People who are introverts or highly sensitive have special abilities that are valuable in networking events, group meetings and social settings. However, they often try to imitate the aggressive networking styles of extroverts instead of developing methods more suitable to their own sensibilities. This often causes their sensitivity to work to their detriment. They end up feeling inadequate and squashed in the networking process.

What introverts and highly sensitive people do best is to connect by receiving others. Here are some core concepts that you can use to make connection in a crowded room of strangers if you are introverted in nature.

1. Reach out by receiving – Instead of trying to move toward people, stand still and look around the room with soft eye contact. Look gently and kindly at people, seeking anyone who is able to look back at you.

2. Only connect with the people who respond to you. The people who are able to look back at you are the ones in the room you want to connect with. They are the only ones with whom it will feel good to connect. So smile and use your sensitivity to invite the connection. Either move toward the person or wait for him/her to move to you.

3. Listen and ask questions – This is your strength. Be curious to find out about the person. Don’t be afraid to ask obvious questions.

4. Tell your story only after listening for some time. Especially when talking with an extrovert, you must wait and let them talk first. After listening for while, you will intuitively sense what to say to that person.

5. Ask what kind of client they want you to send to them. Let them know you will keep their card and keep them in mind in the future. Follow-up your connection with an e-mail or phone call after the networking event. Let them know how much you enjoyed connecting with them and you look forward to seeing them at the next event.

The people with whom you have connected this way are almost always good contacts for you. This approach uses the law of attraction to receive people who are on your wavelength. Give it a try and let me know what happens.