What introverted leaders said about how they make
Networking and Socialising work for them:

• “I am known for my extensive networks. I tend to maintain these through "real" one-to-one relationships nurtured and developed over years. I spend time with people one-to-one rather than "working the room" which doesn't fit my natural style so well.”
  
  
• “In big events/conferences, I try to orientate towards people I know initially to make myself more comfortable with the surroundings.”
  
  
• “I cope with ‘circulating’. I look for someone who isn’t in a closed circle and then I “make myself” go and talk to them.”
  
  
• “Planning ahead: if I do need to ‘work a room’ or make my presence felt in a particular setting, I plan in advance and give myself targets. So I am very purposeful. For example I will read the attendance list and decide who to target.”
  
  
• “I prepare and think what I need to do. I visualise how I will do it. In a way I have kind of cross-hatched this from sport – it is like visualising the shot.”
  
  
• “I sought out and took speaking or chairing slots at external events to gain experience and raise my confidence in a neutral environment.”
  
  
• “I can do the social things much better in role.”
  
  
• “I try to meet people for breakfast, coffee or lunch rather than dinner as I am likely to be less tired.”
  
  
• “Explaining in advance that I will need to leave early (eg at social events). This gives me the option to leave if I get too drained and tired, without embarrassment. If I have more energy than I expected and it turns out I can stay longer, then nobody bothers that you'd originally said you'd go! This saves having to make awkward excuses to leave.”
  
  
• “Actively planning something else to do when there is a large dinner or something, and then giving those I'd really like to talk to the option of coming with me!”