How to Network Using Your Personality

How to Network Using Your PersonalityHow to Network Using Your Personality4Does the thought of stereotypical networking- mingling with large groups of people for cocktails and casual chitchat- make you cringe? If so, you have plenty of company. Some people who consider themselves introverts may avoid small talk because they feel drained by it rather than energized. Others may simply prefer networking in smaller groups, or getting to know people in mora creative ways than at the average conference schmooze-fest. Knowing how to network for your personality is key to being successful.Your personality can hold the keys to the most effective- and enjoyable- ways for you to network. Theres no need to be pigeonholed into traditional networking forums when different tactics might work better for you.Here are some innovative strategies to explore how to network based on your personality1. Try a professional networking dinner.If eating rubber chicken at a conference while attempting to hobnob with your neighbors leaves you cold, why not give a professional networking dinner a try? Many industries and organizations host dinners designed to make meeting and greeting a little more enjoyable.These gatherings are a little more intimate than networking in a giant conference hall, and may give you a chance to talk more in depth with one or two people while enjoying a delicious meal.2. Join a focus group.Attending large events doesnt appeal to everyone, partly because the venue may not lend itself to meeting people very easily. If you find you must attend one but feel uncomfortable starting conversations with strangers, then its smart to join a focus group or event in a smaller meeting room that is designed with networking in mind.For example, if you have the choice between sitting in a dark room watching a speaker review PowerPoint slides or participating in an interactive group discussion where a facilitator ensures that people talk to each other, choose the latter.3. Work soc ial media.For all the nuisances of social media, having the ability to easily connect with others online is a true gift to personalities who prefer to remain behind the scenes but dont want to be isolated. Through sites like LinkedIn and Twitter, you can identify people whose professional and personal interests match yours, greasing the wheels for conversation either virtually or in person.Make the most of this resource by joining professional groups on LinkedIn and participating in them regularly.4. Seek pure networks.For those who value genuine connections, the goal of simply connecting to random contacts on social media may seem vacuous. In this case, try this strategy of pure networking advocated by Joseph Terach, cofounder and senior writer at Resume Deli. Terach joined LinkedIn back in 2004 and only this year reached 500 contacts.As a career management professional, he had ample opportunity to build his network faster. Yet Terach intentionally took his time about it, vetting e ach connection request he received before accepting it. His goal was to ensure that he either knew the requestor, or that the person could provide a convincing reason why they wanted to connect. If the prospective contact didnt pass Terachs screen, he didnt accept the connection. While it took over a decade to build up to his current contact list, he now has what he considers to be a pure 500 contacts.I feel comfortable to connect any of them, to ask for their help, or to offer mine, explains Terach. Its a powerful 500 that is a reliable resource to me in my career development- and equally reliable to anyone who wants to plug into my LinkedIn network.Is it time to explore some fresh ways of connecting with others whoplay better to your strengths? When you network in ways that match your personality, youll have a better time getting connected- and youll be more effective too.Readers, how do you networking using your personality? What have you found to be effective or ineffective? Sha re your advice on how to network with your personality with us below