My name is Dawn Baird, and I’m an introvert.  I would even say, an extreme introvert.  Where did this first manifest itself?  School – that place of daily torture for those who aren’t sporty, arty, academic, amusing or loud.  What unthinking labels did people condemn me with? Shy.  Stand-offish.  Quiet.

It took well into my twenties to stop punishing myself with their words.  It wasn’t until I met The Sensei that I began to realise that being introverted is OK.  It’s not a disease. Neither is extraversion.

Lest there be any misunderstanding, introversion and extraversion need defined.

An introvert is someone…

…whose energy comes from within and who is satisfied with their own company; utter boredom is rare.  They are not necessarily quiet, though some are.  But, then they are not usually the centre of attention either.  They may strongly prefer to be alone; alternatively they may like regular company, but of their own choosing, and often limited.  But, they will normally feel exhausted after hours in the company of others, especially in large, loud groups.  They may or may not be a Highly Sensitive Person.  I am greatly emotionally affected by music, smells, places, memories, the atmosphere in a room and the emotions of others; this can be occasionally debilitating and embarrassing.  Introverts may read or listen to music frequently or enjoy creating with their hands.  They will generally demonstrate longer attention spans than average, and find it easier to get into the flow.

An extrovert is someone…

…whose energy comes from being in company with others and who is agitated or bored if left alone for long periods of time.  They are normally talkative, often viewed as overly confident and perhaps loud or even brash.  (There’s nothing wrong with that I tell myself repeatedly, so as not to judge.)  They revel in the excitement, activity and buzz of large groups; some will enjoy being the centre of attention.  They may or may not be a Highly Sensitive Person.  They will most likely be an activities person, rather than an avid reader.  Extraverts are often fans of the outdoors, especially for playing competitive or group sports.  (Introverts who love the outdoors will go for long walks either alone, or with a single companion.)  Attention spans are generally shorter; distractions are part of daily life.

So, how can an Introvert excel at networking?

Don’t do Slick; Do Friendly

Friendliness is achievable by anyone.  You don’t need to be slick.  Anyway, slick is out; personable is in.  When you’re engaged in a conversation, the other person will see smiles and nodding; they will hear “Oh?”, “Wow!” and “Tell me more.” throughout.  They will respond to your interested questions; and feel connected when you reveal little, non-threatening details about yourself.  You will feel more comfortable next time with that person, as they will with you.  Perhaps it will lead to a phonecall, and that will feel less like cold-calling than normal.

Clues?  Smile.  Look and sound interested.  Ask open questions.  Reveal a little of yourself.  Don’t try to be the corporate that you’re not.  Be yourself, only friendlier.  If you find this extremely draining, go to short networking meetings.  Breakfast meetings are probably best for you, as they tend to be short.

Do It Online

Involve yourself in conversations that are happening online via Twitter and Facebook, for example.  People will get to see a little more of you.  This is called self-disclosure.  Reveal your opinions on things related to the business world.  (Avoid offending people, when you can.)  When people get to know you, they will refer you and your product or service.  This happens, even with those who have never bought from us.  You know when someone sounds passionate and conscientious about what they’re delivering to the customer; it’s easier to refer such people, than those you’ve never had a conversation with.

When you feel ready, start a few new conversations yourself, with your own blog, or speaking engagement at an event you know will be frequented by those you wish to engage.  Toastmasters is a great way to get comfortable with public speaking, in a completely non-threatening environment. Everyone there is at some stage on the learning ladder, and reviewers are encouraged to avoid negative comments, focusing instead on the positive.

Do It Casual

Think about the more informal (and often smaller) Open Coffee, BarCamp, or TweetUps, if you’re entirely new to networking, or feel overcome at the thought of attending a large gathering,.  Open Coffee (and the like) is a movement akin to Open Source, according to our own Mark Nagurski.  It’s a networking event, organised by local business owners.  I help to run one in Magherafelt, Mid-Ulster – see this explanation for details.  There is no central organisation, just an idea that business people and entrepreneurs should get together for coffee and a chat; collaboration; sharing access to their network of business contracts; making referrals; and informal mentoring and advice.  The event is not defined in advance; attendees create it “on the fly”.  I love it!  See how to set up your own here.

