I think this is the best advice for networking as an introvert I have heard. Interestingly enough, I recall doing this, perhaps intuitively a few years ago. I attended my first Equine Assisted Learning training (EAL) and felt overwhelmed by the group. (Not only am I an introvert, at the time I had unresolved trauma too. More on this in another blog.) I connected with one woman and we paired up to do activities together. I kept in touch with her and a year later we attended another EAL training together. We are now partnering to do EAL and mindfulness meditations together with her herd of horses.

Until I heard this quote I was very critical of my inability to network in the ‘right’ way or the extroverted way. This woman I met connected with many other group members and I berated myself for not doing the same. I now understand that there is a bias against introverts, and that we are expected to push ourselves into being someone we are not.

Look for your kindred spirits at events, trainings, in your workplace, someone you connect with and feel that you can be yourself with, not trying to force yourself to connect with people just for the sake of trying to fit in with society’s norms.

I feel so much more freedom and relief knowing that I don’t have to network in the “right” way. The way that I have been doing it works for me and it is ok.

Another great piece of advice is when you are ready to leave an event it is ok to leave. This is the essence of self care for introverts. Recognize when your social battery is running low and say your goodbyes and take care of your need to recharge. If people have any issues about this it’s not your problem.

I’m certain that you and I are not the only ones who are ready to leave before the event is over, we can choose to take care of ourselves and not worry about doing things 'right'.

This same woman I am partnering with invited me to her holiday open house. Honestly I am not typically comfortable at parties or any social gatherings. I thought it was important to attend, personally and professionally, so I did. I arrived a little late and had a good conversation with the host and her brother. I was surprised at how comfortable I felt. Having arrived late I was able to leave when the first group of people were leaving. I think it was the first social event that I was able to enjoy and be more present and relaxed with people. All because I gave myself permission to limit the amount of time spent and I felt more relaxed as a result.