In this post we will discuss introvert networking to find community and support and to attract clients
We all know networking is a non-negotiable for any business owner. We need to find like-minded creatives who understand our lifestyle and who can be a support system for us. But we also need to network in order to consistently bring in new clients and grow our businesses! And if you have a business where you’re not always relying on new clients because you have on-going contracts with existing clients; you still need to connect with them to nurture that relationship.
As introverts in business, networking doesn’t always come naturally to us.
But I do believe we can learn how to get out of our comfort zones and network in a way that feels the most aligned for use. And remember, once you’re done connecting you can go right back to your couch and put on that Netflix show you’ve been binging to unwind! I swear, I can have a wonderful chat with the most aligned client for an hour but the fact that I was interacting; I will need to rest after. It’s the same if I go for lunch with my best friend – I will need to decompress afterwards, it’s just a part of being an introvert!
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Before we get into the nitty gritty, I want to talk about why networking is so important (even for introverts in business)
Entrepreneurship can be lonely!
Especially if you’re an online entrepreneur. First off, you are spending a whole lot of time with your head down working on your business. That on its own makes running an online business lonely. But on top of that, if you haven’t connected with other Entrepreneurs you won’t have anyone to talk to who truly understands what you’re going through! The highs and lows of running a business. All of the excitement and all of the fear that comes along with it! It helps so much to have someone you can talk to who has been through what you’re going through.
Your network can help you grow your business
When you meet the right people they will become your biggest cheerleaders! And vice versa, you can do the same for them! You can help each other grow through referring clients or collaborating on projects.
Connecting with the right people and nurturing those relationships
It’s great to meet people you align with and have them refer your services to people they know. But it doesn’t always happen that fast or that easily. You need to build trust with each other so that you can feel confident when you refer to one another. And you never really know when those referrals will come, usually it won’t be overnight! Nurture your relationship when you meet someone you align with for the sake of the relationship. Any benefit that comes from it that does grow your business will be a bonus. That mindset has helped me build really great friendships online with other female entrepreneurs. We refer to each other, we collaborate and more importantly we support each other and are there through the good and the hard times!
Let’s chat about how to network for introverts
Networking to make connections and build community
Networking for introverts through existing online communities
You can get started with communities that already exist online within your niche. There are so many Facebook groups for female entrepreneurs. This is a way I made one of my best online connections! I met a girl, who I now proudly call a friend, who is a Social Media Manager and lives as a Digital Nomad. We have become good friends, we refer clients to one another and genuinely support each other!
Introvert networking through FB groups
When you’re looking for FB groups to join, just start with groups within your industry. Or there are so many groups specifically for female entrepreneurs with women with different types of businesses. You don’t need to have the same business as someone to connect with them online.
Share helpful tips within the group or comment on other posts to start conversations. You can even make a post that shares a little bit about you and say you would love to connect with anyone who’s up for a virtual coffee chat. I know that’s getting out of your comfort zone but start with one call a week. You’ll get the feel of someone just by chatting with them online but the coffee chat will either make you a new friend or maybe not – and that’s okay too.
Networking on IG
You can follow people who you would like to connect with on IG as well. Comment on posts and maybe even DM them about their work. These connections should be and feel authentic. Don’t be afraid to connect with people online. If they’re a good match for your energy then you will click and it might lead to a great online biz friendship!
Build connections 1:1
Virtual coffee chats
Once you have connected with a few aligned entrepreneurs through FB groups or IG, (you can even try LinkedIn or other platforms if you’d like!) start to build those 1:1 connections. This will be through messaging online or setting up that virtual coffee chat. I promise, having some virtual friends in your corner is so helpful when you have a digital business.
When I first started setting up virtual coffee chats it was actually to find clients. I wanted to connect with other business owners who may need a website. But you know what ended up being the most valuable? Maybe real connections and building friendships! Those people actually referred clients in the future because we built that trust with one another. Cold pitching by hiding behind coffee chats didn’t work out that great!
Join online masterminds or accountability groups
These can be a little easier than joining a FB group because you’re already starting with a smaller group of people. And when you have all joined the same group it feels less spammy to reach out or connect with someone. There’s already trust from being in the same group and you can feel confident that you have similar goals.
