So, let me set the scene.

I'm holding a paper plate with a bagel on it, standing in the bathroom.

Two feet of space. Right next to the toilet. A flickering fluorescent light overhead.

Why?

Because I was trying to avoid the pre-meeting small talk.

That awkward dance of people hovering by the cold brew, making chit-chat about their weekend plans.

I didn't know anyone all that well. And I didn't want to pretend I did.

So the better option? I stood in the bathroom.

Waiting for the actual meeting to start.

Wishing I could just do my job and go home.

If you've ever felt like networking isn't for you unless it involves hiding in the bathroom with carbs-you're not alone.

Happy hour Zoom with my fellow engineers? Catch me never.

Showing up to a loud conference where I have to explain what I do 15 times in a row? Hard pass.

But here's what might surprise you:

I believe networking is one of the most important things that's helped me create my career. It's helped me pivot careers, get promotions, and start my own business.

And I still hate traditional networking.

So what changed?

I stopped treating it like I had to be the center of every room, gathering tons of people's contacts and laughing merrily amidst the small talk.

I started treating it like a series of small, meaningful conversations with people I genuinely wanted to talk to.

Built on curiosity. And connection.

Networking, for me, became:

• Sending a voicenote to someone who gave an awesome talk at a conference and letting them know I loved it
• Following up after a good 1:1 coffee chat with a "thinking of you" article
• Creating spaces where fellow introverts can connect without the pressure to always be "on"

I didn't go to more events.

I didn't magically become more extroverted.

I just found my rhythm.

And the opportunities? They started coming in.

Clients. Collaborators. Speaking gigs.

Not because I was the loudest in the room (girl, I'm 5'3 and have a quiet voice. It's never going to happen.)

But because I formed real relationships.

So if networking makes you want to run and hide (bathroom optional), let me offer this reframe:

You don't need to be everywhere.

You just need to be intentional.

If this is something you've been craving-quiet connection, a better rhythm, people who get it-you'll love what I'm planning.

I'm hosting a free 60-minute workshop:

​How To Network for Introverts (Who Hate Networking, But Know It Matters)​

We'll talk about:

✔ Why traditional advice doesn't work for introverts

✔ How to build a network that actually feels good, with a behind-the-scenes of how I've done this for myself

✔ Simple actions you can take (without ever going to a happy hour again

Let's create a new way of networking for you, which doesn't require escaping to a bathroom stall.

Rooting for you,
Sarah

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