The virtues of having a "network" for entrepreneurs are well documented. It's easy enough for people who like going out to events and striking conversations up. How do introverted entrepreneurs who do not like initiating conversations manage to build good networks?
Ask HN: How do “introverted” entrepreneurs build a network?
1–10 of 25 posts
Re: Ask HN: How do “introverted” entrepreneurs build a network?
#2Something I've been trying to tackle for myself recently.
I've been browsing some meets on meetup.com and intend on going to a few. Many people have reassured me that whilst I'm the introverted type and events like this make me somewhat anxious... a lot of people are the same. I'd say that in the tech/dev world, more people have some kind of social awkwardness than not. The people that immeditately gel and befriend everyone aren't common. Maybe I'm wrong. shrug
I've been making friends on interpals.net - I originally signed up looking to do a bit of a language exchange, but ended up talking to a bunch of people.
After that, I feel like I'm on a bit of a roll and it's just a case of continuing. It's quite refreshing to know I can make friends, it's almost becoming enjoyable. :)
- What's the worst that could happen?
- Take an interest in other people, ask them what they're working on, etc.
- You won't be the most introverted person at x event.
Good luck. :)
Re: Ask HN: How do “introverted” entrepreneurs build a network?
#3Something I've been trying to tackle for myself recently. I've been browsing some meets on meetup.com and intend on going to a few. Many people have reassured me that whilst I'm the introverted type and events like this make me somewhat anxious... a lot of people are the same. I'd say that in the tech/dev world, more people have some kind of social awkwardness than not. The people that immeditately gel and befriend e…
Thanks. I asked because I find myself at the cusp of I/E personality - which one dominates depends on the context of where I am and in what mindset I am.
That said, I've noticed something interesting which was re-affirmed by your comment as well - that many an introverted person find easier to "reach out" to strangers and enjoy conversing when it comes to "online talking". And for most of them/us, it's more the initiation of conversation that's the issue and not the continuing of it (assuming it's not just small-talk).
My main issue is that as an entrepreneur, one is expected to be at these events and form networks - which requires initiation of conversation, especially with people like investors who aren't the most respectful at times. This further messes up the already fragile n doubtful self-esteem of an introverted founder.
I suspect several founders out there "suffer" in silence with these issues which exacerbate the mental well-being problems.
Re: Ask HN: How do “introverted” entrepreneurs build a network?
#4I think that an introverted network would actually be more of an asset than an extrovert's network (and FTR, I'm a total extrovert...which took years of work to get to). Hear me out:
When you're an introvert, you tend to be much more cautious about the connections that you make with people and to cultivate them more. Sure, I have a bajillion people to reach out to and socialize with, but if shit hit the fan, it's a much smaller number. I would think that as an introvert, almost everyone in that network would be willing to jump for you.
Don't think of it as networking. You're just attending an event where everyone wants to talk with you. Go up to any random stranger, and ask them what they're working on that they're excited about, or if they've done something interesting lately. Just try to get to know people. When I socialize, I just think about getting to know someone, versus that I'm socializing, or networking. I just want to know about them. Also, don't be dismissive--even if someone is not in your space, you never know who they know, and you might have just met your new best friend. Be kind to everyone. I have Starbucks barista's and Fortune 500 execs on my LinkedIn--and I'm happy to help all of them.
TL;DR: look at it as meeting a bunch of new friends who already want to meet you, stay connected, and help them when you can.
Have fun!
Re: Ask HN: How do “introverted” entrepreneurs build a network?
#5I think that an introverted network would actually be more of an asset than an extrovert's network (and FTR, I'm a total extrovert...which took years of work to get to). Hear me out: When you're an introvert, you tend to be much more cautious about the connections that you make with people and to cultivate them more. Sure, I have a bajillion people to reach out to and socialize with, but if shit hit the fan, it's a m…
Thanks, some good pieces of insight there.
I noticed you mentioned that it took years of work to get you to being a total extrovert - How did you start out as? What things did you do?
Re: Ask HN: How do “introverted” entrepreneurs build a network?
#6Reach out to people in writing first if it makes speaking to them in person easier when you see them!
As an introvert I bask in the comfort of non-realtime communication and the chance to compose and edit my thoughts. I suspect there are others like me too!
Re: Ask HN: How do “introverted” entrepreneurs build a network?
#7Reach out to people in writing first if it makes speaking to them in person easier when you see them! As an introvert I bask in the comfort of non-realtime communication and the chance to compose and edit my thoughts. I suspect there are others like me too!
Absolutely - breaking the ice that way makes total sense for an introvert.
Re: Ask HN: How do “introverted” entrepreneurs build a network?
#8I wrote this blog post about Networking for Introverts a few months back: http://introverted-entrepreneur.com/networking-for-introvert.... I hope it is useful to you.
Re: Ask HN: How do “introverted” entrepreneurs build a network?
#9I wrote this blog post about Networking for Introverts a few months back: http://introverted-entrepreneur.com/networking-for-introvert... . I hope it is useful to you.
Thanks - very nice! :)
Re: Ask HN: How do “introverted” entrepreneurs build a network?
#10At risk of being pedantic I would clarify that being an introvert has nothing to do with your skills at being social. The reason I bring this up is because once you put the proper name on something (i.e. identify it) then it is easier to work on.
Going out to events and striking up conversations probably have more to do with problems of finding the right kinds of events, overcoming shyness, anxiety, public speaking, etc.
There is a podcast I learned about from HN called the Art of Charm. They handle some basic things like how to strike up conversations and such. Might be worth a listen.