Any tip would be greatly appreciated.
Ask HN: How can I get better at networking as an introvert technical founder?
1–10 of 15 posts
Re: Ask HN: How can I get better at networking as an introvert technical founder?
#2I've been in your shoes (still am). I've found it to be much easier to start with people that are similar in personality and interests. With people similar to yourself, you'd have more topics to talk about and eventually you can expand into people with different personalities and interests.
Re: Ask HN: How can I get better at networking as an introvert technical founder?
#3How to Win Friends & Influence People is a good book with practical advice. The title is a bit cheesy but a well-written book nevertheless.
Re: Ask HN: How can I get better at networking as an introvert technical founder?
#4My favourite networking hack sounds insane, but it works. When you're at an event, approach groups of two people. Whenever you see two people talking, there is a very good probability that at least one wants an excuse to end the conversation.
Re: Ask HN: How can I get better at networking as an introvert technical founder?
#5Learn by doing. Just like dating, it’ll be awkward at first, but you’ll get better.
I built a low effort tool to help HNers network with each other, it’s a good way to start practicing: https://findkismet.com
Re: Ask HN: How can I get better at networking as an introvert technical founder?
#6Throw yourself in the deep end of the pool. As a technical co-founder, I had to attend an industry conference and man a booth. All fear evaporated by the end of it. You'll find that people are often looking to talk about their issues and their lives. Even better, most people will be sympathetic to your dilemma and will appreciate that you aren't coming at them from the slimy sales perspective. At least, that was my experience over the course of several days of the conference.
Re: Ask HN: How can I get better at networking as an introvert technical founder?
#7Stop asking questions. Make statements instead.
Not "Do you like Node.js?"
But "I like how Node.js has evolved in the last 3 years. I don't care much for React though. I'd rather take on more Functional Programming gigs."
Questions, even the best open ended ones may put the answerer on the spot. Better to model your expected response by answering the question first yourself.
Re: Ask HN: How can I get better at networking as an introvert technical founder?
#8Stop asking questions. Make statements instead. Not "Do you like Node.js?" But "I like how Node.js has evolved in the last 3 years. I don't care much for React though. I'd rather take on more Functional Programming gigs." Questions, even the best open ended ones may put the answerer on the spot. Better to model your expected response by answering the question first yourself.
I hear what you’re saying. However my experience (and suggestion) is the opposite. If one has trouble making small talk and networking a good trick is to get other people talking about themselves, their projects, their work. The best way to do that is to ask them questions. People in general like to talk about themselves.
Re: Ask HN: How can I get better at networking as an introvert technical founder?
#9My favourite networking hack sounds insane, but it works. When you're at an event, approach groups of two people. Whenever you see two people talking, there is a very good probability that at least one wants an excuse to end the conversation.
Ha! That is a great idea. I’m going to try it.
Re: Ask HN: How can I get better at networking as an introvert technical founder?
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