I found this article - An Introvert's Guide to Networking by Lisa Petrilli on the Harvard Business Review. I have to say I identified with it.
Contrary to popular belief I am an introvert except when I am with people I am familiar with. Its one of the reasons I avoid networking evenings unless its a small group or a large group where I am sure to meet a lot of people I know I can have great conversations with.
Even in smaller groups, if I find that I know fewer people or only the host, I go very quiet and sit in a corner watching and listening. Love doing that.
So if you've invited me, I said yes and went into a corner - its my crab sign that says I've gone shy and gone into my shell. Nothing to do with you or the company. Promise. Just being my introverted self.
