Taking the Work out of Networking: An Introvert's Guide to Making Connections That Count

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

Former Google executive, editorial director of Twitter, self-described introvert, and “the best-connected Silicon Valley figure you’ve never heard of” (Walt Mossberg, Wall Street Journal), offers networking advice for anyone who has ever canceled a coffee date due to social anxiety. Learn to nurture a vibrant circle of reliable contacts without leaving your comfort zone.

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

The common networking advice for introverts are variations on the theme of overcoming or “fixing” their quiet tendencies. But Karen Wickre is a self-described introvert who has worked in Silicon Valley for thirty years. She shows you how to embrace your quiet nature and “make genuine connections that last, that we can nurture across the world for all kinds of purposes” (Chris Anderson, head of TED).

Karen’s “embrace your quiet side” approach is for anyone who finds themselves shying away from traditional networking activities, or for those who would rather be curled up with a good book on a Friday night than out at a party. With compelling arguments and creative strategies, this “practical, easy-to-use” (Sree Sreenivasan, former chief digital officer of Columbia University) book is a perfect guide.

“In a world of social media, a meaningful conversation is a memorable thing. Karen Wickre reminds us that the ability to put your phone in your pocket, look a person in the eye, and really connect is not only one of life's great pleasures—it is the key to succeeding in your career.”—Kim Scott, author of Radical Candor

“Karen Wickre has long been an powerful but unsung resource for tech industry insiders seeking career advice. In this charming book, she shares the powerful secrets that will allow introverts--and everyone else--to organically network in the workplace, for better jobs and a more satisfying work life.” —Steven Levy, author of In the Plex

“Pragmatic and thoughtful, Karen Wickre shows how networking can move from being transactional to being transformational in your life. Taking the Work Out of Networking gives you the know-how to connect with the know-who. This is one of the best ‘read it in the morning, use it in the afternoon’ career guides I’ve ever read, especially in our social media era.”—Chip Conley, author of Wisdom @ Work: The Making of a Modern Elder

“For introverts who panic at the idea of networking, Wickre's book is a deep, calming breath. You can do it."—Sophia Dembling, author of The Introvert's Way and Introverts in Love

“So many of us dislike or even fear the transactional nature of traditional networking. Karen Wickre has done a great service by showing how it’s possible to make genuine connections that last, that we can nurture across the world for all kinds of purposes.”—Chris Anderson, Head of TED and author of TED Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking



Silicon Valley veteran Karen Wickre is the former Editorial Director at Twitter, where she landed after a decade-long career at Google. An advisor to startups and a lifelong information seeker, she is a member of the Board of Visitors for the John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships at Stanford University, and serves on the boards of the International Center for Journalists, the News Literacy Project, and the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. She has been a featured columnist for Wired.com and is a cofounder of Newsgeist, an annual conference fostering new approaches to news and information. She is the author of Taking the Work Out of Networking and lives in San Francisco.