Networking can really suck for introverts. I know because I'm one of them. You're probably thinking, "Of course! Introverts are shy and have trouble with social interactions." However, introversion is much more complex and encompasses an overlapping spectrum of feelings. Here's my take on it:

In general, the terms "introvert" and "extrovert" describe social preferences, not social capabilities, and it's important to remember that there's nothing wrong with tending toward one side or the other. Both have advantages and disadvantages (many that you can overcome with practice or adrenaline).

These observations stem largely from the software-related meet-ups I've attended in NYC (Hackers & Founders, Hadoop, Android, etc), so they may only be applicable to technically-oriented introverts.

"The weather sure is ____." When introverts hear this, we immediately disengage. It's a struggle for us to realize that a little upfront investment in small talk can lead to a great conversation. Small talk is all about finding something to have a deeper conversation about, but often times, introverts get stuck in small talk ruts or completely blank on what to talk about, leading to awkward pauses.

I've been a party to plenty of awkward pauses, both on the "caused" and the "affected" side. Awkward pauses happen for two reasons: struggling with turn taking or blanking on what to talk about. Blanking on what to talk about can happen because introverts have other interesting ideas we're mulling or we've run out of conversation topics. In the past, I've thought about keeping notes on conversation topics, but it's pretty weird to see someone whip out a notebook in the middle of a conversation, so I haven't done it.

If an introvert can't get out of the small talk stage or genuinely has no interest in the person they're talking to (imagine getting stuck talking to a someone from a recruitment agency that snuck in to a MySQL meetup), the conversation is over. Time to escape.

The polite introverts needlessly stick with the conversation, trying to think of a way to break it off nicely. From personal experience, these dreaded conversations can last up to half an hour. All the while, you're catching bits and pieces of interesting conversations all around you.

The less polite introverts either have "I don't care" plastered across their faces or just walk away. I have seen both. The latter is much more entertaining.

If there's a type of conversation that introverts love, it's 1-on-1 conversations. It's nerdy, but it's great to get into an intellectual property debate with one other person. However, at most "networking events" it's tough to get a 1-on-1 conversation. Often times you're stuck with a group.

Introverts have a lot of trouble with group conversations. We feel like we can't get a word in - other people are always talking! We feel like we have to keep up with the main conversation and all the little side conversations that keep splitting off. And a lot of times, it's hard to even join a group conversation.

Joining a group conversation is hard because everyone already involved is participating in the conversation. It's hard for them to include someone who has just popped in. It sounds strange, but I've seen people walk up to a group conversation, stand there for 10 minutes, and then walk away without ever saying anything.

I've resolved to help fix these problems for a subset of introverts in a subset of networking situations. I want to help software engineers, who are definitely more introverted than the general population, network to find jobs and meet companies. To accomplish this goal (and others - a subject of another post), I'm introducing Hirelite.com: Speed Dating for the Hiring Process

At a Hirelite event, software engineers will go on 5-minute "speed interviews" with companies. Making small talk and creating awkward pauses will be less of an issue because the conversations will be short and focused on how each party can help the other. Starting new conversations and politely leaving conversations of no interest will be of little concern due to the 5-minute time limit and rotation to the next conversation. And group conversations will be minimized: one company (possibly two people) speaking with one software engineer.

Hirelite is having its inaugural event on March 16th in New York City. For this event, there is only space for 20 companies and 20 software engineers, so let us know early if you would like to attend.