How to be a part-time ambivert

The right kind of networking can take you far. As the internationally renowned entrepreneur Porter Gale once said, “Your network is your net worth”. However, the real question is how to network when doing that does not come naturally? When your socializing skills have always been a challenge to you? When you, as an individual, have always been an introvert?

Since we cannot change the way networking works, the pragmatic solution would be to develop our networking and communication skills. To put it simply, an introvert can turn into a part-time ambivert if they hold onto their original personality, yet do not allow it to be a weakness.

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If you are an introvert, this article will show you how to operate as a part-time ambivert, and thus become a better-equipped professional.

Firstly, let us acknowledge and normalize your natural traits of recharging best when alone. New people and places may well seem challenging and daunting to you, and you may also find yourself remarkably different from other people you encounter and the topics they discuss. This might seem to be the first roadblock! However, being different provides a reason for a conversation; otherwise, it would be just a lot of ‘Me too’. So, having established that your quirks are essential, let us look at the skills you already have and can build on to achieve better networking.

♠ Active listening: This is a crucial part of networking. One has to be receptive to new ideas, new topics, new views. A critical realisation that is required here is that listening does not imply adopting other people’s viewpoints. One can respect others’ opinions while still holding onto one’s beliefs. But to actively network, one needs to put up one’s opinion on the table apart from listening and reflecting no matter how insignificant it feels. It might not change the direction of the river, but it will certainly create a ripple, at least in your personality.

♠ Confidence: If one is comfortable being by themselves, that is a sign of great comfort in whoever they are. Introverts generally are not comfortable around others, but by themselves, they are pretty astounding. Though psychology calls the ‘worst-case scenario’ catastrophising, let us accept most introverts have this embedded in their personalities. So, what is the worst that could happen if you attempt to be confident and outspoken among others? At maximum, you and your view will not be accepted, right? And isn’t that okay because you are still happy being in your own company? This is the worst scenario, but a successful attempt will gain you a good network of people and thereby a chance to grow continually. Maybe you will give yourself opportunities and others the opportunity to see a confident version of you.

♠ Planning and Preparation: Thanks to the amount of overthinking they tend to do, introverts are usually prepared. So prepare several conversation starters ahead of time. Ask questions about the event, the kind of people who will be there so that you are not surprised or dumbfounded when at the event. Once you start and feel comfortable, you might just enjoy having conversations. It is always best to talk about the things that you are passionate about or drive you. In such topics, people generally have their natural energy attracting more people and conversations.

♠ Maybe try saying “yes”: Invitations to anything new and unknown might tempt you to say no, but once in a while, say “yes”. Remember, your personality is never the problem but the inability to express it is. Be it social gatherings at university, a dinner for international students, a hike with work colleagues, a marathon, a trip for newcomers, just say “yes”. Challenge yourself and revive once you reach back if at all it was exhausting. It is not always necessary to talk, and it isn’t essential to be the last person to leave a gathering. In the right kind of network, there are always opportunities where the inputs from others will be fascinating and stimulating and when things feel overwhelming, it is okay to leave.

♠ Befriend an extrovert. That way, both of you can balance each other’s shortcomings. It is possibly the easiest way to become an ambivert but make sure you are constantly imbibing social skills. They can help start conversations for you, introduce you to a new group of people but be sure to take the baton from there.

To sum it up: take yourself to events. Plan conversation starters. Take your time to be quiet and revive. Talk about things that move and interest you. Hesitate, but do not stop yourself from having conversations. And lastly, just accept it if someone doesn’t appreciate your quirks and qualms. Every personality type has that problem. So be confident and network. It might not be your net worth, but it will surely aid growth. Let this part-time occupation be a tremendous personal investment!

‘These shares are not subjected to market risk’.

References

L. King, S., 2021. Introverted? Here’s How to Be More Social. [online] Oprah.com. Available at: https://www.oprah.com/inspiration/12-ways-to-be-more-social-starting-now [Accessed 6 November 2021].

Garcia, M., 2021. Worst-Case Scenario Thinking Is Drinking Your Youthful Energy. [online] Medium. Available at: <Worst-Case Scenario Thinking Is Drinking Your Youthful Energy.> [Accessed 6 November 2021].

Author:

Jeny Jose

Assistant Editor at GJSD

November 8, 2021

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The opinions expressed in this article/publication are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of GiLE or its members.