these events to be uncomfortable experiences. There are suggestions from the corporate world that can assist in making networking effective for you.

As a healthcare professional, you may not have time to read tons of articles about networking tips; here are some just for you:

1. Get Deeply Involved - Instead of trying to go to a large number of events with different groups, get involved with one or two professional organizations and build strong ties with fellow members. The goal of networking is to get people to know you and think of you for opportunities. Solid relationships result in patient and job referrals.
2. Connect with People One-on-One - If you feel shy at an event, look for another person standing alone. Maybe he or she feels awkward like you. When you network through a professional organization, arrive early and stay late at their events. This approach also gives you time to know people and develop a relationship.
3. Practice Conversation Starters - When you approach someone, do not start the conversation with a yes or no question. Think about some open-ended questions that you can use to break the ice at an event. Practice the questions beforehand if you become very anxious meeting new people.
4. Mind Your Body Language - Visual impressions are important, so make sure body language conveys interest, not nervousness. Avoid crossing your arms and give eye contact when speaking to someone. Twirling your hair or any type of fidgeting makes you look uncomfortable.
5. Establish Relationships with Complementary People - In the business world, people create relationships with non-competitors in a similar field. For instance, a resume-writing firm teams up with a staffing company to exchange mutually beneficial leads. Apply this type of strategic thinking to healthcare. If you are a psychiatrist, cultivate a relationship with a primary care physician. Always make sure that any referral relationship never runs afoul of any anti-kickback laws.
6. Use Social Media - Once you make a great contact, make sure to connect on a site such as LinkedIn. You can send messages and like postings to stay in touch.
7. Follow Up is Key - Business owners must always follow up on leads to keep a relationship successful. The same principle applies to you. When someone tells you about a job opening, follow up quickly. If you receive an offer based on the referral, always send a thank you note. 

Make a Small Number of Great Contacts

One recent study found that hiring managers use networking to fill over 80% of job openings. Networking is a tool that helps you find unpublished professional opportunities. If you get overwhelmed in social situations, you probably are not going to networking events. The aforementioned ideas will help you feel more at ease in these situations.

You are not the only person who dreads networking. Focus on making one to two great contacts at each event. If you try to meet a lot of people, you will leave only a superficial impression. Creating a few strong relationships is a better use of your time.