Professional Development

Hear from Clara MacIlravie Canas about Networking for Introverts. If the word “networking” makes you want to hide behind a book or pretend your phone just died, you’re not alone. For many introverts, the idea of walking into a room full of strangers, making small talk, and handing out business cards feels more like a nightmare than a career-building opportunity. In this interactive workshop, we’ll flip the script on networking and show you how to approach it in a way that feels natural, comfortable, and even (dare we say) fun. Whether you’re new to town, shy by nature, or just tired of the “work the room” mentality, you’ll learn practical strategies for making genuine connections—on your own terms. What you’ll take away: How to find networking opportunities that actually feel good Simple ways to prepare so you don’t feel caught off guard Using your introvert strengths—like listening and thoughtfulness—to your advantage How to set boundaries and protect your energy while still building a strong network Real-life conversation starters that don’t feel forced or fake This isn’t about collecting the most business cards or being the loudest person in the room—it’s about finding people you actually want to talk to, building relationships that matter, and walking away feeling energized instead of drained. Whether you’re brand new to networking or just looking for a better way to approach it, you’ll leave this session with a few new tools in your pocket… and maybe even a new “networking buddy” to help you along the way.  Registration is required! This event will be virtual. You will receive a link for a Teams meeting the week of the event. After clicking on “Register Now,” you will need to click “Login” on the top right to register for the event. Click “Forgot Password” to set up a password (make sure you use the email address associated with the Chamber). After that you should then be able to register. We are committed to providing a welcoming and accessible experience for all event attendees. If you require any accommodations, please reach out to Jaci Pieters at jpieters@siouxfalls.com. We will make every effort to meet your needs.