• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

Trump, who has repeatedly called climate change fake, is now threatening Brazil with tariffs over the deforestation of the Amazon

2

Current price of oil as of June 8, 2026

3

'We didn’t see this coming': Wall Street eats its forecasts as stocks sell off globally on fear of AI bubble ahead of SpaceX IPO

1

Trump, who has repeatedly called climate change fake, is now threatening Brazil with tariffs over the deforestation of the Amazon

2

Current price of oil as of June 8, 2026

3

'We didn’t see this coming': Wall Street eats its forecasts as stocks sell off globally on fear of AI bubble ahead of SpaceX IPO
LeadershipNetworking

Proof It’s Possible to Successfully Network as an Introvert

By
AllBusiness.com
AllBusiness.com
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
AllBusiness.com
AllBusiness.com
Down Arrow Button Icon
May 28, 2016, 6:00 PM ET
174601307
Jetta Productions — Getty Images

This piece was originally published on AllBusiness.

If you’re an introvert, you probably wouldn’t say networking is one of your strong suits. Actually, you probably don’t like doing it at all. But you don’t have to be an extrovert to connect with others in your industry. In fact, you may even bring something to the table that no one else can.

Here are strategies via 10 entrepreneurs from Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC):

1. Focus on one or two questions

If you’re an introvert, networking can be daunting. Instead of looking at it as an entirely open-ended exercise, choose one or two questions you’re genuinely interested in asking people when you meet them. If you make the questions count, like “What things inspire you most?” or “What impact do you hope to make on the world?” you can create deep connections with people whose answers inspire you. – Brittany Hodak, ZinePak

2. Focus on giving, not getting

The best way to network is to give before you get. It’s a good life practice, and I’ve found that for everything you give, you get back tenfold. As an introvert, this is a great way to network because you don’t have to be nervous about “the get” or asking for a favor. You’re simply offering your help and will almost always be embraced with open arms. – Elle Kaplan, LexION Capital

3. Set a goal

If you walk in the door with a goal to meet three to five people and have great conversations with them, you’re giving yourself an achievable expectation and a point at which you can self-reflect and decide when to leave. I also recommend showing up during “introverts hour,” which is the first hour of an event when people filter in. That’s when people are looking to find a conversation partner. – Darrah Brustein, Network Under 40/Finance Whiz Kids

4. Connect others

Do your homework ahead of time and focus on connecting others. This can be an easy way to take the focus off yourself, yet you still get to play a big part in the networking role. – Patrick Barnhill, Specialist ID, Inc.

5. Bring a wingman

For any networking event, it can be helpful to have a networking “wingman.” Together, you can naturally draw others into your conversation. This is particularly true if your networking wingman is knowledgeable about an industry you are unfamiliar with. If nothing else, the event will provide you with an opportunity to get to know your networking wingman better. – Doug Bend, Bend Law Group, PC

6. Join a committee

Try joining a club or an association. This way, you can start meeting other business professionals who have something in common with you, giving you a basis to start your conversation. Make sure you attend all the association meetings. Pretty soon, people will recognize you as a regular and will start the conversation with you. – Phil Laboon, Eyeflow Internet Marketing

More from AllBusiness:

7 Smart Steps to Protect Your Small Business

Delicious Cases of Recipe Espionage: How to Protect Your Trade Secrets

Lights, Camera, Action! Simple Ways to Improve On-Camera Performance in Corporate Videos

7. Connect on social media

One benefit of social media is you can connect with all sorts of people without having to meet them face-to-face. If you do well behind a screen, socialize on social media and build connections; then cement those introductions with in-person meetings. Schedule one or two face-to-face meetings or attend a conference or two every year. – Marcela De Vivo, Brilliance

8. Commit to connecting

Be intentional about practicing your connecting skills. Schedule events on your calendar so you’ll go even when you don’t feel like it. A big advantage you have as an introvert is being a better listener. Harness this ability. People will reveal their hidden intel that you can then use to create fantastic alliances and deals that extroverts couldn’t have pulled off. – Joshua Lee, StandOut Authority

