It will be difficult to reach your career and life goals if you do it all by yourself. It takes several heads from various circles to contribute to achieving these goals. This is where the role of network connections is needed in your life. However, for introvert people, just getting acquainted with strangers makes them lazy, let alone having to communicate to build connections. People who have an introverted personality, especially when added to their shy nature, are sometimes labeled as people who don’t like to hang out with new people and make connections. But don’t worry, if you’re an introvert, that doesn’t mean you’ll have a hard time making connections.
Here are ways you can use to establish a connection:
Follow your instincts, be yourself
Humans are social creatures who need each other. According to experts, humans are not naturally shy, but there is something that happens to these humans who do not want to open up about it. Sometimes, even for introverted people, when he hears that introverts are inseparable from the word ‘alone’, their instinct as social beings will encourage that person to occasionally come out of their introverted nature.
Also, don’t forget to be yourself. Sometimes, introverts think that they have to act like extroverts to build connections. Being yourself is the best, be yourself who is not explosive but sincere and humble in building connections. In other words, it’s okay to be a little awkward, just don’t keep apologizing for your awkwardness.
Smile
This seems trivial, maybe people don’t even think about it anymore. Sometimes at an event, you’re so busy thinking about how to start the conversation that you forget you’re walking around with a frown on your face. Serious faces, sullen, and angry are things that look scary. People will be happier to meet people who smile while saying simple words such as good morning, happy eating, and so on.
Start small and don’t miss the chance to say hello
If you feel too intimidated to meet people you don’t know, start building connections with people you do know, such as relatives or friends. Building connections doesn’t always have to start with people you don’t know at all. Another fairly easy tip is to build connections with your friends during school or college. Selma mater friends are the golden target for making connections. So, don’t be afraid to get back in touch with your friends while you’re still studying, who knows they may become part of your network of connections and can work with you.
If you are also shy, attend events that are in line with your interests. With this, you can build a connection by expressing what you are interested in at the event. Building connections isn’t about finding common ground, it’s about how you express your interests. If there’s someone at the event you don’t know who wants to meet you, take the invitation. If you are in a “networking” session, ask the event organizer to help you introduce yourself.
Or maybe, take your friends to the event, and ask your friends to introduce you. Being introduced is easier than suddenly coming to strangers. What if no one introduces you? Take a deep breath and strengthen your confidence. It’s always better to try than to pass up the opportunity.
Once you know the person’s name, call the person by their nickname. Experts argue that people prefer to hear their names. So, in communicating, don’t forget to mention the person’s name. Doing something like this will make the other person more comfortable, and feel like you and the other person already know each other.
Stop apologizing
People who are introverted and socially awkward sometimes apologize a lot because according to them, making connections and chatting with strangers is something that annoys other people (because they often feel annoyed when they are reprimanded by strangers). Making connections is one part of building relationships. If you keep apologizing, it shows that you lack professionalism and lack of confidence. Don’t keep apologizing if you ask your connections for help or advice. It could be that in the future, it is your connection that needs you.
Establish two-way communication
It’s much better to have two-way communication than having someone else lead the communication and you react passively. If you are not confident with spontaneity, here are some tips you can do:
- Prepare what you will talk about as an opening communication. Also prepare answers that other people might ask, for example, what is your job, what are your interests, and so on.
- Try to write down your questions first. For the opening stage, your questions don’t always have to be too difficult to answer, for example:
“What attracted you to this field?”
“What is your hobby?”
“What do you dream of in your future career?”
The questions above may sound very often asked, but they can be a good start in opening communication.
Be a good listener
Introverts are usually good listeners. Being a good listener is not an asset to stand out in public. However, this skill can leave a very strong impression on people when communicating. Listening in detail and asking questions that are difficult for the person to answer can help you build meaningful connections.
Don’t forget to give compliments
Every human being would feel happy when he heard something good said by others to him. Give compliments to your interlocutor. But keep in mind, make sure that you compliment the other person and don’t over-praise. Think first, if you think there is no need to offer praise, then there is no need to force praise.