BizCamp is the place to be for the ultimate, low-key, non-pressured networking experience.  Wear what you want; stay for as long as you wish; speak or not; share ideas and ask for advice.  These events are about as far away from the old networking model I experienced when I first set up shop, characterized by mediocre, bored speakers; a room full of (mainly older) people I’d never met (online or offline); and pinstripe suits.  The relaxed nature of the atmosphere, schedule, food and speakers lends itself to easy networking.  Check out BarCamp if you have technology bent – it’s pretty similar.

Do It Yourself

One on one networking meetings can be very effective.  There need be no particular agenda, except getting to know the person and their business, including who they might have worked with and for and what their future plans are.  If you’re going to ask a lot of questions, be prepared to be open and answer a few yourself.  This type of meeting better prepares you for referring that person to someone else.  And, once you begin referring people, be prepared for the welcome avalanche of reciprocal referrals that follows.

Our experience is that networking with “connectors” (people who seem to know everyone) is good for us.  We not only get to know them, but they are adept at picking out what may be interesting in our business, for someone they know.  These types tend to remember what you do, they’ll read your blog before they meet you, they will have checked out your LinkedIn profile before the meeting too.  You should always prepare before attending any type of networkring, to get the best use out of your time.  BNI has famously been encouraging this type of targeted networking, called “one-on-ones”, and members rave about their effectiveness.

Do It On the Sly

Seek out opportunities at business seminars, training events, or trade shows, to engage with other attendees.  Start up a conversation in the coffee queue!  Who knows where it may lead?  This is networking on the sly.  Often, people are not there to network specifically, but it does no harm to start a few conversations, or bring along some flyers and business cards.  You’ll be remembered as “You know… Dave, the guy I met at the Email Marketing event?”.  Be helpful at such events.  Solve a problem for someone; volunteer a new supplier; suggest a new marketing approach.

Introverts need not fear.  Networking is possible, even though you may find a room full of people daunting.  Working alone, especially for the many SMEs in Northern Ireland, can be a lonely journey.  Introversion can emphasize that.  These tactics should help you to increase your circle of useful contacts, advisors and encouragers, and investigate new opportunities, in a manner that is comfortable for you.  I guarantee that this will also result in lifelong business friendships.

“How do you keep up to date with things?”, someone asked on Facebook this week. Here is how I keep up to date with business events at least…

SYNC NI

Technology, Science and Innovation events in Northern Ireland.  Email them and they will supply a login so you can add your own.

NI Business Info

This is the main page, with all events displayed (174 at time of writing).  However, you can also filter by keyword, location, date, topic and type.  Subscribe to event alert emails here.

Belfast Entrepreneurs Network

Register to receive event alert emails.

WhatsOnNI

Quickly becoming Northern Ireland’s go-to site, for finding out anything that’s happening in NI.  I think it’s so successful, as content is user-generated!  This link leads to the Business/Coaching/Training section.  Set up an account and add your own events, free, here.

Business Events Hub on Facebook

Intended for sharing, you can write on the Wall and it’s all moderated by Tracy Gilpin.

Eventbrite

This is the Northern Ireland events search page, though they have categories for business and conferences.

Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce

Some events are free, some are free for members, and some are charged.  If you email them details, they will add your event for free.

Women on the Move

Networking and business events, normally based in Ballymena.  They’re also on Facebook.

Women in Business

Events for women in business!!  And,  think you may also be able to add your own.

QUB Short Courses Programmes

Take a look a the PDF, which contains a list of CPD workshops run by QUB’s School of Education.  Allen and I both deliver several workshops a year for CPD.

QUB

Open lectures, performances and courses.

Digital Circle

For technology-focused events.

Refresh Belfast

“Refresh is a monthly event for designers, developers, geeks & nerds to get together to discuss design, debate emerging technologies, share ideas and meet new people from the local creative industries. Every third Monday of the month we organise a couple of presentations from local industry experts to be enjoyed over a few beers in the The Black Box.”

Northern Ireland Microsoft Technologies Group

Loads and loads of events for geeks.

Open Coffee Mid-Ulster

Monthly networking event in Magherafelt.  There are other locally-organised groups who meet in Lisburn, Derry and Coleraine.

Belfast City Council

Belfast events and programmes.

B4B

Events happening mainly around Belfast.  As a member, you have an account and can add your own events, lsited under Other Events.

MLN

Includes Champion events and Management Month.

Additional Ideas

• Twitter and Facebook users share freely.  Pay attention to your News Feed.
• Set up a Google account and add RSS feeds to Google Reader.
• Add Events pages to your IE Favourites or Bookmarks.
• Sign up for email events alerts.

