Networking Advice for Introverts
With his permission I collated these in 1 place on my app Quda: https://askquda.com/page/ryanhoover
The Q&A on introversion really stood out to me!
What other tips have you got for making new connections when it doesn't come natural to you?
Q: Was wondering if you had any networking advice for introverts? My main worry is I feel like I don’t have anything to offer and 'pick your brain' always feels one-sided. Ryan Hoover: As a fellow introvert, I can empathize. :)
You're right that the cold "may I pick your brain" ask isn't very effective in meeting people or building relationships. Instead I would try to be helpful and get involved in communities that are aligned with your interests. More on...
Being helpful: This can be in the form of proactive 1:1 outreach or broader content/community creation (start a newsletter, podcast, meetups, etc.). The key is to be consistent and stick with it. I used to blog almost daily for years and published hundreds of essays before starting Product Hunt. Doing so helped build a small but relevant audience, and some of those connections led to lasting relationships.
Community participation: Putting yourself out there creates serendipity. You can do this online and IRL, but the key is to be authentic and avoid transactional conversations.
If you ever feel anxious, know that many others likely have similar feelings and try to embrace the confidence to get out there. After all, what's the worst that can happen? :)