Networking events can be a challenge for anyone, but for introverts, it can feel downright daunting. As an introvert, the idea of walking into a room full of strangers and engaging in conversation can feel like an overwhelming task. You may even find yourself avoiding networking opportunities altogether, missing out on valuable connections that could help grow your business.

However, being an introvert doesn’t mean you can’t excel at networking. In fact, introverts often have unique strengths that can make them excellent at building meaningful, long-lasting relationships. It all comes down to preparation. In an episode of Girls Make Bank, we talked all about this with Stephanie Cartin, Co-founder of Entreprenista. 

In this episode, Stephanie shared three effective ways introverts can prepare for a networking event. 

Follow this advice and walk in feeling confident and ready to make valuable connections.

1. Do Your Homework: Research and Reach Out Ahead of Time

One of the biggest challenges for introverts is walking into a crowded room not knowing where to start. Who should you talk to? What question should you ask to open a conversation? For introverts who prefer one-on-one interactions, it can feel overwhelming to try to navigate a sea of people without a plan.

A great way to ease this discomfort is by doing your homework ahead of time. Many events will provide an attendee list or a speaker lineup in advance, giving you a chance to identify people you want to connect with before you even set foot in the venue.

Here’s how you can take advantage of this:

• Identify key people: Review the event’s guest list, or research the speakers and sponsors, and make a list of people you’d like to connect with. This can include potential clients, collaborators, mentors, or industry leaders.

• Reach out before the event: Once you’ve identified a few key individuals, reach out to them through LinkedIn or email. You don’t need to have a full conversation beforehand, but sending a simple message introducing yourself and expressing interest in meeting at the event can be a great icebreaker. For example, you might say: “Hi [Name], I noticed you’ll be attending [Event Name] next week. I’d love to connect while we’re there and learn more about your work in [industry/topic]. Looking forward to meeting you in person!”

By making a few initial connections before the event, you’ll feel more confident and comfortable knowing there are already familiar faces waiting for you. Plus, you’ve taken the pressure off by establishing a connection ahead of time.

2. Prepare Your Conversation Starters And Questions

Small talk can feel awkward for everyone, but especially for introverts who may not enjoy casual, surface-level conversations. This is where preparation becomes key. Instead of worrying about what to say in the moment, go into the event with a few pre-prepared questions and conversation starters in your back pocket.

Why is this helpful?

• It gives you a plan: When you have a few go-to questions, you won’t have to struggle with thinking of something to say on the spot. This takes the pressure off and allows you to focus on being present and not thinking of your next question.

• It opens the door to deeper conversations: Introverts often excel at forming deep, meaningful relationships. By asking thoughtful questions, you can quickly move past the small talk and into more engaging conversations, which is often where introverts shine.

Here are a few questions you can keep in mind when networking:

• “What brings you to this event?”

• “What’s your main goal for attending this event?”

• “What projects are you currently working on that excite you?”

• “How did you get started in your industry?”

These questions not only help you break the ice but also invite the other person to share their experiences and passions, setting the stage for a more meaningful conversation.

Another great tip is to have a short elevator pitch prepared. You don’t want to be caught off guard when someone asks you what you do or what your business is about. A well-rehearsed elevator pitch allows you to confidently describe your work in a clear and concise way, making it easier for others to understand how they might connect with or help you.

3. Set Realistic Goals and Manage Your Energy

Introverts often find social situations draining, which is why it’s essential to manage your energy at networking events. While extroverts may leave an event feeling energized, introverts can often feel exhausted after prolonged interaction. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t attend networking events—it just means you should plan accordingly.

Here are some strategies to help you manage your energy levels:

• Set realistic goals: Instead of pressuring yourself to meet as many people as possible, set a more achievable goal. For example, you might decide to focus on having three meaningful conversations rather than collecting a stack of business cards. This allows you to prioritize quality over quantity, which plays to your strengths as an introvert.

• Take breaks when you need them: There’s no rule that says you have to be “on” for the entire event. If you start to feel overwhelmed, it’s okay to step outside for a few minutes to recharge. Many introverts find it helpful to build in mini-breaks during the event where they can step away from the crowd and regain their energy. This might mean taking a quiet moment to grab a coffee, check your phone, or simply step outside for some fresh air.

• Practice self-care before and after the event: Prepare yourself mentally before the event by giving yourself some quiet time beforehand. Whether it’s reading, meditating, or just spending some time alone, make sure to give yourself space to recharge your batteries. After the event, reward yourself with some downtime to recover from the social interactions.

By managing your energy effectively, you’ll be able to engage more fully in the moments that matter, ensuring that you make meaningful connections without burning out.

Use Your Strengths As An Introvert

As an introvert, it’s easy to feel like you’re at a disadvantage when it comes to networking, but the truth is, introverts often have unique qualities that can make them highly effective networkers. Your ability to focus on deep, one-on-one conversations means you’re more likely to form meaningful connections, rather than just surface-level interactions.

By doing your homework, preparing thoughtful questions, and managing your energy, you can walk into any networking event feeling more confident and comfortable. Remember, networking isn’t about being the loudest or most outgoing person in the room—it’s about building relationships that matter. With the right preparation, even introverts can become masters of networking.

So, the next time you’re heading to a networking event, embrace your introverted strengths, and approach it with a plan. You may be surprised at how much more enjoyable and productive networking can be when you prepare ahead of time.

This is just a small bit of what Stephanie shares in her show. If you want to hear her story and the entire show, tune in right here. [Link in the text]

And if you’re ready to work the room and start making more sales, aka some major bank, let’s chat.