BNI - How Introverts can be Better Networkers

Follow these tips to help break the ice in social situations and get on your way to forging lasting business relationships. By Dr Ivan Misner, Founder & Chairman of BNI  A common assumption that isn't necessarily true is that an extroverted "people person" is the best type of networker. While an extroverted person might be better at meeting new people, someone who's more introverted can be better at the second part of business networking -- communicating his or her ideas and forming meaningful relationships. In my experience, introverted people tend to be better listeners and ask more questions, which are essential factors for getting to know a person and his or her business. But far too often, introverts eliminate themselves from the benefits that come from networking and relationship-building because they aren't comfortable initialising conversations. Consider me, for example. One evening during a dinner conversation with my wife I mentioned something about my being an extrovert. She looked at me and said, "Um, honey, I hate to break it to you but, you're an introvert." An introvert? A networker like me? I laughed, but she insisted I was, and she outlined all the ways I have introverted tendencies. So, I went online and took a personality test. It determined I am a "situational extrovert," that I am a loner who is reserved around strangers but outgoing in the right context. It struck me then that I started the BNI networking organisation almost three decades ago because I was naturally uncomfortable meeting new people.  I found that the smaller, more intimate approaches to building a network enabled me to meet people in an organised, structured networking environment that did not require that I actually "talk to strangers." While there are numerous techniques that can help make networking easier for introverts, here are three that can get you meeting new people now and building valuable relationships for the long haul:  continued