If you want to make introverted people miserable, invite them to your networking event. Sounds harsh, yet try answering this question: When was the last time you focused on designing an introvert-friendly networking experience while planning your event?
Hmm … possibly never?
You see, not all people enjoy face-to-face communication.
In fact, attending networking events can be a painful task for many reasons that put off even the most outgoing attendees. Thus, planning an introvert friendly networking event is a must, and this article will show you the easiest way to do it.
But first, let’s bust a few myths about introverts.
Myth #1. Introverts have no social skills
Wrong! According to Susan Cain, introverts “may have strong social skills and enjoy parties and business meetings, but after a while wish they were home in their pajamas.” Contrary to the general belief, being an introvert has nothing to do with lacking social skills. Cain notes, “Introverted people are actually highly sensitive and process information about their environments—both physical and emotional—unusually deeply.”
Myth #2. Introverts don’t like to talk
As Cain highlights, “They listen more than they talk, think before they speak … Many have a horror of small talk, but enjoy deep discussions.” Only an introvert-friendly networking experience can help them connect with the new people they meet at events on a deeper level.
Myth #3. Introverts are boring
Have you ever had a conversation with someone who’s outgoing and talks continuously, yet you found yourself fighting the urge to yawn? Well, guess what? Cain notes, “There’s zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas.”
As an event planner, you need to remember that your introvert attendees hate small talk, are extremely sensitive to a demanding environment that forces them to engage with others involuntarily (such as hunting “networking partners” at your event), and enjoy really meaningful and deep conversations.
Providing an introvert-friendly networking experience means harnessing these incredible personal traits. Taking all these factors into account, the easiest way to plan and run an introvert-friendly networking event is to use a powerful event planning software package with built-in B2B matchmaking option.
By running B2B matchmaking events, you’ll gain the trust and love of your introverted attendees.
Here’s why:
Your attendees will be able to engage with others weeks before the event
Using powerful event planning software, your guests will have access to the entire attendee list. In addition, they will be able to communicate directly with others through a special online platform. Establishing an initial connection with people who are professionally interesting for your attendees will facilitate the networking process during the event. Moreover, it will diminish the uncertainty factor introvert attendees may experience and help them better prepare for the event.
Your guests will decide with whom they want to interact
What introverted attendees will love most about the B2B matchmaking dynamic is having absolute control over the networking process. Not only can they scroll through the guest list, but they can also decide who they want to connect with.
The participants will determine their own networking agenda
An introvert-friendly networking event means giving your attendees plenty of options and space to decide how they want to carry on their interaction experience. Using the right B2B matchmaking tools, your guests can easily schedule short meetings during the event with those people who are important and interesting for their businesses or projects.
Your guests will feel guided through the entire networking experience
Planning a B2B matchmaking event means identifying and setting up strict networking parameters. During the event, your introverted guests won’t stroll around aimlessly, trying “to hunt down” someone with whom they could exchange a few words. Instead, they will know exactly what is on their itinerary, this way avoiding feeling overwhelmed by the demanding networking environment.
No more extensive small talk or awkward networking situations
There’s nothing more terrifying than that to an introvert. If you want to plan a truly introvert-friendly networking event, B2B matchmaking is your best solution. Why? As mentioned before, this type of dynamic enables attendees to have full access to the guest list and find people they want to meet. Additionally, it allows them to pre-schedule meetings. This will help your introverted attendees avoid the usual awkward or cringeworthy networking moments.
Wrap up
By choosing to run a B2B matchmaking event instead of traditional interaction sessions between attendees, you’ll be providing an introvert-friendly networking experience. B2B matchmaking is the only system that empowers your attendees with the absolute control over their networking experiences. Your guests will feel much more comfortable when interacting with strangers and be able to generate truly meaningful connections.
