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Attention introverts, you have a superpower that enables you to beat extroverts at networking. Want to know what it is? Want to know how to use it? I'm going to share that and so much more on this edition of the Inside BS Show. Hey now, it's Dave Lorenzo.

I'm the Godfather of Growth and today I'm talking to all of you introverts. I'm going to walk you through five specific steps that will help you as an introvert build valuable business relationships without pretending to be someone you're not. If you've ever felt drained or overwhelmed by traditional networking, this is the show for you.

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So let's get right to it. Step number one is to shift your focus. Most people go into networking and they think to themselves, how can I sell myself to other people? What can I do to make a good impression? Well, this mindset is exhausting, especially if you're an introvert.

So instead, I want you to approach networking with this thought. How can I learn about the person standing across from me and how can I help them? You see, you're a good person. You want to help people.

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And introverts excel at listening. That's your superpower. When you meet someone new, you just need to ask open-ended questions.

Ask things like, what challenges are you facing in your business right now? What goals are you working toward this year? And then listen, really listen. Nod, maintain eye contact, reflect back what you hear. Say things like, it sounds like growing your sales team is a big priority for you right now.

And then when they say yes, they'll elaborate even more. So let's say you meet a small business owner and he tells you that he's struggling with marketing. You don't need to have an answer.

You can simply say something like, that sounds really tough. I know a few people who specialize in marketing for entrepreneurs. Would it be helpful if I connected you with them? See what happened there? You took the pressure off yourself and you made it all about them.

You positioned yourself as someone who helps because that's really who you are. At heart, you want to be helpful. All right, now step two is to be intentional about how you network.

You don't need to work the room at a massive event. Instead, set small, realistic goals. Before attending a networking event, say to yourself, I'm going to have two meaningful conversations today.

That's it. Just two quality connections. When you do this, the pressure just melts away.

Consider this. You go to a local business lunch. Instead of trying to meet everyone, you sit next to two people and have just genuine conversations.

Get to know them. Ask about their businesses and their goals. You leave that event having built two solid connections and you take that as a win because it is.

If large events aren't your style, set up one-on-one coffee meetings instead. You can reach out and say, I really admire the work that you do in your industry. Would you be open to grabbing a coffee? I'd love to learn more about your business journey and who I can connect with you to help you continue to grow.

When you shift from networking event to building one connection at a time, everything just seems easier. Step three is to use digital networking to warm up your relationships. Introverts often prefer writing over talking.

Platforms like LinkedIn are perfect for this. Start by engaging with potential clients online. Comment on their posts.

Congratulate them on milestones and share content that is in alignment with their interests. Imagine you see a business consultant post about a recent success. You comment something along the lines of, hey, that's fantastic.

It's inspiring to see your growth. Later, when you meet with them in person, you can say, I love the post that you shared about growing your consulting business. How did you make that happen? Suddenly, you're not a stranger.

You're a familiar face. It's like you already have established a relationship because you made that connection online. You can also send a message before an event.

Something along the lines of, hi, Joe. I saw you'll be at the conference next week. I'd love to say hello and hear more about your work.

Digital networking, online networking lets you ease into connections before meeting face to face. The fourth step in this process is follow-up. This is where you as an introvert can really shine.

After you meet someone, don't just send a generic email. Instead, personalize your follow-up. Let's say you meet someone who's trying to improve their company culture.

You could send an email that says, it was great meeting you. I came across this article on workplace culture and I thought it might resonate considering what we discussed. This type of follow-up deepens a relationship.

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It shows that you were listening and that you care. The key is to be helpful. If you see an opportunity to connect them with someone who can solve their problem, offer it.

Networking isn't about what you can get today. It's about being a valuable resource for the future. Finally, the fifth step is to view networking as a long-term game.

Introverts excel at building trust over time. Stop thinking about networking as transactional. There's no quid pro quo.

It's not how can I get business from this person today. It's how can I build a relationship so we can help each other for years. Let's say you meet an attorney at a seminar.

You check in with them a few times a year. Maybe you share an interesting legal article or you introduce them to a contact. Two years later, when they need a business consultant, who do they call? Well, if you're a business consultant, they call you.

Consistency is key. Keep a simple spreadsheet or a notes app with names and details of your conversations and reminders to follow up. As your sales process gets more advanced, you may want to invest in a customer relationship management system or CRM that automates some of these activities for you.

When you nurture relationships over time, you become the person people trust when they need help. That's exactly the kind of person who I want in my network. Let me recap these five steps for you.

Step number one, shift the focus. Make it all about them. Step number two, plan for small intentional engagements.

Step number three, leverage online or digital networking to build warm leads. Step number four, follow up with relationship depth. And then step number five, reframe networking as long-term relationship building.

Remember, your quiet strength, your listening skills, these are your superpowers. You don't need to be the loudest person in the room. You can build a thriving business and be a master of networking just by being yourself.

My name is Dave Lorenzo and this is the Inside BS Show. We take you inside and share all the business secrets with you every day. We'll be back here again tomorrow at 6 a.m. with some more insider business secrets.

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Until then, here's hoping you make a great living and live a great life.