Introverts excel at networking because they focus on meaningful connections rather than working the room. They have more dopamine receptors, so their social batteries drain quickly; instead of endless small talk, they engage in deep conversations and follow up afterwards. Extroverts can learn from this by prioritising quality over quantity: arriving early, aiming for a few strong connections and nurturing them over time.
Helen Nicholson emphasises that the greatest gift you can give is your full attention. Building your personal brand should be grounded in purpose and authentic communication, not self-promotion. Start small—two quality coffee meetings a week add up—and remember that networking is about giving more than you take.
Finally, take ownership of your growth. No one is coming to rescue you: notice where you avoid responsibility and find ways to partner with a coach. Tune into The Sparks by Ignium podcast with Phil Rose and Helen Nicholson to discover more about the power of authentic connections.
For those who just want the bulleted summary:
- Introverts focus on quality over quantity in networking.
- Their brains need fewer social interactions, so they go deep with a few people.
- Listening well and giving full attention are their superpowers.
- Extroverts can learn to slow down: arrive early, make 2–3 genuine connections and follow up.
- Personal branding is about purpose, not self‑promotion.
- Two coffee meetings a week can build 100+ meaningful connections a year.
- Take charge of your growth; no one else will do it for you.
- Hear more in the Sparks by Ignium podcast with Phil Rose and Helen Nicholson.
- Introverts are the best networkers
When you picture a great networker, what do you see?
Probably someone confidently working the room, shaking hands, dropping business cards, and making small talk like a pro. But according to The Networking Queen Helen Nicholson, that’s an outdated model. You may be surprised to hear that introverts are often the better networkers, and extroverts could learn a thing or two from their playbook.
In the latest episode of The Sparks by Ignium podcast, host Phil Rose sits down with Helen to uncover the neuroscience and strategy behind powerful, authentic networking.
Here’s the science
Introverts have more dopamine receptors than extroverts. That means their social cup fills quickly and their social battery drains just as fast. Extroverts, on the other hand, have fewer receptors and need more interaction to get the same dopamine hit. In contrast, they’re energised by social interaction.
So while an introvert might leave the event early, they’ve likely had a few deep, meaningful conversations and are far more inclined to follow up afterwards. That’s where the real magic happens.
“Networking isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room,” Helen says. “It’s about building authentic, meaningful connections.”
“The greatest gift you can give anyone is your attention.” Introverts, who tend to listen deeply and focus on one person at a time, are wired for this.
Extroverts, take note: the real power in networking isn’t in how many hands you shake, but in the quality of the connections you make.
So how do you win at networking?
- Get there early. Make 2 to 3 strong connections: then you can go home at whatever time, knowing you’ve made the best of the occasion.
- Follow up. Connections are like bank accounts. In Helen’s experience, they’re most effective when you deposit more than you take out.
- Build your personal brand. Not in a superficial way, but by connecting to your purpose. “Personal branding is deeply spiritual,” Helen says. “It’s uncovering what you’re here to do and communicating that value through your network.”
- Start small. Two coffees a week — one internal, one external — add up to 104 quality connections a year. It doesn’t all have to be about big events.
And if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a ‘Connector’. Want to know who they are, why they’re so useful and how to find them? Tune in or search Sparks by Ignium on your favourite podcast platform.
A final note on the liberating nature of self-responsibility
“We’ve got to realise that we are the ones we’ve been waiting for. And there’s an element of excitement and there’s an element of scariness around that.” Helen says. This is what happens when the notion ‘no one is coming to rescue you’ no longer induces fear but inspires change and a search for new opportunities.
Key question: Helen uses the phrase “no one is coming to rescue you” as a guiding mantra for taking responsibility for your life.
- For the next week, take time to notice the areas in your life where you ARE NOT taking responsibility.
- Where are you blaming others for your current position when you should be taking charge?
- Where can working with a coach help you?
Listen to The Sparks by Ignium podcast with Phil Rose and Helen Nicholson — and rethink how you work networking.