There are paid masterminds or accountability groups you can join but I’m sure you can find some free ones too! Try asking within a FB group to see if anyone is a part of a group you can also join. Post on IG stories that you’re looking to join a group and see if anyone knows of one. Or if you know a few entrepreneurs you can even start your own accountability group and everyone can share with their own networks to attract more people!
Networking to authentically attract clients
Networking tips for introverts: focus on education first
It’s easier to convert leads into clients when they already trust you. When you focus on educating your ideal clients you’re starting to build that trust and community. You’re already attracting like minded clients because they’re consuming your content.
Blogging to educate your potential clients
I am a huge proponent of blogging to share value packed content with your clients. There are a few reasons but one of them is: when your ideal client finds your content through organic search (searching on Google) it’s because they literally searched for content related to your services. If your content shows up in their search results it’s because they were actively searching for it. This automatically makes them ideal clients! They’re your people!
If you’re ready to publish an aligned website and get started with blogging; book a free consultation! I would love to help you get started!
Making connections through comments and social engagement
If you did join any FB group or start to follow like minded entrepreneurs on IG, be sure to comment and engage! People ask a lot of questions within FB groups especially. Monitor the chats in those groups and see if you can provide valuable information. Comment to answer people’s questions or share content you’ve created. If you did write a blog post then you can share a snippet of it in a post and tell them to reach out if they want a link to the full blog post. Most groups won’t allow you to link out to your own content!
Personally, I had less luck with FB groups when I was making connections through engaging on socials. But that’s just me, others have had great success with finding clients through FB so be sure to try it out and see if it works for you.
I was, on the other hand, able to find clients through connecting and commenting on Instagram! I made genuine connections with women who had service based businesses and when we had a good rapport going I shared that I have a couple of spots available for web design. Most of them didn’t book right away but they told me they’d keep me in mind. I kept those online relationships going through commenting and DMs and when they were ready they let me know! The important part is building those connections!
Don’t ditch if they don’t invest right away, you never know when they will or if they can refer you. Genuine connection is the most important!
Take advantage of your website and SEO and let it do the selling!
Continue to create valuable, information filled content through Blogging (or whichever digital marketing strategy you choose). When you publish consistent content your readers stay engaged and interested. You’re not having to chat with multiple people one on one. Instead, you’re creating content that multiple people can consume on their own time. And even though you’re not having those one on one touch points they’re still becoming a part of your community. They trust you because you’ve provided so much helpful free content. They can rely on you because you consistently publish your posts.
Once you’ve built this relationship and trust you can utilize your website to sell for you. Make sure your website is designed and optimized for your users to be able to navigate and find your services easily! Link to your shop, services or consult form within your posts to encourage them to get in touch.
And just like that you’re helping your ideal clients, building your community and booking clients with any one on one conversation!
If you’re really feeling up for it, host quiet-friendly virtual co-working sessions.
In a co-working session you don’t have to be chatting the whole time. You can chat in the beginning for a quick connection when everyone joins. But the purpose of a co-working session is to keep each other accountable to show up and work on their business! The reason I say you can host this yourself is because then you’re in control of the session and you can run them as introvert friendly as you like!
You can all keep each other accountable which is great for business but as the word spreads new people can be brought into your world. And you never know when one might need your services or may know someone else who does!
A few mindset shifts for introverts and networking
Remember, you don’t have to talk to as many people as possible! You just need to find the right, aligned people who you can build real relationships with! Networking doesn’t have to be showing up at an in-person event all by yourself and be forced to talk to people. That’s not comfortable for most people! Introvert networking can be comfortable and cozy! You can comment and socialize on the socials from the comfort of your couch!
Any relationship takes time to build and grow. Be sure to nurture the connections that feel aligned!
If you want to start building relationships and a community through Blogging – Book a free consultation and let’s get you started with attracting aligned clients (without cold pitching or leaving your couch!)
Why Introverts in Business Make Amazing Entrepreneurs (Even If You Hate Selling)
My Quarterly Blog Planning Strategy as a Business Owner
Can You Be a Successful Entrepreneur If You’re an Introvert?
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