Q. I’m an introvert. I know I have to network if I’m going to grow my company, but I hate it. I’d rather be in my office working. What do you suggest?

A. Welcome to my world! I’m an introvert. I’m happy spending long hours alone in my office, crunching numbers and doing strategic planning. When I’m not working, I’d much rather be at home reading a book by myself than at a party with a lot of people. But networking is an essential part of being in business today.

Even while I recognize the importance of networking, I question the value of events that more closely resemble speed-dating cocktail parties than opportunities for real business interactions. I recommend joining the civic and business groups your prospective customers belong to. Attend meetings and take your time getting to know people. Join your major industry association and attend its events so that you know what’s going on in your industry and among your competitors and suppliers. You can also network online, using social media outlets such as Facebook and LinkedIn—these are perfect networking vehicles for introverts.

As you consider the people who will staff your company, be sure to bring extroverts on board—people who will enjoy getting out there and doing the networking you don’t like to do. When it’s appropriate, make it part of their jobs descriptions and reimburse them for association memberships and other costs.

Do you have a question for JK Harris? Visit www.askJKHarris.com to submit your question, or send it to info@theflashpoints.com. If we use your question in a future newsletter, you’ll receive a free autographed copy of Flashpoint: Seven Core Strategies for Rapid-Fire Business Growth.