Do any of these descriptions describe you? Remember, you’re not just one “type” but usually have one predominant style that is offset by a secondary style. Just a little food for thought as you consider the value of networking and your own job search.
Quick tip: When you are at a networking session – see if you can pinpoint the networking styles of others. If you are a “High I” then a great way to give back is to help those that networking is not as natural a skill. If you are a “High C,” then analyze the actions of those confident networkers around you. Is there something you can adjust to fit yourself, or can you “fake it ‘til you make it”? (Yes, trust me. That does work.)
- The socializing pattern belongs to the High “I”, so it’s easy to predict that the style quickest to dive into networking will be the “I” style. The “I” is fast-paced & people oriented. These people are social, verbal, optimistic & outgoing. They are “people-people” who prefer sharing ideas, entertaining and energizing others. They are likely to say “I know no strangers, just friends I’ve not yet met!”
- The “D” style will step up to network quickly, but only to be sure to be out in front doing it and in hopes of an immediate result, but not for the purpose of making long term relationships. To the “D”, networking is a task that needs to be accomplished and they CAN and WILL do it! The “D” style is fast-paced and task oriented. These director-type people are assertive strong-willed people who enjoy challenges and taking action.
- The “S” style will be willing to talk (network) but typically when approached first and then they respond quietly and humbly to be polite. They will appear to be friendly, but are slow about revealing too much personal information until they are certain they are in agreement with the other person. They are slow-paced, people oriented, stable and sympathetic. They tend to be helpful and prefer being “behind the scenes” in consistent and predictable systematic ways.
- The “C” style would prefer to read the statistics and research the networking process before deciding to get involved. They are slow-paced and task oriented and known as being conscientiousness, concerned, cautious and correct. Because they focus on quality, they plan ahead and want to use proven successful techniques for what they do. The High “C” isn’t going to be outgoing and talkative. As far as networking, they would much rather say, “Just give me the information about the networking meeting when the meeting is over.”