This recap blog was written by Caroline Chiaia, General Manager of the Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop, a  Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce member, as part of our Coaching Hour Series.

An Introvert’s Guide to Networking

The Coaching Hour for Confident Networking covered several key takeaways for both introverts and those more comfortable in social settings.

We covered tips and tricks on working a room while struggling with social anxiety, including practicing on those who look just as uncomfortable as you and developing coping mechanisms for when you feel overwhelmed.

We discussed building your personal brand, “flaws” and all, and how being your authentic self builds trust faster than being too polished and professional in networking settings.

We covered building a memorable and effective elevator pitch — one that conveys enthusiasm, avoids the “white noise” most people tune out, and evokes a feeling from the audience — all within 30 seconds.

We also learned that self-confidence is not the goal, but a by-product of unconditional self acceptance. The need for total perfection is often viewed as a shield from judgement, but it can become a cage that steals your joy and makes being authentic seem more like a threat than a source of freedom.

We all have faults. That is part of being human. When you accept yourself for all your faults as well as your strengths, you no longer need to seek validation from others because you are validating yourself.

When you no longer seek validation or approval from others, the result is a quiet confidence that becomes magnetic to others. This confidence translates to every part of your life, including business.

So be yourself…even if it’s a little weird.