Networking 101 for Introverts: Tips and Tricks to Help You Connect Confidently with Others

The opinions expressed by entrepreneurs contributors are their own.

Have you heard of the simple one-question test to reveal whether you're introverted or extroverted? The question is: do you recharge your personal battery alone or in a group? If the answer is by yourself, then you are introverted.

I identify as an introvert. Therefore, I use several tips to help me make networking events as successful and painless as possible.

Preparing for an event makes the event less stressful. First, you need to know the exact agenda of the event and know where you want to be and when. Next, find out if a list of attendees is available before the event. If so, review the list and contact the people you want to meet at the event. Having a plan of who you want to see and making appointments ahead of time will make the event more productive and less intimidating.

Related: How to Start a Business When You're Introverted

Once you have your schedule prepared, you will then need to prepare your interactions. You can read industry articles regularly, but if you don't, I recommend that you start reading them a few weeks before the event. Having exciting news to discuss at the networking event will be very beneficial. In addition to industry news, you should spend time researching the people and companies you intend to meet at the event. Although you probably won't be interviewing for a job, it's good to think of networking events as if you were. Research and compelling stories are the keys to meaningful networking.

Now that you've prepared your schedule and conversations, you need to prepare your mindset. I'm lucky to have a good support system. However, I only partially depend on others for my preparation for mental networking. To mentally prepare for networking events, I often go mentally prepared. One of the methods I use is self-encouragement. Thinking positively about myself and thinking positively about the event will contribute to a positive outcome of the event.

Related: How Even as an Introvert I Still Learned to Close Sales

When you arrive at the event, you must inspect the room. When you walk into a room with many people, it's essential to step back and assess. Take notes on your phone or in a notepad about the people you want to interact with. An advanced plan with goals for who you want to talk to will help tremendously.

After inspecting the room, if there's no one you want to connect with, it's time to make those new connections. The easiest place to start is in the drink line or around the food.

Now is the time to start the conversations. I find networking very intriguing since the goal is to build relationships that should be mutually beneficial for all parties involved. It sounds simple, but it can really be difficult for an introvert. My main recommendation during conversations is to ask questions. Most people like to talk about themselves, and like to learn about others. The mindset of asking questions and actively listening helps me tremendously at networking events.

Related: 5 Mega-Successful Entrepreneurs Who Are Introverted

Also, when networking, I always exchange contact information at the start of the conversation. If you wait too long to exchange information, the other party may have to leave. Or it is also possible that a new person joins the group, which would change the conversation and your possibility of asking the desired questions. If you get the cooperation of the other parties...