An Introvert's Guide to Building a Referral Network

The importance of referrals in building a business is undeniable. 

While you may get a random referral without a network, it is highly unlikely. 

Generating a consistent flow of business from referrals only comes from investing in growing a solid business network. 

That means talking to people. Face-to-face. 

Daunting, right? Don’t despair! Many an introvert have managed to build a solid network, despite the need for alone time.

Here are some tried and true tips that will make business networking a little easier for you.

How to Network as an Introvert in 7 Steps

1. Be Visible at Events

From Chamber meetings to industry-specific meetups, there are loads of in-person opportunities to start raising your profile. 

Lurk if you must. 

Be a business wallflower, but start showing up. 

Just having a pulse in public with your peers will start laying a foundation for future relationships.

2. Observe and Serve 

Introverts are natural observers. 

Use this to your advantage. 

Watch and see who is who. Who is the gossip? Who is the quiet, competent one? 

You can also use your observational talents to identify opportunities to serve. Does everyone leave the host to straighten all the chairs after the event? If so, this is a perfect way to step up and start engaging well-connected professionals, without making a fuss.

3. Exit Any Conversation with Ease

If you have social anxiety in addition to introversion, a great trick is to set a timer before you approach someone new. 

If you set it for three minutes, and you get stuck in an awkward conversation, you can elegantly excuse yourself, saying you need to go take care of something. 

If you are vibing with the person, just turn off the timer and roll with it.

4. Stay in-Touch on Professional Networks

Once you've made that connection, ask for their card. Unlike with dating, you don't have to wait the obligatory three days before making contact. 

Just go ahead and shoot off an "it was nice to meet you" email. Include a way they can connect with you further, such as here on Alignable. If you really clicked with them, suggest coffee. You can use a calendar app, to book a date that works with ease.

5. Encourage and Support Each Other

Initial coffee dates shouldn't be used as an opportunity to pitch someone. This is the time to find out how you can encourage them, or be of service. 

Referral networks are built on relationships, not sales pitches. 

Ask about their business. What do they love about it? What are their pain points? 

Even if you can't help them, let them know that you will keep their struggle in mind if you run across a solution. 

Stuck? Turn the conversation back to them. Not only will you talk less, but you’ll be a conversational genius - as most people naturally like talking about themselves and letting you get to know them.

6. Celebrate Wins with New Professional Contacts

Once you been doing the above for a while, you will identify some people who might make great referral partners or mentors. 

Every time you make a big sale or get a good check, take someone on that list to lunch. Make it a habit. 

Here's a secret: people may turn down coffee, but almost no one turns down a free meal. These “big check lunches” have another added benefit - sometimes they turn partners into friends.

7. Be the Reliable Referral

People who actually do what they say they will, every time, are in the minority. 

By just being reliable, you will set yourself apart. 

Treat all referrals like gold. If you miss a deadline on a project that was referred to you, you can bet that will get around. 

When someone gives you a referral, they are lending you their credibility. 

Make them look like a genius. Everyone wants to be known as the person who knows amazing people. 

Be amazing and that will also get around word-of-mouth!

You Can Do This!

A robust referral network doesn't happen overnight, but it will happen if you consistently work on it. 

Unlike our extrovert friends who collect relationships effortlessly, we introverts have to have a plan. 

A little bit of targeted interaction goes a long way. 

If you feel overwhelmed, and don't know a good place to start, here is one more tip: find someone on Alignable that is close to you and send them a "hello" message. Tell them you are neighbors and you'd like to grab coffee, sometime. That’s what we’re all here for. Give it a try. It won’t kill you- we promise.

Related Content

How to Build a Referral Business Network

Dear Abel & Sofi: A Terrified Introvert Struggles With Sales

Editor’s Note: This article, “An Introvert's Guide to Building a Referral Network” was originally created by April Wier of Sugar Five Design on Oct 1st, 2017. We thought it was so great that we’ve updated and republished this content to our blog. Gotta burning question? Ask our community of over 4 million members.