While that might be a slight oversimplification, many introverts think of “networking” as a dirty word and an activity best left to their more naturally outgoing counterparts. According to networking expert and Covve co-founder and CEO Yiannis Gavrielides, that hesitancy is unfounded. Contrary to how introverts might feel, they actually possess several unique skills that could give them a leg up over extroverts.

Billed as “your personal CRM,” Covve is a networking companion app that helps people manage their professional relationships and provides educational resources to help them become better networkers. Gavrielides and Covve co-founder Alex Protogerellis started the company after they both grew frustrated with the lack of education and tools available around networking. The Covve app helps users become more proactive by setting goals, reminding them to follow up with contacts and capturing notes for meetings and conversations. While it’s a platform for all budding and veteran networkers, introverts specifically might find it helpful to keep networking activities at the top of their minds.

An Introvert’s Networking Challenges

Gavrielides acknowledges that introverts face several challenges in a traditional networking setting. Striking up conversations with strangers, small talk and opening up to new people are simultaneously pillars of networking and activities that many introverts dread most. Additionally, the follow up with multiple new connections after an event is easier said than done for many introverts. Still, Gavrielides says it’s one of the most important things to do.

“When you leave an event, [they are] just a contact you exchanged details with; it’s not a relationship [yet],” he says. “It will become one if you follow up on the points that you had rapport on or the challenges that they face, or an introduction that you thought reminded you of one another. If you don’t follow up and actually create a consistent touch point of communication, then that will not be a relationship. [They’re] going to be just a contact in your address book.” 

Leveraging An Introvert’s Unique Skills

Despite the initial challenges that introverts may have, Gavrielides says they have a huge advantage over extroverts in terms of networking. He says introverts possess several unique skill sets that give them an edge and help them overcome the barriers that might otherwise keep them from attending a networking event. By understanding how their observation skills, natural curiosity and active listening help them in social situations, introverts can gain the confidence they need to succeed at networking.

Observation 

In general, introverts are much more observant than extroverts. While extroverts might excel at making small talk about the weather, sports or current events, introverts can flex their observation skills to make a more lasting impression. They might observe and make a mental note to ask about something on a person’s T-shirt or overhear a snippet of a conversation they can relate to. Introverts are also more in tune with someone’s body language and behaviors during a conversation, so they can more accurately assess when the conversation has run its course.

“If an introvert realizes that’s an advantage they have and [they can create] a bit of confidence in that, they could start a conversation that is more meaningful than one an extrovert would start,” Gavrielides says.

Curiosity

Introverts tend to have a much more natural curiosity, which leads them to ask more questions. Again, these questions can easily replace the dreaded small talk and lead to more meaningful conversations right off the bat. Asking questions is also a great way to get people to open up. By showing interest in the conversation and engaging their curiosities, introverts are better able to leave lasting impressions on others.

Active Listening

In a conversation, extroverts have a tendency to think about what they’re going to say next while the other person is talking. These thoughts can prevent them from absorbing the other person’s perspective, making it less authentic. While introverts might not love opening up to new people immediately, their heightened active listening skills make them much better at fully understanding what the other person is talking about.

“If they understand that that’s a unique skill they have, they could actually relate to or offer to help the other person with something that they just shared,” Gavrielides says. “It puts them in a much better position to actually help the other person or offer something of value to the conversation.”

Practice Makes Perfect

Gavrielides says, regardless of whether you’re introverted or extroverted, everyone can be successful at networking as long as they understand their strengths and play to them. It is just as important as knowing where your skills are lacking and practicing them. As with most things in life, networking requires dedication and regular practice to be impactful. 

“I compare it to exercise,” he says. “The reward from networking doesn’t come as soon as you start doing it. It comes after you build the relationship and after something fruitful comes out of it…. You’re not going to go to the gym once and come back with a six-pack…. I think it’s the same with relationship building. You need to be very proactive in doing it, and then the reward will come later. And that’s what’s going to fuel you to keep going. But it’s not going to be instant.”

In addition to practice, Gavrielides underscores the importance of understanding the underlying psychology of human interactions and drawing insights from experts in the field. By utilizing networking tools and educational resources, like Covve, introverts can unlock opportunities and forge genuine connections that propel personal and professional growth.

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