Internal Networking: Benefits and Unconventional Ideas for Introverts

I don’t network. Networking is for extroverts. I just have good relations with people at work. Relations based on trust and authenticity.

That was my thought until I came across this post from “The Random Recruiter” (@randomrecruiter) and his posterior Live Space.

Internal networking… Its meaning was clear, but I’d never understood my good relations as networking before. If you are an introvert like me, networking is not in your vocabulary.

Networking isn’t for introverts

Each person is different, but there are some common traits:

We avoid having multiple things to think about at the same time. We feel easily overwhelmed.

We also don’t want to have many relations, and we are direct in what we do and how we speak. Our connections are less but deeper than for the rest of the people.

We are usually shy, so we don’t like starting conversations, and much less asking for things.

So, we negate the relevance of networking, lying to ourselves as a self-defense method.

It is an uncomfortable situation for us, and we don’t want to expose ourselves to it. Then, we conclude it is not needed.

But the truth is… When I reflected on that post, I related many of the steps I made in my career to internal networking. So, my conclusion is not only that I networked, but it was effortless, and it opened many doors for me.

How Internal Networking can help You

You’ve probably heard that “it is not about what you know but who you know” and many other quotes that highlight the relevance of networking in general.

When we apply it inside a company, some of the benefits are:

• Growth in the company
• Lateral movement
• Better acceptance of our ideas
• Positions in other companies where a former colleague is working.

Reviewing my career, I experienced all of the above and some more. A few examples:

• When working in an agency, I was hired by the client because my former boss landed on that client a few years after he left the agency. He already knew me and asked me to go to work with him.
• Being absorbed by the client is common, but I also moved in the opposite direction. In a client, I was working in the Project Management Office, and as I preferred to develop, I was hired by the agency that was executing the project.
• Then, I was the Development Leader and moved to the Business Intelligence Team as a junior consultant within the same company, and keeping my salary.
• When the director assumed another country, I told him I wanted a relocation. So, I emigrated from my country with the proper documentation, a contract, and help with the moving process.

Of course, you need to deliver, but good relations give you the confidence to ask for what you want and better chances to obtain it.

But the question remains. If you are an introvert, how would you work on internal networking?

Internal networking for introverts

You may dislike the classic networking approach if you are quiet and prefer to avoid big events and multiple connections.

Although internal networking is easier because it involves people you see daily, you may still find it challenging. So here are some ideas you can implement in your workplace:

• Ask for coaching. This is a one-on-one relationship with someone you admire in your company.
• Play group sports. If this is part of your culture and interests, don’t miss that soccer match or any other group activity that can help you to feel more familiar with your colleagues.
• Go for a drink. Even if you do it with your inner circle, other colleagues will be on the same bar. This means that after a few drinks, your inhibitions will lower, and you will be open to new connections.
• Travel. If you work in a regional company or project, be part of the working trips. Besides earning extra money and experience, you will get to know your colleagues outside the office.
• Stay late. Don’t get me wrong. I’m against working overtime in general. But if your project is going through a heavy workload, be part of the task force. This is not only good for gaining visibility, but in healthy projects, the late shift creates a bond among colleagues.

I’m not going to lie. I wasn’t even aware of the networking when doing the above activities. I intended to work better, have good times, and gain visibility.

But they helped me to build rapport with my colleagues, get insights into new opportunities, and gain the confidence to ask for what I wanted.

Takeaway

Open up to internal networking:

• Internal networking can be challenging, but it is rewarding.
• You can take advantage of it even if you are an introvert.
• It’s always better to adapt it to your personality.
• You will find more benefits not strictly related to growing in your career.

That’s all for today. Have a great week.