Networking Advice for Shy People

“While networking is often the most important step in the job search process resulting in the most jobs, students often resist networking because they are afraid of the process or shy,” says Lynne Sarikas, director of the MBA career center at Northeastern University’s College of Business Administration. Here are some important steps she suggests:

To network successfully you need to develop and nurture an interest in other people. In any life situation you are always meeting new people. You need to learn to initiate and stimulate meaningful conversation to learn more about them. Most people like talking about themselves when given the opportunity. Using that interaction to gather relevant information and then following up takes that interaction to the next level.

Students should identify areas of interest and passion and then identify appropriate meetings or events to attend which relate to that passion. Starting in a room with a shared passion or interest makes initial conversations much easier.

Students also need to learn not to apologize for networking. You are interested in learning more about the person and you are an interesting person for them to know. Demonstrate your interest by asking specific questions. Take notes where appropriate and always follow-up with a thank you and next steps.

Networking is not limited to job search - it is a lifelong skill and activity that we should all be practicing. Focus on how you can add value to the networking relationship. Keep you network informed about your progress.

For those who are really shy or very reluctant to network, start with the low hanging fruit. Talk to relatives, friends, neighbors. Expand slowly through your church, your social groups, your non-profit connections, your classmates, former colleagues, etc. People you know need to know you are looking and how they can help by connecting you to other relevant contacts. You can do a significant amount of valuable networking without ever having to make a cold call. This builds the network and builds confidence in the student. Hopefully once they get comfortable with the process they can expand their focus.

Take risks - don't be afraid to talk to the person next to you at a banquet or on an airplane. They may be feeling as uncomfortable as you are and will appreciate you breaking the ice. They just might be a fabulous contact for you or know the right person for you to talk to.

While we interact with others all the day in the course of our daily lives, I don't consider that networking. I prefer to think of networking a more strategic, focused activity and it is the follow-up that distinguishes it from casual social interaction.