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Three weeks into lock-down and I’m completely shattered. It gets to 9 am and I’m ready for a nap, by 1 pm I’m so exhausted I need to close my eyes or I’ll simply fall to the floor and die! Well, that’s a bit dramatic, but you get the gist.
Human behaviour has always fascinated me and it’s something I’d love to academically delve further into in the future, especially on the topic of networking and social interactions. We’re all so different which is what makes us wonderful, but how we engage with each other can sometimes become difficult because of it.
One element of socialising, and networking, that stands out is the concept of introverts and extroverts. To me that always meant either being shy or being loud, but actually that has nothing to do with it: it refers to how we get our energy!
Here are some definitions from a brilliant blog on Buffer:
Introverts (or those of us with introverted tendencies) tend to recharge by spending time alone. They lose energy from being around people for long periods of time, particularly large crowds.
Extroverts, on the other hand, gain energy from other people. Extroverts actually find their energy is sapped when they spend too much time alone. They recharge by being social.
Think back to events or parties where you see people either totally buzzin’ chatting away, or stood quietly in the corner with their arms crossed looking towards the floor. It’s not that they’re necessarily really loud or really shy people, it’s that they’re either gaining or losing energy in that situation.
So could this be the reason I’m so tired since lock-down?
As someone who has higher extrovert tendencies, and therefore gets energy from being around groups of people, is isolation from others making me tired?
If that’s the case, are introverted people flying high right now; living the dream, feeling rested and full or energy?
If you’re not sure which side of the camp you sit on, CLICK HERE for a quick online quiz.
Fun Fact: None of us are completely introvert or extrovert, we’re all a mixture of the two with stronger tendencies towards one or the other. An ‘ambivert’ is someone who’s a perfect balance of both, and who apparently makes the best salespeople!
Knowing if you’re more of an introvert or extrovert could help you understand your current energy levels and mood, as well as why certain situations might be more difficult or appealing to you. Plus it can also help with your business, and of course your future networking activities.
It’s so important to find events that you enjoy and that you feel comfortable attending; if you’re comfortable you’re far more likely to be yourself, and people want to get to know the real you. If you enjoy events you’re far more likely to keep going, and networking is all about consistency and building effective relationships over time. Plus, you’ll just be happier, and who doesn’t want that?!
Rather than try to suppress your natural instincts and force yourself into situations you don’t enjoy, here are the different event formats I’d suggest depending on your ‘vert’ tendencies…
Events for Extroverts
Open, relaxed and informal networking events are the place for you if you’re an extrovert. Lots of hustle and bustle, people chatting and mingling in groups of all sizes, and you can move around chatting to others as and when you like.
Events for Introverts
The above is probably your idea of hell. You’ll be much happier in a organised, structured event with designated time for one-to-one’s with people and a clear start and finish time. Consistency is good, attending a regular event in the same location with familiar faces is a great place to start.
I’d love to hear how your energy levels are since lock-down, and where you sit on the introvert vs extrovert scale.
To learn more about networking take a look at our online-learning courses HERE!
