The traditional networking playbook (“working the room”, collecting business cards like trophies, making small talk about the weather) was written by extroverts, for extroverts.

However, over the years I've learnt you don't need to become an extrovert to build a powerful professional network. You simply need to play to your actual strengths rather than apologising for them.

Enter your personal brand aka: the introvert's secret weapon. And if you’re an extrovert (some of my best friends are) this is still relevant to you too. Instead of dominating conference coffee queues or striding up to a group of randoms with “I’ve come to MINGLE!”, you can be building meaningful connections through the written word. That thoughtful LinkedIn article you craft over your morning tea showcases your best thinking without the pressure of instant responses or competing voices.