In this week's Video Tip, I share some advice on how introverts can make the most of networking events. 

Yet events are not networking. They are merely a tool in the networking process. This is a message that I share constantly, either explicitly, as I'm doing here, or more subtly through all the advice I give on relationship building, developing trust, asking for referrals and more. 

Despite this message having been shared by me and by many others over a long period of time, whenever the word 'networking' comes up in conversation, most people's minds jump immediately to the exchange of business cards and elevator pitches over cold canap�s and warm wine. 

Last week I sat opposite someone at a networking lunch who proceeded to extol the virtues of a networking speaker who 'will show you how to talk to as many people in the room as quickly and efficiently as possible' (groan). 

Earlier this week I addressed the question of networking being about more than events, by pointing out that the conversation taking place had happened as the result of an introduction by someone (not at an event) who I had met through introduction (not at an event) and could, in fact, track back through at least three generations of introductions without events taking place. 

Yes, networking events and networking sites are important and provide useful opportunities for us to build our networks and deepen relationships. But they are not networking. 

If you feel that you don't have time to 'network', ask yourself how many conversations you are having day in and day out which could be classed as relationship building. How much focus are you placing on creating opportunities to have those conversations and truly deepen those relationships? 

Build networking into your DNA, make it something you do automatically. Building rapport, developing trust, staying in touch with people, offering support, sharing ideas, making introductions and asking for help. 

That's true networking, not working the room. And you're doing it more often than you realise. 

How much more effective could you be if you paid attention? 

Andy 

I meet a lot of people who find networking events very challenging because they are not comfortable in large groups of people. 

You don't necessarily need to go to large-scale events to network but they are one tool in the network-building process and it's important to be able to approach them with confidence. 

A couple of years ago I interviewed author and introvert Jennifer Kahnweiler about how introverts can prepare for such events and make the most of them.