Want to do well at work? 6 networking tips for an introvert

Introverts, superficially speaking, are those who internalize their emotions, and so often end up being called shy or antisocial, which is not always the case. There are introvert people who have no problem making new friends or public speaking, for example, which are two typical difficulties of being shy.

In fact, a person may take a long time to discover that he or she is an introvert. She usually has more moderate social behaviors, is the kind that thinks long before she speaks and often feels the need to be alone, which is when she feels most creative and free. Not only that, they are people who don't always feel comfortable when they need to meet new people or attend work-related events.

Time magazine has published a series of tips for anyone who is an introvert and has difficulty establishing connections with people in his or her networks of interest, which is critical to creating a functioning network of contacts - good old networking . Check out:

1 - It is essential to pay attention to what is said

The author of the text, Mickey Gast, uses her own personal experience as an example. She explains that she considers herself an introvert, who is terrified of meeting new people, and who appreciates the time she spends alone. Still, Gast makes it clear that the psychological effect of the word "introvert" can get in the way, because the introvert sometimes clings to the shy, antisocial definition of the term and ends up sabotaging himself.

“The reality is that I can be shy, and I can also become better at meeting new people. Being good at networking is a skill that can be trained. It's not who I am, but what I do that matters most, ”she explains. So, in that sense, the tip is to pay more attention to the labels we give ourselves - some, besides not being true, may carry a negative connotation.

2 - Leave negativity aside

When you have an unpleasant situation, your body reacts to it in a variety of ways, and you may feel sick, dizzy, irritable, anxious, or have a stomach ache just to name a few symptoms. For introverts, meeting new people can be seen as an unpleasant situation, which can lead to the reactions just mentioned.

These negative reactions are motivated by our brain's defense system, which puts us on alert when we realize that we are in danger. Meeting other people, however, is rarely synonymous with danger, so you always have to imagine the positive things about establishing new networks. Focusing on the negative will only make the situation worse.

3 - Shoot, obstacles!

For many introverts, social events can be seen as the worst case scenario. The fears are diverse: saying something stupid, not being able to talk right with anyone, being seen as the forever alone party, stuttering, talking inconvenient things and so on. For each head, there are always the most different caraminolas.

To avoid waking up these inner demons, Gast advises us to change our focus. We already know what the possible obstacles are, right? So the way is to keep them in our minds and learn to value the possible strengths of meeting new people with personal interests similar to ours. In a paper, answer these questions: What is the best thing that can happen if you build courage and attend such an event? What opportunities can this bring you? What kind of new connections can you make?

4 - Find out what is in common between you and others

Let's say you're a dentist and you're in a dental congress. Congresses are occasions you detest. The good news is that you are probably not the only person thinking this way - other dentists are also likely to feel bored, withdrawn and insecure at this event.

This lack of security is probably just one of the other things you and this other dentist have in common. The truth is that our brains are happy with life when it recognizes a person with whom we have something in common, so the tip here is to try to make contact with those who look like you - in this sense, it is worth investigating (not stalkear, of course). what people will be at the event. This preparation greatly reduces anxiety.

5 - Use your intuition to your advantage

Do you know when you feel that something wrong is going to happen and, in the end, Zica really does happen? According to Gast, it is possible to reverse this situation. She explains that new studies suggest that people who think they will be well accepted in new groups often tend to act so that, in the end, that's what happens.

The key to getting new people to like you is to be nervous and warmer - that alone is enough for others to have a positive impression of you. The tip is to think of the event as a success, an opportunity for you to make new connections with interesting people.

6 - New attitudes are like new shoes

Gast tells us that when a person wears a new pair of shoes, it is likely that the shoes are not that comfortable. Fortunately, the more you wear new sneakers, the more it fits the mold of your foot and the more comfortable it gets. The same goes for new attitudes. At first, talking to an unfamiliar person may seem like torture, but then that feeling goes on and, believe me, it is possible that one day you may find it natural to talk to different people.

The key here is patience and not expecting a drastic change that happens overnight. Behavioral changes take time to solidify, and with an introvert this would be no different. Each day, try to do something new, challenging for you. Over time, your behavior tends to get much better.

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Are you having trouble meeting new people or are you the type that becomes a stranger's best friend in seconds? Share your experience with us in the comments!