(Source: Pexels.com / Pavel Danilyuk)

I did not think I would ever say this, but meeting new people, making small talk, and networking can actually be delightful activities.

Yes, even for this introvert.

How can I say this sincerely, while still retaining my quiet personality?

The secret…

I have learned to do it my way.

Knowing that I have a limited social battery, easily get lost and overwhelmed in large groups, and dislike shallow conversation, I decided to redefine for myself what those key social activities look like.

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞:

I bring my own quiet brand of sincerity, positive energy, and warmth. I am genuinely pleased to meet you, to learn more about you, to hear your story. Better yet if I discover we have things in common!

𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤

While I am most uplifted by deep and meaningful conversations, I realize this is too much to ask for someone one has just met.
So I bring it down a notch, but aim for something more interesting than … the weather.

I make it about you.

What brings you here?
What do you find interesting about this topic?
What are some things you are currently learning about?

After all, everyone loves talking about themselves.

So why not shift the spotlight from yourself, and take some of the pressure off?

𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠:

The thing I found most intimidating and overwhelming about traditional networking was the structure, the icebreakers, and the elevator pitches (also, the random handing out of business cards).

So I choose to do none of these.

I focus on connection, one person at a time, because that’s my strength.

Personal, deep, meaningful initial conversation, followed by a mention on social media that references what I learned talking with you, and giving your business a shoutout to my network.

Redefining and reframing social activities so they are in harmony with my energy, values, and personality – this is my secret to showing up consistently and enjoying the process, while staying true to my quiet self.

P.S. Are you looking for help to be more social as an introvert without depleting yourself? Try these tips and let me know how you go.