Introvert, enneagram 5, shy, low ‘I’ on the DISC assessment, antisocial...

However you want to label it, some people simply would rather be alone than in a group.

Introverts don’t need a personality test to tell us that we wish we’d stayed home most of the time, but it’s sweet that they do. 

It’s all great. So long as you (and I) realize that preferring solitude doesn’t mean you should pursue it all of the time, most especially when it comes to advancing your career. 

Just like you may prefer to be a Passenger Princess, but you still have to get behind the wheel sometimes if you want to go places of your own accord. 

While networking can be out of your comfort zone, it doesn’t have to feel downright impossible. 

Here are 3 no-fluff ways to navigate work events as an introvert:

(Extroverts, read this with your sweat stain free pits and keep us in your prayers.)

#1. Take conversations deeper, not wider.

Don’t like to talk about yourself? That’s actually perfect. Ask people about them. Open ended questions keep a conversation going and the other person will leave feeling all kinds of important and seen. No weird comments about the weather necessary. 

There’s no set list of questions you have to ask. In fact, the less scripted and the more authentic and relevant the better. But if you’ve ever pretended to get a phone call to avoid an awkward silence at networking event (I have), you know it’s nice to have a few in the reserves. 

Here are a few questions we love that go deep instead of wide:

• Tell me the story about how you got into that industry.

• What project are you working on right now that you’re most excited about?

• Which speaker are you most excited to learn from while we’re here?

#2. Reframe your mindset.

You may really hate any potentially awkward social situations. But if you’re a woman in business, I’m willing to bet you love a challenge. What is running a marathon to some people, might be going to an event and making 3 connections for others. 

Your brain believes what you repeatedly tell it, not necessarily what’s true. Knowing that networking at a live event will challenge you as an introvert, but doing it anyways will start to rewire your neural pathways. 

You’ll be surprised that the more you put yourself in these situations, the easier it becomes. If you’re anything like me, you’ll probably still be really excited to go home when it ends and that’s okay, too.

#3. Remember that everyone there is just a human.

This seems a little too simple, but it genuinely helps if you remember that the most powerful woman in the room has probably had poop on her hands while changing the diaper of an unruly toddler. The 7-figure business owner sitting next to you wore Bermuda shorts in 2001. The keynote speaker has responded “you too!” to the waiter who said, “enjoy your dinner!”

Your unique experience is something that no one else in the room has and there’s at LEAST 10 people who wish they did.

Everyone, and I mean everyone, is doing their best. 

And if all else fails, the internet says that this $14 Amazon deodorant is best for preventing sweat stains. 

Do it anyways.

Xo, The Salesgirls 

PS. I’m putting these tips to the test next week at Salesgirl Summit. Would be honored to connect with way more than 3 of you… Who’s coming?!