I finally did it! After an hour of apprehension, I clicked the “Going” button to a networking event invite.
Ok, we got that part over with. I would spend the next week preparing my mind and my nerves to
endure 90 minutes of small talk, being bombarded with business cards, and wondering how and if I will
remember everyone’s name I encounter.

The life of an INTROVERT! I am a self-proclaimed introvert. I didn’t know that my desire to sit in a corner
and “people-watch,” the anxiety I felt before any event where I didn’t know anyone, and the undeniable
exhaustion I felt after being around a lot of people for an extended period of time was due to my low
energy state. I learned this about myself after going to counseling.

Introverts are not “shy” people as most typically think. To be quite honest, I am nowhere near shy! I am
extremely vocal, charismatic, jovial, and social. But I have some limits to my sociability; a couple being
engaging in shallow superficial conversations, attempting to engage with others when the room is loud
(from music or others talking), and ultimately the length of time I socialize. Introverts are individuals
who gain energy when they are alone and are drained when overly stimulated by their environments.
Imagine this: Entering a networking event on a full tank of energy and leaving the even on an empty
tank at the end. That’s what it’s like being an introvert.

As an entrepreneur, speaker, and non-profit president it behooves me to attend networking events. And
although it is a psychological struggle, it is one of the many life-lines to my success. So, how do I master
attending multiple networking events each week without making myself go berserk? Here are some
strategies I use to help me make the most of my networking opportunities while preserving my energy.

– I select events that align with your purpose, industry, or interest: I find that if I go to an event
that is focused on something, I am passionate about, I am more likely to strike up meaningful
conversations with like-minded people. The connection will have depth to it, and I won’t feel
drained by speaking to someone about something I have no interest in (and having to act
interested!).
– I give myself alone time before an event to store up my energy: I try my best to make time to be
by myself before I attend a networking event. This means clearing my mind of the days stressors
or taking a nap (Yup! Great energy restoring activity).
– Wait for them to come to me: I learned that I don’t have to force myself to greet people. I felt
my efforts were disingenuous and probably appeared feign. If I am alone at an event and I don’t
know anyone, I will sit/stand in a conspicuous space, and show welcoming body language like
smiling. In no time, I find people will individually flock to me, which takes the pressure off of me
to engage.
– Invite a friend: Attending an event with a friend makes it easier to engage in conversations
because there is authenticity, familiarity, and genuineness. Plus, if the event is boring, I have the
company of my friend.

– Grab, Give, Go (GGG): Although I don’t like this form of networking (because there’s no deep
connection), sometimes it is necessary for my energy conservation. I will swoop the room, giving
out cards, grabbing others cards, and then I dip! Again, small talk drains me. But if I can swoon
through the room really quickly and make as many contacts as possible, I can leave right
afterwards, while maintaining at least a quarter tank of energy!
– Make connections afterwards: The beauty of the GGG method is I have many contacts I can
follow up with AFTER the event on a ONE-ON-ONE basis. Then, I get to choose the optimal space
or mode of communication, and get a chance to know the person.

Networking is a very rewarding and exciting feet. You don’t have to let your introversion get the best of
you! I didn’t!

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