How to win extroverts in selling and networking

How can introverts better extroverts in networking and selling?

Here is another guest post on networking. This time, it comes from an expert in networking, Jason Jacobsohn, someone who is passionate about advocating for entrepreneurs through his business and community efforts.

Jason Jacobsohn is well known in the Chicago area as a “connector” and go-to person for entrepreneurs who want to grow and maintain their success. He is a seasoned relationship builder who enjoys sharing resources through his Website, Jacobsohn.com, newsletter, Network Your Way to Success, and blog, NetworkingInsight.com. Jason regularly speaks to groups about networking and is a featured columnist for MidwestBusiness.com, Personal Branding Magazine, and SoHo Magazine.

Five techniques to help an introvert to become an effective networker

When you think of a good networker, you probably think of someone who is outgoing and can easily talk to people. While this may be true for someone people, introverts can also be effective networkers. Below are five techniques that if implemented can give the introvert the confidence and mindset that building relationships is possible.

1. Focus on Listening to Others - Most extroverts enjoy talking about themselves, which is okay if you let the other person speak. However, extroverts usually dominate the conversation. Rather than focusing on yourself, introverts should let others speak and then practice good listening skills. People appreciate a good listener and will remember you for this good demeanor.

2. Act Genuine - Sometimes with extroverts, you never know if they are being genuine or if they are just trying to sell you something. Introverts should just be themselves and not try to oversell anything. With this technique, you will be appreciated and people will remember you for being a good and kind person.

3. Get to Know People - As mentioned above, extroverts can sometimes come across as too pushy and try to sell something before they get to know people. Rather than sell your company first, introverts should focus on getting to know people and build relationships over time. Don’t worry about selling anything. If it is meant to be, then it will happen naturally and when appropriate.

4. Find Multiple Ways to Connect - Many extroverts are all about selling themselves now and don’t always want to focus much effort on building a relationship if they don’t see any immediate sale. Of course, not every extrovert is this way so this is somewhat of a generalization. Nonetheless, introverts don’t act this way. For introverts, focus on connecting with people in multiple ways beyond the first encounter. Methods include: inviting people to meals, creating a newsletter, publishing a blog, developing a Website, participating in online social networking, and hosting events. Most of these techniques don’t require introverts to meet people face-to-face.

5. Develop Your Expertise - Extroverts are genuinely good at demonstrating their expertise during conversations or public speaking. In order to develop your personal brand and become memorable, introverts need to develop and demonstrate their expertise as well. Introverts need to pick a topic that they are passionate about and start branding themselves as the go to person for this subject. Methods include: publishing a blog, creating a newsletter, developing a Website, speaking in public (if can handle), writing articles, and discussing the topic in conversations.

The above techniques are really good strategies for anyone, whether you are an introvert or extrovert, who wants to more effectively build relationships. Remember that introverts are great relationship builders. By nature, I am more of an introvert than extrovert so the above techniques are part of my relationship building routine. However, over time, I have learned to become more of an extrovert because I enjoy talking with others and getting to know them. At the same time, I never oversell my business, but rather focus on selling myself and getting to know others. Therefore, I am a hybrid and demonstrate qualities from both, which depends on the situation.

As Jason has emphasized above, this article is not intended to underestimate the extroverts’ strength. Both introverts and extroverts have strength to become an effective networker. Both have some lessons to learn from each other. And a great networker is the one who is able to apply the right skill at the right situation and time.

Any comments, opinions or questions on this article? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

Popularity: 19% [?]

Like this article?
Reason-4-Smile delivers attitude and personal development insights,
turning limitation into advantages and helping you to be successful.
Keep updated by subscribing! (What's this?).

Subscribe by email:

Digg it! Stumble it! Bookmark it! 3 Comments