“For introverts who stress at the idea of networking, Wickre’s book is a deep, calming breath.” —Sophia Dembling, author of The Introvert’s Method

Former Google executive, editorial director of Twitter, self-described introvert, and “the best-connected Silicon Valley body you’ve never heard of” (Walt Mossberg, Wall structure Street Journal), offers networking advice for anyone who has ever canceled a coffee date because of social anxiety. Learn to nurture a vibrant circle of reliable contacts without leaving about Taking the Work Out of Networking: An Introvert’s Guidebook to Making Connections That Count number your safe place.

Networking has garnered a reputation as sort of necessary evil. Some people relish the chance to boldly function the room, bring in themselves to strangers, and find common career ground—but also for many others, the experience is awkward, and even terrifying.

The common networking guidance for introverts are variations for the theme of overcoming or “fixing” their quiet tendencies. But Karen Wickre is usually a self-described introvert who spent some time working in Silicon Valley for thirty years. She shows you how to accept your quiet nature and “make real cable connections that last, that we can nurture across the world for all sorts of purposes” (Chris Anderson, mind of TED).

Karen’s “accept your quiet side” approach can be for anybody who discovers themselves shying away from traditional networking activities, or for individuals who would rather end up being curled up with an excellent book on the Friday evening than out at a celebration. With compelling quarrels and creative strategies, this “practical, easy-to-use” (Sree Sreenivasan, former chief digital officer of Columbia University) book can be a perfect lead.