1. @MDMusgrave
#OHSAtweets
The Interesting Introvert
Networking for People Who Hate Networking
Matthew D. Musgrave, M.Ed.
Residence Hall Director
Kent State University
INFP

2. @MDMusgrave
#OHSAtweets
What is an Introvert?
 Obviously, opposite of an extrovert/extravert
 Inwardly-reflective
 Drained by large social gatherings
 Energized by alone time
 Fewer close friends
 “Think to talk”
 Famous Introverts: Einstein, Da Vinci, QE2,
Carson, Buffet, Roberts, MLK, Jordan
 How do you define your introversion?

3. @MDMusgrave
What is networking? #OHSAtweets
 The art of building, maintaining connections for
shared positive outcomes
 Allows you to establish relationships; build trust
 People hire people they know and trust
 Opportunities are all around!
 School, conference socials, meals, and parties
 Standing in line
 Sitting on a bus, subway, or airplane
 Social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn); e-mail

4. How Networking is Intimidating
 What makes you nervous about networking?
 “Forced” conversations
 Making the initial connection
 Seems disingenuous (only there to “put your
name out there”)
 Having to talk with dozens of people in order
to have made an impact
 Physical/Mental exhaustion
 Dealing with stress
@MDMusgrave
 Mental “over-processing”
#OHSAtweets

5. @MDMusgrave
Start Small #OHSAtweets
 “Drill deep” – establish connections early on
through email; social networking
 Focus on schools that you feel would be “best fit”
 Send prospective employers clarifying questions to
assess that fit
 Narrows your focus
 Prepares you for your interview
 Social networks are where employer shows “true
colors”
 Twitter hashtag conversations (#SAchat; #SAgrad)
 Join regional, national organizations
 Attend and volunteer at conferences

6. @MDMusgrave
Large Group Networking #OHSAtweets
 Unavoidable part of networking
 Relax! You are not on display (even though it
may feel that way)
 Don’t worry about the interview – focus on
relationship building
 Look and feel your best – confidence is key!
 Set realistically achievable goals
 Reward yourself for achieving these goals
 Bring a friend, but don’t use him/her as a
crutch

7. @MDMusgrave
Stay Small #OHSAtweets
 Thrive in a one-on-one environment
 Schedule 1:1 lunches with prospective
employers, connections
 Connect with other introverts – they will be
happy to not have to extend themselves
 Arrive early
 Make connections before groups form, solidify
 Connect with others in a quiet environment

8. Be a “Host,” Not a “Guest”
 “Guests” wait to be told what to do; where to
go
 “Hosts” focus on, attend to the needs of
others
 Reduces shyness; feels more genuine; not an
imposition
 You can assess what an employer’s needs are;
address how you can meet them
 Compliments help to break the ice
 Use “inviting” body language – SMILE!

9. @MDMusgrave
Small Talk #OHSAtweets
 If you’re prepared, you won’t have awkward
gaps of silence
 Ask questions that interest you
 Practice answering those questions as well, be
detailed, but not overly so
 Examples
 What have you enjoyed most about this conference?
What did you enjoy about it?
 What brought you to this conference/session?
 LISTEN – don’t get distracted watching for
other chances to network

10. @MDMusgrave
Follow the ROAD #OHSAtweets
 Relationships – Who is important to them
(friends, family, co-workers)?
 Occupation – What do they do in their role?
 Activities – What do they do for fun (outside
of their position)?
 Drive – What motivates them? What do they
most like about their work?
 You don’t have to be the life of the party, just
be yourself!

11. @MDMusgrave
Take Breaks! #OHSAtweets
 Easily the most important advice – AVOID
BURNOUT
 After 2-3 conversations, take 5-15 minutes to
simply sit and catch your breath
 It can be more/less, depending on how you feel
 Write thank you notes
 Jot key info on business cards – useful for follow-
up
 Text a friend for encouragement
 Check email, voicemail, Facebook, Twitter, etc.

12. @MDMusgrave
#OHSAtweets
Ending the Conversation
 It’s okay to move on!
 Networking is natural in our field
 Social events at placement – people expect you to do
this
 Don’t use the bathroom excuse unless that’s what
you need to do
 Be honest
 Thank them (by name) for the conversation, shake
their hand and get a card
 “I promised myself I’d circulate the room, but it’s been
great talking with you. Do you have a card?”
 “I’m sure you want to connect with other people tonight,
so I’ll let you go. Do you have a card?”

13. @MDMusgrave
After the Event #OHSAtweets
 Don’t beat yourself up over missteps
 Follow-up with the people you met within 1-3
days
 Let your email fill in the gaps that you missed
 Create the opportunity for further connections
 Reward yourself for your accomplishments
 Take a deep breath and relax – you
overcame a huge hurdle