64: Networking Secrets for Introverted Ops Leaders

Find the full transcript at yourfuturerealized.com/64.

Does the idea of networking make you cringe? I get it. I've often joked that I'd rather re-grout my bathroom tiles or even sit through a root canal than network. 

As an introvert, small talk feels tedious and social media interactions lack the depth that I crave. I just enjoy one-on-one chats much more.

But networking is often the first step to those great one-on-one chats, so I've worked hard to shift my mindset and get better at it. In doing so, I've gotten to meet and work with some truly inspiring people.

The topic of networking frequently comes up in my coaching sessions, especially with clients eager to explore new opportunities or transition to different paths. So today I’ll share five fun, practical ways polish your professional image and expand your network without stepping too far out of your comfort zone. 

Transcript

Does the idea of networking make you cringe? I get it. I've often joked that I'd rather re-grout my bathroom tiles or even sit through a root canal than network. 

As an introvert, small talk feels tedious and social media interactions lack the depth that I crave. I just enjoy one-on-one chats much more.

But networking is often the first step to those great one-on-one chats, so I've worked hard to shift my mindset and get better at it. In doing so, I've gotten to meet and work with some truly inspiring people.

The topic of networking frequently comes up in my coaching sessions, especially with clients eager to explore new opportunities or transition to different paths. So today I’ll share five fun, practical ways polish your professional image and expand your network without stepping too far out of your comfort zone. Find the full transcript at yourfuturerealized.com/64. 

Hey Ops Execs,

I know you’re busy, so let’s cut to the chase. Here are some fun, practical ways to connect and give your professional image a little boost this week:

Build Authentic Connections

In today's hyper-connected world, it’s easy to get lost in a numbers game: Counting connections, likes and followers. It’s easy to overlook the power of genuine connections. I don’t know much, but I do know this: What matters is the quality of the connection. Focus on having genuine conversations that are fun and interesting for you, whether over coffee or a virtual chat.

Cultivate A Curious Mindset

Nothing spices up your professional image quite like following your curiosity about the world and the people around you. There’s no need to pretend you’re interested. Find what truly captivates you. Whether it’s a new industry trend, an individual with a fascinating background or a topic that you’ve always wanted to explore, your authentic curiosity can lead the way. When you ask unexpected questions about topics that you love, your enthusiasm can be contagious and make conversations more meaningful.

Experiment with Your Professional Persona

Imagine your professional image as a character in a play. You can experiment with different “roles” or “costumes” until you find the one that feels just right. Maybe you’ve been in the same costume for a long time, and you need to step into this decade. This could mean tweaking your wardrobe, adjusting your communication style, or maybe even adopting a new hobby that aligns with and brings out a new dimension of your professional identity.

Align Your Image with Core Values 

Identify your core values are right now and let them shine through in every conversation you have. Maybe your values have changed since you last considered them. Maybe you’ve never considered them at all and it’s been just a vague theoretical concept. 

Whether it’s integrity, creativity, or empathy, when you align your professional image with your values, you naturally going to attract like-minded individuals and opportunities. This can be a game changer and make these conversations so much more fun.

Turn Networking into an Adventure Game

Make networking less of a chore by setting playful, personal challenges for yourself. For example, once I challenged myself to look around the room and find the most intimidating person I could find and gather up just 10 seconds of courage to walk up to them and introduce myself. I only had to do this one time. The guy I found had such a gruff demeanor, but he wound up being the goofiest teddy bear of a person underneath and we cracked jokes together the rest of the day. 

Another time I asked everyone I met what sort of connection they were hoping to find at this event and took their business card. As soon as I found someone else who might fit the bill, I connected the two of them. Then it wasn’t about me at all, and that made it very easy.

All that is to say, the key to networking is staying true to yourself. So, try becoming even more you, strategically. And take it one step at a time, one conversation at a time. You’ll find your people.

Here’s something to ponder: When have you felt the impact of authentic connections in your career?

Looking for more ideas about how to tune up your professional image? Check out episode 55, “Mastering Self-Promotion in Operations.”  You’ll find it at yourfuturerealized.com/55.

You can’t stop the chaos, but you can change the game.