Networking for Introverts

In this episode of The Awkward Handshake, we tackle one of the most common networking questions we hear:

What if I’m an introvert?

Mary and Megan are joined by business strategist and community facilitator Nedra Rezinas to unpack what networking looks like when you don’t thrive in loud rooms, surface-level small talk, or high-volume social energy.

Because here’s the truth: Introverts don’t hate networking... they hate bad networking.

Together, we explore what it means to build connection in ways that feel grounded, sustainable, and aligned with your nervous system — without disappearing from rooms that matter.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why introversion is not a business liability
• The difference between overstimulation and disinterest
• How to design networking experiences that support depth
• What “Quiet Networking” looks like in practice
• Why smaller rooms often outperform bigger ones
• How to protect your energy without isolating yourself
• Why authenticity beats performance — every time
• The power of 1:1 follow-up for introverted founders

If you’ve ever left a networking event feeling drained, awkward, or like you “did it wrong,” this episode will feel like permission to do it differently.

About Our Guest

Our guest for this episode is Nedra Rezinas, a business strategist and coach for introverted and empathy-driven solopreneurs.

Nedra helps founders build businesses that reflect their true values without forcing themselves into extroverted molds that don’t fit.

She’s the founder of Quiet Networking, a Portland-based networking group designed specifically for people who prefer meaningful conversation over volume and velocity.

You can connect with Nedra here:

• https://www.nedrarezinas.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/nrezinas/
• Attend the next Quiet Networking event when you register here

Keep in touch!

Follow Megan Eckman

• Fat Cap Design
• PDX Spellbound

Follow Mary Williams

• Sasquatch Media Grounds
• Sensible Woo