Inspired by our Annual Professional Presentation Week (February 12 – February 16, 2024), the CSE Team has created a blog series to highlight important topics related to the various aspects of professional presentation. These will be published throughout the month of February (because one week just isn’t enough!), so stay tuned for more awesome Professional Presentation Content.
In preparation for our famous CSE Small Talk Challenge on Wednesday, February 14, Victoria Tran, Coordinator, Career Strategies and Engagement, shares her small talk and networking tips that are especially impactful for introverts!
About Professional Presentation Week: Featuring several events and challenges related to various aspects of professional presentation, including: Professional Attire, Body Language, Interview Preparation, Online Presence, Networking Tips, The Video Interview, Small Talk Challenge, Personal Branding, and more!
About the CSE Small Talk Challenge: Stop by the World Court anytime between 11 am and 2 pm on February 14 to take the challenge and spin the CSE Wheel of Wonders to win awesome prizes!
In-Person Networking and Small Talk Tips for Introverts
During your time at the business school, you’re probably constantly hearing about the importance of networking and putting yourself out there. And yes, networking is a crucial skill in meeting your academic and professional goals. But truthfully, it is much easier for some of us than others.
Some students might find small talk forced and uncomfortable, and feel overstimulated at large events. If you can relate to this, here are three strategies to help you push yourself out of your comfort zone without feeling overwhelmed at the next networking opportunity:
Set Tangible, Realistic Goals
It’s easy to forget that networking events aren’t purely transactional, especially when you’re a student looking for your next employment opportunity. Chances are, you aren’t going to get an internship or job after attending your next networking event. These opportunities are obtained by connecting with others in a meaningful way and building strong relationships over time.
It might be more helpful to frame networking opportunities as a place where you can hone and develop your skills, or a chance to learn something new. In order to do that, you need to understand what your goal is and how you will achieve it.
Let’s say that your plan is to level up your small talk game and expand your social network. How are you going to do that? Your action steps might be to initiate a conversation with three other event attendees. Maybe you take it a step further and try to find common ground with another attendee that you’re interested in connecting with. You might even plan to follow up with someone through LinkedIn or email.
The most important thing to remember is to set a goal, and think of small and tangible ways you can accomplish it!
Play to Your Strengths
People with introverted tendencies are not necessarily awkward, anti-social, or shy. Their inclination is to listen, rather than to speak, and that can actually be a great asset. Do some research before going to your next networking opportunity. Find out who will be there, what they do, and what their passions are. Asking good questions is a great way to show someone that you are interested in them.
However, remember that this isn’t an interview. It’s a dialogue, and the other individual is interested in learning more about you too. Doing research helps you find common ground beforehand, and prepare talking points and insights to share.
It might be a good idea to write to attendees you’re interested in connecting with beforehand. Send them a message through LinkedIn or email, introducing yourself, and letting them know that you look forward to seeing them at the upcoming event.
Look Approachable
Imagine that you have entered a room full of people, and there isn’t a single person you know. You navigate through the crowd to try and find someone friendly looking enough to introduce yourself to. Likely, there are other attendees experiencing the same issue.
First impressions are important, and it can start with the way you are dressed. Make sure your outfit is appropriate for the event, and that it is something you feel both comfortable and confident in. Read Rachel Wasdyke’s blog on “What Every Business School Student Should Have in Their Closet: How to Build and Style a Professional Wardrobe” for more information on professional clothing.
Other ways to look warm and approachable is to make eye contact and smile. Don’t forget to also check your posture. Slouching, hunching, and crossing your arms can make you appear tense or indifferent. Instead, try sitting or standing up straight, with your arms relaxed in front of you or by your side.
Avoid Using Your Electronic Devices
Another tip is to avoid using your phone or personal device while at a networking event, as tempting as it may be. You might be unintentionally telling others that you’re busy or uninterested. Instead, take that call in a neutral area before returning to the event space. And if there really isn’t anyone you need to be calling anyways, think of taking a 5 minute walk, or grabbing a refreshment while you reset. Then, take that leap of faith, walk up to the most friendly looking person you can find, and give them a warm greeting!
Networking is all about practice, practice, practice. You might never come to love it, but at least it’ll get easier with time. For more resources, check out LinkedIn’s “How can you network effectively as an introvert?” article and Vault’s “Networking Strategies for Introverts”.
