Ops Insights #066 - As an Introvert Learn to Network and Find Your Voice
May 30, 2025 | Read Time: 3 minutes reading / 6 minutes video | Written by Jenny Kleintop
This edition is for my fellow introverts, like me. I spoke at the Women in Tech (WIT) Conference last week, and I thought it would be helpful to share some of it with you. It was a Ted Talk-style presentation, packed with numerous tips and takeaways to help you learn to network and find your voice as an introvert.
Leading up to the day, I practiced and recorded myself using Zoom with the AI Companion, which provided a summary for me to share. Enjoy.
Quick Recap of the Talk
The session focused on helping introverts develop their networking and social interaction skills through practical strategies and personal experiences. The speaker shared her journey of building a social media presence on LinkedIn and emphasized the importance of finding comfortable platforms and seeking personalized coaching. The discussion concluded with strategies for introverts to effectively network in professional settings, highlighting that introversion doesn't limit success in leadership roles, and encouraged attendees to identify actionable takeaways and connect with others.
Networking Strategies for Introverts
The session focused on helping introverts become more comfortable with networking and social interactions. The speaker, who identifies as an introvert, shared strategies including reframing networking as community building, finding one's voice in team meetings, and gradually building confidence through public speaking. She emphasized the importance of starting small, whether in virtual or in-person settings, and provided practical tips such as choosing smaller tables at events, using confident body language, and allowing time for decompression after speaking engagements.
LinkedIn Growth Through Structured Engagement
The speaker shared her 18-month journey of building a social media presence on LinkedIn, starting with basic engagement and gradually increasing her activity through structured coaching. She emphasized the importance of finding a comfortable platform and hiring a coach who provided personalized guidance, including specific metrics for daily engagement. The speaker emphasized the importance of fostering relationships through virtual interactions, including commenting, direct messaging, and scheduling calls, which can lead to in-person meetings.
Introvert Networking Strategies
The speaker shared strategies for introverts to effectively network and engage in professional settings, emphasizing the importance of finding one's comfort level and not being intimidated by extroverted behavior. She highlighted that being an introvert doesn't limit one's ability to succeed in leadership roles or achieve goals typically associated with extroverts.
The session concluded with a call to action for attendees to identify three actionable takeaways from the discussion and to connect with others, reinforcing the message that introverts can thrive in networking and community building.
Take Action
Following are 12 actionable takeaways. If you’d like to take the next step, pick 3 and do those 3 over the next month. Then see how that begins to help you connect through community building instead of being overwhelmed by networking.
I will reframe "networking" as "community building" or "connecting" in my mindset.
I will start speaking up in meetings, especially on topics I’m knowledgeable about.
I will consider signing up for speaking opportunities at virtual events.
I will practice and record myself before giving talks or presentations.
I will try various networking settings, starting with smaller groups or one-on-ones.
I will reach out to one person for a follow-up virtual relationship building conversation.
I will turn on my camera during virtual meetings and use the "hide self-view" feature if needed.
I will start engaging on social media by observing, liking, commenting, and posting occasionally.
I will consider finding a coach or mentor for guidance on networking and social media engagement.
I will uplift others by engaging with their content and providing positive feedback.
I will use an "I believe" statement when sharing opinions or perspectives.
I will connect with Jenny and others to share our “networking” journeys.
You’ve got this!
👋 See you next time,
Jenny
P.S. Here’s a 6-minute portion of the video I recorded while practicing for your viewing pleasure:
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