Using your extrovert advantage for networking success

In a world where social connections fuel success, extroverts hold a natural edge. Jean Evans explains how they can supercharge their networking through authentic and considerate interactions

Extroverts have a natural advantage when it comes to networking. They thrive in social situations and are energised by interacting with others. Extroverts get their energy from other people.

Extroverts are the quintessential social butterflies. They can easily dominate a room and a conversation. This can be intimidating for people who identify as shy or as shy introverts.

However, even for extroverts, effective networking requires some strategies and considerations.

Leverage your strengths

Extroverts have a natural ability to engage in conversations and connect with people. They should use their outgoing personality to their advantage by initiating conversations and showing genuine interest in others to make them comfortable.

Become an active listener

While extroverts enjoy talking and sharing their thoughts, it’s important to remember that networking is a two-way street.

Extroverts should practise being active listeners, asking open-ended questions, and giving others their full attention to build meaningful connections.

Offer help and support

Extroverts can make a lasting impression by being genuinely helpful and supportive to others by sharing their knowledge, expertise or resources whenever possible.

When people genuinely desire to help others, they increase the likelihood of being remembered and having a favour reciprocated.

Follow up

After meeting someone, the extrovert should take the initiative to follow up and nurture the connection.

Send a personalised email, connect on social media or schedule a coffee meeting to continue the conversation. Effective networking requires ongoing effort and relationship-building.

Attend to body language

Extroverts can easily express their enthusiasm and energy through their body language.

However, they should also be mindful of subtle non-verbal cues, such as maintaining eye contact, smiling and having an open posture. These signals convey approachability and engagement.

Numbers matter

Setting a goal and being intentional about attending networking events is crucial.

Extroverts can manage meeting more people without depleting their internal battery, but successful networking is not about meeting as many people as possible. It’s about having meaningful conversations that can lead to further meetings. 

You don’t want to meet more people than you can realistically follow up with after the event. Meet only three to five people per event.

Networking as a long-term investment

Remember that effective networking is a long-term investment, and it’s about building genuine connections rather than collecting business cards. 

Networking is a marathon and not a sprint. Extroverts can leverage their social nature by making meaningful connections and expanding their professional network.