Networking is a funny thing.
Some love it and some don’t.
Books have been written about different types.
The book Networking Personalities, identifies nine types of networkers described below:
- The Master Networker: Considered the ideal, with a balanced approach of listening, building genuine relationships, and effectively connecting people within their network.
- The Schmoozer: Primarily focused on self-promotion and visibility, handing out business cards.
- The Hunter: Primarily interested in closing deals quickly, neglecting relationship building.
- The Apprentice: New to networking and still learning the best practices.
- The Hermit: Avoids networking, preferring to work alone and not actively engage.
- The Card Dealer: Focused on exchanging business cards with little meaningful interaction.
- The Space Violator: Dominates conversations and may come across as overly aggressive.
- The Premature Solicitor: Asks for business or sales opportunities without building rapport first.
- The New Best Friend: Tries to become overly and uncomfortably friendly too quickly.
Another book, not specifically focused on networking is Adam Grant’s book, Give and Take.
This book explores relationships (not just networking) and identifies these 3 types:
- Givers: Prioritize helping others and contributing to the group without expecting immediate personal gain. They tend to be generous with their time, knowledge, and support.
- Takers: Focused on maximizing their own benefit, takers actively seek to receive more than they give, often exploiting situations to get ahead.
- Matchers: This group strives for a balanced exchange, giving and receiving in equal measure, following the “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” mentality.
My Perspective
Figuring out our personal formula for networking can be challenging.
Creating an approach that seems “natural”.
We may look at the lists above and see the types we want to be and types we don’t.
We might see ourselves in a few of the definitions.
I’ve been thinking about personal style in networking.
How our CliftonStrengths domains and strengths come into play.
The differences for those who are Introverted vs. Extroverted.
Introversion vs. Extroversion
The Extroverted Networker
When networking, extroverts are naturally outgoing, social, and comfortable in large groups. The extrovert tends to love meeting new people and thrive in social environments like conferences, mixers, and events.
Networking Style: Extroverts enjoy in-person networking, often gravitating toward conversations and establishing connections quickly. They are comfortable introducing themselves, joining discussions, and making a lasting impression.
Tips for Extroverts
Focus on Quality, Not Just Quantity: Extroverts may be tempted to connect with as many people as possible. However, it’s important to focus on meaningful, lasting connections instead of just expanding your contact list.
Follow-Up and Stay Engaged: Extroverts excel at first impressions, but long-term networking success requires consistent follow-up and relationship maintenance. Remember to follow up after events and nurture relationships over time.
The Introverted Networker
When networking, the introvert prefers smaller groups and one-on-one interactions. They will often feel drained and need to recharge after large social gatherings. They also find it challenging to initiate conversations with strangers.
Networking Style: Introverts excel at deep, meaningful conversations. They are more likely to form lasting connections through thoughtful, genuine discussions, often in quieter settings or online.
Tips for Introverts
Leverage Online Networking: Digital platforms like LinkedIn, professional forums, and even email allow introverts to connect without the pressures of face-to-face interactions. This gives them time to think and craft thoughtful responses.
Choose Smaller Events: Attend more intimate networking events like small meetups, niche conferences, or workshops. These settings are often more comfortable and conducive to deeper conversations.
Prepare in Advance: Research attendees or topics before events to ease the anxiety of conversation starters. Having a few questions or discussion points ready can make networking less daunting.
Clifton Strengths
Another lens to consider with networking is your CliftonStrengths domain.
Each of the four – strategic thinking, executing, influencing, and relationship building – will likely have different approaches to networking.
Below are things to consider with each domain.
Lead with Strategic Thinking Domain
Those who lead with thinking themes tend to be goal-oriented and focused on building specific types of connections. They often prefer to network with people who align with their career or business objectives.
Networking Style: Strategic networkers are purposeful in their approach. They may not network with everyone they meet but instead focus on individuals who can help them reach their goals. They often research people or companies ahead of time and are selective about the events they attend.
Tips for Strategic Thinkers
Be Authentic: While it’s important to focus on goals, avoid making the relationship transactional. Show genuine interest in others and look for ways to provide value, even if the connection doesn’t benefit you immediately.
Diversify Your Network: While it’s great to be focused, expanding your network beyond your immediate field can expose you to new ideas and unexpected opportunities.
Lead with Relationship Domain
People who lead with Relationship themes prioritize building deep, long-term relationships over broad, superficial connections. They value trust, loyalty, and reciprocity in networking.
Networking Style: These networkers focus on nurturing a few close relationships. They often become the go-to person within their network for advice, introductions, or support. Their approach revolves around building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships.
Tips for Relationship Builders
Expand Beyond Comfort Zones: While close relationships are valuable, try to meet new people, even if it’s outside your comfort zone. Expanding your network doesn’t have to come at the cost of your existing relationships.
Offer Support Before Asking for Help: Relationship domain networkers excel at giving, and this can be a great way to deepen trust with others. Continue being the person who helps before asking for favors. Use your connections to help connect others.
Lead with Influencing Domain
People who lead with Influencing themes are natural networkers. They look for networking opportunities everywhere, including outside traditional events. Influencers see every interaction as a potential opportunity to expand their network.
Networking Style: Influencing domain networkers have a natural curiosity about people and see networking potential in everyday situations. They can strike up a conversation at a coffee shop, on a flight, or in a casual setting. Their open-minded approach often leads them to unexpected but fruitful connections.
Tips for Influencers
Be Mindful of Boundaries: While being open to networking in any situation can be powerful, be mindful of others’ boundaries, especially in more informal or personal settings.
Stay Organized: With so many connections, it’s important to keep track of who you meet and maintain those relationships. Consider using a networking tool or app to help manage contacts and follow-ups.
Lead with Executing Domain
People who lead with Executing themes are very organized and intentional when it comes to making new connections and maintaining existing relationships. They value consistency and long-term engagement with their network.
Networking Style: Those who lead with Executing themes are skilled at keeping in touch with contacts they’ve already established. They regularly check in with people, even when they don’t need anything, and often act as a bridge between other professionals.
Tips for Executing Themes
Make Time for New Connections: Maintaining existing networks is often the priority for those who lead with executing themes – they have a schedule and stick to it. However, they need to also remember to keep adding new connections. Schedule time for new events or outreach, even if it’s outside your usual routine.
Diversify Engagement: Rather than just sending emails or LinkedIn messages, diversify how you engage with your network. Attend events with a connection, have catch-up calls, or participate in industry discussions.
Your Turn
How would you describe your networking style?
Do some of these resonate more with you than others?
Can you see these different types “in the wild” when you are engaging in networking events?