I’d be delighted to hear about any others.  Please add your suggestions in a comment.

I attended BizCamp Craigavon last Saturday, after negotiating a few dozen roundabouts, between Lurgan and Craigavon, with Jacqueline McGonigle (from WhatsOnNI) frantically scouring GoogleMaps for inspiration.  BizCamp Craigavon is an unConference, a phenomenon I’ve blogged about before, in The Rise of the Unconference.

The previous post both defines and raves in equal measure.  I’ve summarised the points I found most useful from the speakers I listened to. Some titles are improvised, as I didn’t write everything down.

Who Rocked at Craigavon?

Geoff Wilson from the Irish Football Association on the Customer Journey Through Your Website

Geoff spoke passionately and intelligently about the online customer experience.  His talk provided the most incredible quick-fire list of marketing ideas, many of which could used or adapted for SMEs.

Points to remember:

• Pay attention to what the customer wants.  Listen, and make changes.
• Think creatively when trying to get the word out.
• Email marketing works.

Stephen Brown from The Adventure Team on The Colour Orange!

Stephen spoke about his experiences of how to use Facebook successfully for promoting The Adventure Team’s activities.  He was very honest about not having a marketing budget when he started just under one and half years ago, and shared his experiences on failures and mistakes with candour.  Stephen provided a personal list of things that work and those that don’t.

Points to remember:

• Don’t bombard people with events reminders.
• Be nice.  People love sharing.  So, when you share their stuff, they will share yours.
• Consider Facebook adverts.  Compared to Google’s Pay Per Click, they are less expensive and more easily targeted.
• Look up EventElephant if you are thinking of promoting and selling tickets to an event.
• An increasing number of people are sharing blog posts on Buzz.

Peter Brankin from YellowTom on How To Save Money on Advertising

Peter freely shared his experience and thoughts on getting the most out of the advertising we buy.  He was very approachable, easy to understand and open to many questions afterwards from attendees.  For example, he explained long-tail and short tail searches, which was useful to me in understanding the searching behaviour of those we would hope to attract to our website.

Points to remember:

• Use both sides of any marketing materials you purchase, from business cards to flyers.
• Use free Google tools.
• Classified Advertisements often have a bigger return that large page advertisements.  Hmmm…

Jacqueline McGonigle from WhatsOnNI on Bootstrapping Your Business

Jacqueline shared an honest, personal story of her efforts to get the business off the ground, including a little of her background in event promotion and design.  Very down-to-earth and approachable, Jacqui had the audience laughing and eating out of her hand.  The storytelling technique is very powerful; adults relates well to personal experience, especially when they can identify with some elements.  It was great to see all the nice comments on Twitter afterwards, especially as Jacqui is also my second cousin!  I’m very proud!

Points to remember:

• Personal experience storytelling really makes an impact on an audience.
• Sometimes the right decision is jumping right in there!

Niall McKeown from Ion Online Marketing on Creating Profitable Online Marketing Campaigns

Niall really made me think.  He asked two difficult questions, How intelligent are you? and How creative are you?

His point was that it’s often OK to be considered intelligent, but few of us would admit to being creative.  His premise is that you need to be both, but that creativity is more important.  I’m still thinking about that one!

Points to remember:

• Those in jobs based on processes are at risk of losing them.
• Those in jobs based on kindness and altruism are more essential, therefore their jobs are less at risk.
• Pay attention to your website content.  Don’t get more caught up in the design than the content.

Lyra McKee from Digital Inc Technologies on Here’s to the Crazy Ones: Insane Internet Business Models and How They’re Changing the World And How to Make Them Work for Your Business

Watching Lyra’s talk was more insane than her title!  She’s only 20 years’ old!  She introduced me to fremium and how it just seems to work.  This is something I need to research more.

Points to remember:

• Sometimes the craziest ideas are the best.
• Just because everyone else says it won’t work, doesn’t make it so.

Thomas O’Hagan from Comms Combined on Google Apps

Thomas delivered a credible case for using Google Apps in place of Microsoft programs as part of any business office suite.  His explanations were short, simple and easy for anyone to understand.

Points to remember:

• A hybrid-type arrangement is possible, with some users using all Google Apps, with others using them in combination with some Microsoft tools.
• 25GB of storage is available.
• The costs of currently set at £33 per user.

Congratulations to Nicola Bates and Chris McCabe for a very well organised and executed day.

If you attended, who was your favourite speaker, or part of the day?  Answers on a comment please.