Kept my camera off for the first twenty minutes of a virtual networking event out of nerves, turned it on and it changed the whole conversation

Almost skipped the event entirely because virtual networking with the camera on makes me freeze up. Joined with camera off just to listen for a bit. Turned it on halfway through one breakout room conversation and the energy shifted immediately, small talk became an actual back and forth. Exchanged info with someone who followed up a week later.