The Empath + Introverts Guide to Networking

Networking is a top stressor in business for many introverts and empaths. 

Why? 

Speaking for myself, I am terrible at surface level conversation. Like awful. If we can’t go deep pretty early on, I’m going to have a hard time connecting at all.

Layer onto that my empathic concerns about what others are thinking or feeling, and it’s just a hot mess.

So, how can we participate in this activity without looking and feeling like weirdos? 

1️⃣ Volunteer to take on a task at the event.  

Registration table, food table, greeter… It will give you something to focus on. Plus, the right task can have you naturally meeting way more people than if you were awkwardly moving about the room.

2️⃣ Come with a buddy. 

(And commit to not just sitting with each other the entire time!) Having your safety net removes awkward moments by yourself. 

3️⃣ Prioritize workshops or other small group events. 

These types of events often allow for more intimate (and natural) conversation versus high-level small talk.  

4️⃣ Stay for only as long as you’re comfortable. 

You don’t have to be among the first or last people there. (Those are often the most awkward parts of the event anyways). Come in the middle and stay for 30 or 45 minutes, just long enough to make a few connections. And if you feel comfortable, hang out longer!  

5️⃣ Don’t feel the need to spend a ton of time with one person, even if you’re connecting. 

If you connect with someone new, invite them for a future coffee or cocktail date for more discussion, which will allow for deeper conversation. And if you hit it off, you’ll have a built-in buddy for the next event with that group. 

Am I alone in my anxiety about networking? Please let me know in the comments below how you feel about networking events - and how you survive them!