Networking for Introverts with Saja Raoof

By Alay Yajnik on July 25, 2024

In this episode, Alay and Saja discuss:

Networking as an introvert and with visible things that make you feel different.
Networking for client resources, not just for yourself.
Managing your energy as an introvert at networking events.
Comparing and contrasting networking, speaking, and writing/social media as business development options.

Key Takeaways:

Having one-on-one conversations and making those connections will make it easier to attend your next networking event.
Personal growth happens outside your comfort zone.
Be willing to take opportunities for leadership – you will be amazed at what you can accomplish.
Use your skills that serve you well as a lawyer and an introvert to manage your networking thoroughly and in a well-organized manner.

Tweetable Moments:

“As a practice owner referral networking has been the most effective form of business development. So it felt like something I needed to, at the beginning, endure until I figured it out and then found my the mode that works for me.” — Saja Raoof
“The main thing that made networking doable for me is to focus on giving.” — Saja Raoof
“When I’m networking, I’m listening for opportunities to support my colleagues, whether that’s through a referral or finding them a speaking opportunity. And then that abundance mindset, that giving drive, boomerangs and comes back to you in the form of what you’re looking for to build your business.” — Saja Raoof
“For most of us who are introverted, if we can just get past that initial hump where we’re dealing with all of this social anxiety and all the energy that we just want to escape if we can get past that, build a couple of connections, and then move very quickly into a one on one type of conversation we can really break through and we can have success. ” — Alay Yajnik
“Your heart has to be in the right place because networking is about helping others. And as an introvert, because you listen, well, you can do that better than most.” — Alay Yajnik

Episode References:

Networking for People Who Hate Networking by Devora Zack – https://www.amazon.com/Networking-People-Who-Hate-Underconnected/dp/1605095222
Gary Johnson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j2marketingconsultants/
ProVisors: https://provisors.com/

About Saja Raoof:

I’m the proud daughter of an “alien of extraordinary ability,” a visa classification that recognized my dad Dr. Ameed Raoof’s distinguished career in medical education. My family background is part of the reason I chose to devote my career to helping talented foreign nationals pursue the American dream through employment-based visas.

As a business immigration attorney, I help companies and foreign-born nationals navigate the increasingly complex field of immigration law. Having focused on business immigration since 2006, my clients have included engineering companies, architecture firms, startups, overseas companies nonprofits, and their driven foreign national employees.

My immigration career started with my internship at the National Immigration Project in Boston during my first year of law school. I also focused on immigrants’ civil rights during my internship at the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan.

My family is from Iraq, where the first laws in human civilization were written. Before moving to the US I grew up in Scotland and Saudi Arabia. When I’m not working you’ll find me kayaking, embroidering or traveling internationally.

As a member of the State Bar of Michigan, I am authorized by US Citizenship and Immigration Services to represent companies and individuals nationwide in immigration matters.