In leadership and management, networking is a highly important skill. It helps us to connect with other people, exchange ideas, and even profit from our network connections. Nonetheless, networking does not come easy to all, especially considering the versatile personality types of introverts and extroverts. Knowing how your personality type affects your style of networking could make all the difference in building relationships and growing one’s professional network.

In this article, we will discuss the differences between introvert and extrovert personality types and we will give practical tips on how one can help both succeed in networking situations. Our goal is to make you think about which personality type you tend to be, and how you can effectively use it for improving your networking skills.

Most people’s choices for networking are influenced by their personality type: introverted or extroverted. The extroverted person gains energy from society and conversation; while the introverts normally get their energy in solitude and reflection. Few people are either only introverted or extroverted. Most people share elements of both personalities, depending on different times and in different contexts. The difference is on the balance and tendency towards a personality type. Understanding this aspect is very important when coming up with a networking strategy.

Stress with Large Groups

Large networking social events can be overwhelming for introverts. Discussion in large groups and high pressure for small talk can cause introvert to lose their energy immediately. Introverts are feeling extremely stressed and therefore cannot be engaged fully in such environments.

Preference for Deep Conversations

Introverts prefer to socialize in small groups, which allows them to engage themselves in longer and deeper conversations. For them, the typical large networking event seems unproductive and pointless. Introverts consider brief interactions on superficial topics useless and prefer not to start such engagement with others.

Fear of Being Overlooked in Large Settings

Introverts may be afraid of being overlooked in extremely social environments, such as large events. As they are more internally focused, they might fear that this can be misunderstood as a lack of interest or aloofness. They are afraid of missing the opportunity to connect with others.

Focus on Quality and Deeper Discussions

An introvert may not want to connect with everybody in the room and should look to make a few meaningful connections. This will focus their energy on discussion with quality. Selecting a few people whom they want to socialize with and investing time in deeper conversations rather than brief introductions or small talk.

Prepare Ahead of Time

Preparation may be the key for introverts to overcome their fear. Knowing who’s going to be at a networking event and looking for the right contacts in the crowd can be helpful for introverts. Introverts can also prepare some topics for discussion beforehand with these people. So they can start a deeper conversation with these people immediately. This will reduce the stress of introverts, about losing contact and not having any topic for discussion.

Utilize One-on-One Meetings

Introverts often prefer when only one or two other people are there. Consider setting up coffee meetings or lunches rather than relying on large networking events. These smaller group or one-on-one settings can help for deeper conversations and a more natural interaction style.

Leverage Virtual Networking

Introverts can network much more easily from their comfort zone on online platforms such as LinkedIn. Online engagement, sharing content, and sending direct messages are less stressful ways to establish connections and start discussions.

Energized by Social Interaction

In general, extroverts enjoy any social component of networking. Extroverts thrive in situations where they get a chance to meet new people and engage in group discussions. They will comfortably move from one conversation to another without knowing all the people personally. They show natural enthusiasm that may turn them into very good networkers.

Adaptable in Various Social Settings

Generally, extroverts are more comfortable adjusting to all types of social situations. The comfort level could be that of a large conference, a networking breakfast, or even a spontaneous conversation in one of the hallways. This flexibility enables them to take advantage of the networking opportunity at hand.

Building Broad Networks

Extroverts tend to create wider networks with a far span of contacts, but not in-depth connections. The wide networks could be useful in project management and leadership situations where such ability to have different contacts may mean access to different avenues of opportunities and resources.

Practice Active Listening

Although extroverts are good at starting conversations, sometimes they may have issues with listening. They need to exercise active listening. It can ensure that it’s a two-way mode: you are not just talking but hearing what others have to say, too. It can lead to deeper connections with the group of people.

Not Overextending Yourself

The wish of extroverts is to meet as many people as possible, resulting in a lot of superficial connections. It is better to focus on following up with key contacts made at the social event. Extroverts may select to deepen those relationships after the event rather than trying to connect with everybody.

Leverage Your Energy in Group Settings

Group settings are where extroverts thrive. Use your energy to engage others in group discussions, whether in a formal networking event or an informal meet-and-greet. By leading a conversation or facilitating introductions between others, you can establish yourself as a connector. Helping other people to connect will boost your networking reputation.

Set Goals for Your Networking

It does not mean that extroverts do not need a plan. Even the most outgoing among us need to have a way to achieve our networking goals. You must set explicit goals for your networking efforts on each occasion. This can be as simple as connecting with industry leaders or professionals in a specific field. With focus, you can make your networking efforts purposeful and productive for reaching your professional goals.

Collaboration between Introverts and Extroverts

Introverts and extroverts can help each other in networking settings. An extroverted leader could agree with an introverted member to balance their socializing. For example, the extrovert might start the conversation and introduce the introverted member to other people. Then the introvert can build the depth of the conversation and make deeper connections. This can bring about a wider and deeper network that capitalizes on the strengths of both kinds of personalities.

Appreciating Each Other’s Needs

Knowing the networking styles of the members in a setting can improve collaboration and provide a teamwork spirit. If the team members are encouraged to network in ways that fit their personalities, it could have stronger relations and better project results. Realize that every personality type has its strengths and enable an atmosphere where they could be used to the best of abilities.

Adapting to Virtual Environments

Introverts and extroverts need to adapt their networking style to the hybrid and virtual environment. A hybrid is the combination of virtual and physical contact with others. For example contact in social media and then meet the people physically in an event. This way of networking in a virtual setting may not be quite as intimidating for introverts as in-person networking. Extroverts will need to find other ways to get their energies up in virtual events. Focus on hybrid networking, which includes in-person and virtual contact, is a great way for anyone to stay connected.

You may consider yourself an extrovert or introvert, or even somewhere between. You have to test yourself in different settings and networking strategies. Getting to know yourself is key to getting you ready for a successful networking event.

To network effectively, you have to make it very specific to your personality. Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses in networking and adapt yourself based on the setting. The key is to be yourself and not to be stressed. Networking must flow naturally and you should enjoy it to be successful. But also you need to be thoughtful in networking strategies based on your personality and your goals.

Networking is not changing your personality to fit others, but to express naturally yourself and make connections with others. Matching your style of networking to your personality is a key leadership skill. Networking revolves around key relationships, which can make professional interactions more productive and satisfying.