Strangers do not judge you. Networking events can be great if you are an introvert as nobody knows you. 1. Great people, introduce yourself and ask them what they do. 2. This will make them do all the talking. You listen carefully and ask questions. 3. Repeat 1 & 2 with at least 20 people. You will gain confidence.

As an introvert at a networking event, focus on quality over quantity. Start by finding a few people to have one-on-one conversations with, rather than trying to meet everyone. Ask open-ended questions to learn about others and listen actively. Look for common interests to build genuine connections. It’s also helpful to set small, achievable goals (e.g., connect with three people) to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Lastly, follow up after the event to nurture these relationships

As an introvert, large events like the recent HR Conclave in Mumbai can feel overwhelming. Instead of “working the room,” I focused on intentional strategies that helped me : Focus on One-on-One Connections: Having deeper conversations with one or two individuals, which felt more genuine. Replace Visiting Cards with LinkedIn: Connecting virtually helped me continue conversations at my own pace. Set Goals: I aimed to speak with three people and learn something new. Take Breaks: Short pauses allowed me to recharge and stay energized. Networking isn’t about being the loudest; it’s about building authentic relationships—and that’s where introverts thrive.

As an introvert, I've embraced networking by focusing on others rather than myself. Rather than attempting to impress or stand out, I see it as a learning opportunity. I approach events with curiosity, asking questions such as, "What inspired you to get into this field?" and "What's the most exciting part of your work right now?" This relieves the burden on me to communicate and allows me to connect with genuine curiosity. It's remarkable how much people open up when they know you're really listening. For me, real friendships and connections begin with curiosity, not charisma.

I script out several conversations ahead of time. People tend to ask similar questions at networking events and you can use the same script over and over.

Here’s something that you can do before starting to network : -Focus on Deep Conversations: Aim for 2-3 quality talks instead of working the whole room. Your strength lies in meaningful one-on-ones. -Prepare Your Questions: Have 3-4 engaging questions ready like "What excites you most about your work?" This eases conversation anxiety. -Find Quiet Spots: Stay near calmer areas like the refreshments table where you can actually hear each other talk. -Connect with Solo Attendees: Look for others standing alone - they're often fellow introverts who'd welcome a friendly approach. -Take Breaks When Needed: A 5-minute breather can help you return refreshed and ready to engage.

To make the most of an event without feeling overwhelmed, focus on asking open-ended questions that encourage listening over talking. Instead of simply asking "What do you do?", try "What led you to this point in your career?" This invites a deeper conversation about their journey. If the event includes a keynote or theme, ask what they enjoyed most and why. I also suggest obtaining a list of attendees, if possible. Are there specific people you’d really like to talk to? If you don’t make a connection during the event, note them down and follow up later on LinkedIn or another platform. Remember, the event can be a great starting point for an ongoing e-conversation.

As an introvert, focus on quality over quantity at networking events. Instead of meeting many people, engage deeply with a few. Your strength as a good listener will help you recall key points from your conversation. When you follow up on LinkedIn, referencing that discussion will leave a lasting impression and foster meaningful connections.

Know what you are comfortable saying about yourself. Being an introvert doesn't mean you are not or cannot be confident. It may mean that you don't like to share too much about yourself. So choose what, how and why you will share. Also, mentally prepare questions you want to ask others, make them natural and authentic. Choose who you will interact in advance, if possible. Think about why that person interests you or what about them is interesting to you and what you'd like to fid out more about...Then relax and enjoy!

Awareness about being introverted is key to thriving in social settings. Susan Cain has been my greatest source of inspiration—her book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking is a must-read. It helps you embrace your introverted nature and navigate challenges like networking events. If you’re an introvert facing one, start by focusing on quality over quantity. Seek smaller, meaningful conversations instead of working the whole room. Prepare a few thoughtful questions in advance, listen actively, and look for genuine connections. Understanding yourself fully is the first step to building relationships your way.