9. Let your content do the talking

If you’re an introvert, stop putting “networking” in a box. Networking isn’t just conferences, events, and meetups. Instead of forcing yourself to speak up when it’s not comfortable (or fun), focus on your strengths. Write. Start a podcast. Take pictures or draw. Find a medium that is aligned with your personality and create a community around your content. Then let your content do the talking. – Robby Berthume, Bull & Beard

10. Take it one step at a time

Bite off a little at a time. True introverts can lose their energy being around people for extended periods of time but still generally enjoy social situations. There are plenty of great networking events that don’t have a set schedule. You can show up for a little while, pass out a few business cards, then excuse yourself. Little by little is better than nothing at all. – Andrew Kucheriavy, Intechnic

Sign up for the Fortune Features email list so you don’t miss our biggest features, exclusive interviews, and investigations.

About the Author
By AllBusiness.com
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in Leadership

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Leadership

penn
North Americatransit
‘I’m not focused on names at all’: Rumors of Trump Station replacing Penn Station in New York batted aside
By Philip Marcelo and The Associated PressJune 9, 2026
12 minutes ago
Alex Karp
SuccessView from the C-Suite
Palantir CEO Alex Karp says executives who brag about their AI cuts might as well ‘sign up for the Bernie Sanders manifesto’
By Preston ForeJune 9, 2026
15 minutes ago
Stephen Schwarzman’s grandfather inspired the Blackstone billionaire’s philanthropy: It was ‘his privilege to help others in need’
Successphilanthropy
Stephen Schwarzman’s grandfather inspired the Blackstone billionaire’s philanthropy: It was ‘his privilege to help others in need’
By Sydney LakeJune 9, 2026
31 minutes ago
wood
North AmericaObituary
One of America’s greatest historians just died at 92 after being hit by a car in a supermarket parking lot
By Hillel Italie and The Associated PressJune 9, 2026
34 minutes ago
Teenage boy on laptop
SuccessJobs
Around 22 million teenagers are making their pocket money on video games, online reselling, and in-game platforms like Roblox
By Emma BurleighJune 9, 2026
59 minutes ago
MIT researchers made a wristband to teach robots how to do housework and surgery
AIRobots
MIT researchers made a wristband to teach robots how to do housework and surgery
By The Associated Press and Rodrique NgowiJune 9, 2026
1 hour ago

Most Popular

Trump, who has repeatedly called climate change fake, is now threatening Brazil with tariffs over the deforestation of the Amazon
Environment
Trump, who has repeatedly called climate change fake, is now threatening Brazil with tariffs over the deforestation of the Amazon
By Sasha RogelbergJune 8, 2026
20 hours ago
Current price of oil as of June 8, 2026
Personal Finance
Current price of oil as of June 8, 2026
By Joseph HostetlerJune 8, 2026
1 day ago
'We didn’t see this coming': Wall Street eats its forecasts as stocks sell off globally on fear of AI bubble ahead of SpaceX IPO
Economy
'We didn’t see this coming': Wall Street eats its forecasts as stocks sell off globally on fear of AI bubble ahead of SpaceX IPO
By Jim EdwardsJune 8, 2026
1 day ago
Gen Zers are arriving at college unable to even read a sentence—professors warn it could lead to a generation of anxious and lonely graduates
Success
Gen Zers are arriving at college unable to even read a sentence—professors warn it could lead to a generation of anxious and lonely graduates
By Preston ForeJune 7, 2026
2 days ago
'The golden years are not golden': Boomers are hoarding most of America's wealth and power because they're terrified of outliving their money
Economy
'The golden years are not golden': Boomers are hoarding most of America's wealth and power because they're terrified of outliving their money
By Nick LichtenbergJune 7, 2026
2 days ago
Current price of silver as of Monday, June 8, 2026
Personal Finance
Current price of silver as of Monday, June 8, 2026
By Joseph HostetlerJune 8, 2026
1 day ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.