how to network as an introvert

I don’t know about you but when I was younger, I often was asked with a negative tone, “Why are you so quiet?”

I hated it. I was screaming from the inside, “Just let me be!”

But why was I quiet? I was afraid to interrupt, not knowing when it was my turn to speak. I was worried people wouldn’t like what came out of my mouth. I was afraid of conflict. I also wanted to observe those around me first before I opened up.

I’m happy to say that as I’ve grown older, I’ve gotten better at conversing with new people I’ve never met before.

What was originally an insecurity has turned into a superpower. I don’t enjoy the small talk and would much rather dive into thought-provoking conversations or even a silly banter. That’s where I thrive.

So how does one network as an introvert?

If you are shy like me, where interacting with new people is difficult, first don’t be hard on yourself and know that you do not have to be the loudest in the room to be successful or to make a lasting impression on another.

If you’re planning to attend a big mixer, set a goal on how many you will meet. Literally go in with a number and start small. Once you’ve met that goal - even if just one person - you’ve conquered your goal and can leave the event.

Next event, add +1, so on and so forth. And don’t forget to follow up with these connections within ideally 48 hours. If you’re like me, sending an email is much easier anyhow! Share with them what stuck out to you during your conversation. Welcome them to a coffee meet. Learn about each other. Discover ways you can support one another. You may even thrive 1:1 than finding your space in a packed mixer.

Another tactic to working the room is by doing it with a friend.

Don’t yet have a friend in business? Start with the first step of meeting people 1:1 and ask them to join you at an upcoming event. Isn’t it so much easier to root on your friend? Then they can do the same for you.

Whatever you do, don’t ever see introversion as a flaw. Find the people that make you feel comfortable, genuinely want to see you win and return the favor. Even one person can change your life and you can change theirs by being the smart, thoughtful, kind person that you are.

how to find your networking community

December 17, 2025 | Written by Liz Russell

Especially in the age of AI, social media - in-person connections mean more now than they’ve ever before.

As we age, forming meaningful connections becomes harder and harder. Whether that’s a romantic relationship, a new friendship or a friend in business. The good news is there are so many communities out there that have built a platform, a foundation for you to seek connections that matter to you most.

Do you feel alone as a business owner?

Maybe you don’t have the funds to outsource tasks that costs thousands of dollars.

You may find yourself receiving unsolicited advice from others on how to run a business when they have never owned one themselves… so you’re back to square one.

Or perhaps you simply want to surround yourself with those who have similar passions, similar goals.

When you join a networking community, you may not need to spend thousands of dollars on outsourcing, because you have the intelligent minds of others who are eager to support you.

You can now receive advice from those who have been there, who come from many “walks of business”.

Now imagine the possibility for new, genuine friendships. Friends that support you in life and business, and become your biggest cheerleader.

This is all so very possible. But finding your community doesn’t always come easy.

You may have to kiss a few frogs before you…

Okay that expression doesn’t exactly apply here but you get the point.

There are a ton of options out there but guess what? They are all different. Each one has different goals, different leaders, different members. Maybe one community has hundreds of members but another is more intimate in size. Maybe one is more structured and the other is more open ended. One has more fun and festive events and the other may have a stronger focus on learning and growth.

But how can you find your community?

First, ask yourself, “What do I want? What am I looking for?” Because the networking group leaders can’t answer that for you, no matter how much they pitch your way. No one can tell you what YOU need.

Is it to learn?

Is it to have fun?

Is it to get out of the house?

Is it to gain new referrals?

All of the above?

Now you have a starting point and can begin your research.

Pull up their social media, what are they showing you?

Research the leader(s). What experience do they have, what is their background?

What types of events or gatherings do they host? Check out their events calendar and “about us”.

Are there members of the group that you know? Reach out for their input and their experience with the group.

If possible, try out at least three communities that stand out to you most from your research. Is there a “try a meeting for free” or a one-off event you can purchase a ticket to? If you don’t see an opportunity to “try before you buy”, don’t hesitate in reaching out. They may be able to pull some strings, offering a discount or complimentary temporary access.

Lastly, don’t go into your first meeting thinking you’re going to meet 100 new friends and make millions from the few people you met (sarcasm). Relationships and making money take time. But what you can get a feel for, is… how the events or meetings are structured. Do you feel welcome, included? Did you learn something new?

By the way, none of this was written with AI. This is speaking from my own experience of having led multiple communities, hosting hundreds of events and across several years.

Whether you join WEbiz or another community, just do what feels right for you. Afterall, none of us can tell you what’s best for you but we can tell you if we think our group is a good fit for what you are looking for.

Your community is out there.