Networking for Introverts

Whether you are a professional dancer or hobbyist, attending a big dance event can be overwhelming for an introvert. In Networking for Introverts, Lisa will suggest things you can do before, during and after the event to make your experience more relaxing, fun and worthwhile. 

Sneak Peak

Preparing Your Thoughts

I am an extrovert. And yet, here I am writing a class for introverts. Why? About half of my professional dance troupe members, including our director, are introverts (which tracks with the general population). This is something we discuss as a troupe and have a deliberate plan in place when we go to dance events. We have made the words into verbs so we discuss having someone at the event who can extrovert and someone who can introvert. Both are extremely helpful to have on your team because both are good at different things. This class will explore how introverts can maximize their influence at an event while still maintaining their sanity in "constantly on" type of scenario.

Here are some ways to help you think of your next Bellydance event as a fun opportunity to make new friends and/or business connections.

1- Decide (and even write down) your goals for the event. What do you want to get out of it? For example, I want to meet people in my area who are interested in taking an on-going class (maybe with you)... I want to meet other teachers who are interested in hosting joint haflas... I want to connect with someone teaching on a national level and ask to have a future conversation with them. I want to improve my technique and meet other dancers in my community.

2- Think about what you want to bring to the event. What do you want to contribute? This question is not as clear, yet it can really help us feel less nervous about interacting with others when we have an intention going into an event. For example, last year I went to an event with the intention of being as helpful as possible. I asked the event producer if she needed any help setting up and spent hours setting up tables for vendors. I introduced myself to a vendor who was alone and asked if she needed any help getting her stuff in. We chatted during set-up and I covered her table for her while she took breaks. We became friends. So maybe your intention will be to be helpful. Here are some other ideas:

-express thanks (to the organizers, the volunteers, the vendors and the instructors)

-make sure no one is sitting alone (who doesn't want to be)

-give the gift of your attention (make eye contact and smile at the instructor while she (or he) is teaching, talk to people without your phone in your hand, make sure you aren't talking when the instructor or organizer is trying to get people's attention)

3- Give yourself an out for when you are "over-peopled". Write down how you will know when you need some alone time. Even being an extrovert, when I get cranky it means I need some alone time. Your signals could be mood related like me, or you could get a headache or feel stressed out. Next, think about ways to be alone. Walking outside is a great idea; bringing headphones so it looks like you are reviewing your music for a performance; even going into the bathroom and hanging out in a stall will work.

When you think through how you will get a break, it takes away part of the anxiety of being with people the entire time.

I hope you enjoyed this sneak peak. This class has already been taken by 53 dancers and is available at the Belly Dance Business Academy online for $15.