The document provides tips for introverts on how to navigate networking events, emphasizing self-compassion and preparation. It suggests bringing a friend for support, preparing questions beforehand, and managing anxiety through breaks and positive self-talk. Additionally, the advice includes engaging genuinely with others, talking about interests beyond work, and gradually increasing social interactions to build confidence.

1. Networking for Introverts

2. Go Easy on Yourself
First of all, know that compassion is a key component when it comes
to managing your anxiety. You don’t want to beat yourself up when
you happen to say the wrong thing (it’s okay, we all do it!) or talk to
yourself negatively when you don’t create that connection you were
hoping for.
Treat yourself like you would a friend.

3. Create Comfort, Bring Support
Whether you’re new to networking events or you still feel uncomfortable, it
might be a good idea to bring a friend with you to ease the tension you may feel.
Nowadays, it’s completely normal for people to bring friends to enjoy the
festivities. Not only will you have someone you like hanging out with you, but
you won’t feel weird if you randomly go up to a stranger and talk with them
because your friend will be there with you to engage in the conversation as well.

4. Come Prepared
It might sound silly to prep questions beforehand, but this will
prevent any awkward silences from occurring when you’re chatting
with a stranger. Ask questions based on things you love or things
you would hope to discuss.
The conversation may flow easier when you both begin to engage in
something you and this person are both excited about. Plus, people
always love talking about themselves, so inquiring about their life
will make them feel important and liked.

5. Step Away to Collect Your Thoughts
Having social anxiety doesn’t mean you’re just shy and don’t know how to talk to
people. It means that you sometimes over-analyze social situations that you’re in
because you’re afraid of making a mistake or sounding foolish — and, frankly,
that stress can get exhausting.
So to help balance this emotion, it’s never a bad idea to escape for a few
minutes. Head to the bathroom to collect your thoughts, go to the back of the
room and take a few deep breaths.
Listen to your body and know when you need to pull back to take a break. Doing
so can recharge your batteries when you’re feeling low or overwhelmed.

6. Reality Check Your Self-Doubt
You were invited to this event for a reason. They wanted you to be there because
they like your work and trust you.
No one is better or worse than you at these events, and while it might be hard to
sometimes see that, reminding yourself that everyone is human and have an
equal reason to be at these things means you shouldn’t doubt yourself, your
talents, or the things you have to say.
And if someone thinks otherwise, remember to treat yourself with kindness and
don’t agree with this person’s body language or words. Because the only person
you should be aiming to impress is you, not them.

7. Smile Often
Smiling for no reason sounds like something a serial killer would do, but this
act has been proven to release serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins, which
are those feel-good neurotransmitters everyone needs to feel happy.
This trick is especially important if you go to the event alone. Walk around,
make eye contact every now and then, and then smile. People will think that
you’re a friendly person and will be more likely to approach and talk with you.

8. Go in a Good Frame of Mind
If your nerves are coming on hard, opt to call one of your
closest friends before the event to put you in a good mood.
Sometimes talking with someone familiar can help you feel
more confident about yourself because you’re engaging
with someone who likes you as a person. It can remind you
that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with you.

9. Minimize the Jitters
Depending on the time of the event, try to avoid drinks that will make
you even more nervous.
Coffee, caffeinated tea or sodas are a big no-no and could easily raise
your heart rate. However, if you need coffee to wake you up in the
morning to be a little coherent, opt for a smaller cup than you would
usually get.
Be mindful of what you consume so you can give 100 percent when
you’re at these events.

10. Be Realistic, Start Slow
Going to a networking event doesn’t mean you’re going to burst through
that door like Wonder Woman and kick booty in small talk and become
friends with every person in the building. While that would be amazing, it’s
also not a bad idea to take one step at a time.
For instance, for your next event, aim to talk to one person; just one. Then
talk to two or three people at the following event. Give yourself a new task
each time to go to an event so you’ll feel proud of your mini accomplishes
and won’t feel sad when you felt like you didn’t do what you were hoping to.

11. There More to Life Than Work
Just because you’re going to a networking event doesn’t mean the
only thing you should talk about is work. There are much better
ways to connect with someone aside from talking about your
accomplishments or the companies that you work for.
Begin the dialogue by asking about where they’re from, what they
do for fun, or if they’ve seen any movies lately. Once you begin
conversing about these things, you may feel more comfortable
talking about yourself and the work that you do.

12. Be Present and Be Yourself
If you’re second-guessing your thoughts and words because you want to
make the right impression, then you won’t show genuine interest in the
things you’re talking about.
Instead, be yourself. Trust yourself enough that you bring value to every
conversation you’ll have in these type of situations. Don’t be afraid to express
how much you admire someone or how excited you are to be at the event.
People may be more inclined to talk more with you when you’re authentic
because they feel like they can truly trust you and what you’re saying.

13. No Hiding
For people who have social anxiety, it’s pretty easy for them to hide behind their phone. It
prevents them from feeling awkward or stops them from making the wrong move and a fool
out of themselves.
But honestly, if this is something that you do, there’s no point for you to be at the event if
you’re just going to look down at your phone the whole time, right?
Opt to switch things up the next time you need to network. Try to put your phone away for 15
minutes and walk around the room. Grab a few snacks to keep your hands busy and politely
introduce yourself to someone new.
After 15 minutes, if you’re not talking to someone, feel free to go back to your phone for a
few minutes, and then do the same thing over again.

14. It Takes Practice
The more you do this, the more acquaintances you’ll make,
which could make you feel more comfortable going to events
in the future because you’ll actually know a few familiar faces.