HOW TO NETWORK AS AN INTROVERT

Networking can be intimidating.

Whether it’s going to in-person meetups, conferences, or even direct messaging people online, it’s hard to put yourself out there only to get ghosted or rejected.

It seems that only extroverts can succeed at networking.

But that’s the thing, you don’t need to be an extrovert to build a network.

I’m patient zero. Surprisingly enough, I’m a huge introvert, and honestly that’s part of the reason why I’m anonymous in the first place.

You can build a network using baby steps before we start to really put ourselves out there and meeting people in person.

The key is to have some sort of “warm” relationship by the time we contact the person. This will increase our chances of a successful introduction in person, or a successful response online.

I’ve used this on LinkedIn to meet peers within the industry as well as some new clients over the years.

I’ve used this on X to meet more peers within the industry to learn & bounce new ideas off each other.

And no - we are not going to ask to pick someone’s brain 😂

So let’s get into it. Here’s a basic blueprint as to how I built my network as an introvert 👇:

1: Make a target list

Networking can be mentally exhausting for introverts, so we want to make sure when we do shoot our shot, we preserve as much energy as possible and make them count.

For this step, you’re going to put in your recruiting and sales development hat on for a second.

Put together a list of 20 people you really want to network with, whether it’s via LinkedIn or X. Once you do this, add them onto a google doc or some other way to track them.

Now out of that 20, pick five.

This is where we’ll start.

2: Replies and Comments

Before we yeet into the DMs or walk into conferences in cold turkey, we’re going to focus on making our introductions a little “warmer”.

By “warmer”, we want to intend on making ourselves a little more recognizable. This way, by the time we do introduce ourselves in person or online, they at least recognize our face/name.

It’s import to note this is about the long game. So if you’re planning on going to a conference in a few weeks, you’re going to want to start doing this today.

So take that target list from above, and go onto their socials. Start looking through their posts, and start commenting on them. If they’re not posting, look through their replies, and do the same thing.

The key is to actually reply with something insightful. Especially now that people are using AI to comment these days, only the truly thoughtful & insightful comments will stand out.

Make them think. Challenge them. Agree with them and elaborate why. Do this overtime, then they’ll begin to notice you.

3: Let’s hit the DMs

After commenting and replying for some time, it’ll likely end up in one of two ways.

If they’re starting to reply to you, then you’ve won. You can confidently start to slide into their Dms and take the conversation there. Don’t stop commenting their posts though, you still want to help push their engagement levels online.

If they haven’t replied to you, you can try to hit their DMs this way. Instead of commenting with something insightful, you can hit their DMs with your reply. Ideally you also supplement that reply with an interesting article, or another piece of content that relates to the topic at hand.

This will show you’ve done your research and commitment level to networking, and you’re not just some random bozo asking to pick their brain.

4: What do I actually message them?

Let’s piggy back off point #3 because I can already anticipate everyone asking “what do I message them?”

I have a bunch of templates & scripts to use based off the scenario and title of the target in my job seeker’s ebook which you can find at the bottom of this email.

Long story short - you’re reaching out to this person for a reason. You’re replying to their content for a reason. Tell them why.

Here’s a simple framework to use.

• Share what you learned. Whether it’s relating to the content or the target you’re looking to engage with, or the company they worked at, etc. Make sure this is actually insightful.

• Flatter them. Why are you engaging them and not someone else with a similar background

• Low Effort CTA (call to action). Could ask them a question on their content or their insight onto something

5: Mastering the CTA

Piggy backing off the CTA point from above.

We have two options here:

Option A: Continue the conversation. Personally this is what I do. I prefer to build a warmer and stronger relationship before asking for something in return. While this may take longer, it provides a higher hit ratio. If you have time and can play the long game, I’d consider this option

Option B: Use your CTA to ask for something. If we’re going this route, we better make damn sure the rest of our message is on point. I go this route if I have a more immediate timeline with my intent.

TL;DR

You don’t need to be a people person to start networking.

Introverts - like me - do it all the time and make a good living doing it!

Let’s just conserve our energy, and focus on the right people with more targeted intent.

• Make a target list

• Start in the replies and comments

• Once warm, hit the DMs

• Craft a compelling message

• Master your CTA

If you’re looking for some help on how to network, or anything else related to your job search, let’s hop on a call 🤝

If you’re looking for a quick guide on how to network, messaging templates to use (scripts for each type of person you’re reaching out to), and an overall guide to your job search, you can check out my ebook which is still on sale for only $9.99.