Power Networking for Introverts

Goodbye, for now

I'm sorry to say that this will be my last post for Power Networking for Introverts. As you can see, things haven't been very active around here lately. Let me explain...

I'm a researcher and business owner by day. I started blogging about networking because it interested me. I built my business by networking, and I learned a lot along the way. But it takes a lot of reading to keep up with a topic in order to write and speak about it - especially one that is not exactly your specialty.

In addition to running my business, I now have a regular column. I also have another blog  and an e-mail newsletter. And I'm incoming President-elect for the Association of Independent Information Professionals. So, the pile of reading material about networking and introverts keeps getting larger, and the gaps between blog posts become wider.

Thanks for your comments and feedback. It's been fun, and I've learned a lot!

FYI - although I'm discontinuing the blog, I still offer presentations on Power Networking for Introverts. So, please contact me if you're interested in a speaker for this topic. 

You meet the nicest people...

...when you talk about networking. I had the privilege to  speak at a meeting of the San Diego Chapter of the Special Libraries Association this past week. I wanted to thank the chapter for the invitation and for the networking after the meeting and at dinner later on. What a great group!

Book review - Guerrilla Networking

The title of the networking book in the Guerilla series will probably make most introverts cringe. "Guerrilla Networking: A Proven Battle Plan to Attract the Very People You Want to Meet," by Jay Conrad Levinson and Monroe Mann, conjures up frightening thoughts of calling attention to ourselves. But whether you’re networking for personal, career, or business development, the book’s message makes this a worthwhile read.

You don’t have to worry that I’ll ruin the surprise ending. The authors state their core message - Networking is not about meeting people. It’s about becoming the type of person that other people want to meet – and they state it early and often. Once that’s out of the way, they provide 50 tips on how to become that type of person, as well as lots of stories written by people who have put Guerilla Networking into practice.

Not all these tactics may work for you, but introverts will find some ways to let people know just how interesting we really are – without having to call too much attention to ourselves.

Sorry it's been so long

I know - the first rule of blogging is "Write consistently." I've been away for a while, and it's because things are really busy at Phelps Research. I wanted to let you know that I'll be presenting "Power Networking for Introverts" on February 20th for the San Diego Chapter of the Special Libraries Association.

Also, I was recently contacted by someone at Bootstrapper.com. She told me about their  blog and their "75+ Tips on Becoming a Better Networker," a nice list of tips for building relationships, choosing groups and contacts, shaking nerves, and much more. It's definitely worth a visit!

Give mentoring a chance

Mentoring is one form of networking. Since returning to grad school and then starting and running a research business, I have had several mentors. I've also been a mentor. In both situations, I learned more and learned it faster than I could in any classroom. I also developed some wonderful, life-long relationships with some wonderful people.

I came across an article about mentoring in the Wall Street Journal, "Your Mentor Is Out There -- in Cyberspace." It talks about leveraging the Web to make connections, but it's quick to point out that it these online  connections won't "stop people from meeting in the local Starbucks."

I've mentored and I've been mentored by phone, email, and meetings at the local Starbucks. We've communicated in person, and some I've never met. In the end, it doesn't really matter how you get involved in mentoring, but do consider getting involved. It's a great way to expand your personal learning network - and meet some really cool people.

Personal learning networks

Last week I attended a meeting of the Rocky Mountain chapter of the Special Libraries Association. The speaker was Karl Fisch, director of technology at Arapahoe High School in Colorado. I admit it - I generally don't attend these meetings for the speaker or the topic. I tend to go in order to hang out with other information professionals and throw around terms like "taxonomies" and "information-seeking behavior" without getting strange looks. But that evening there was the added bonus of an interesting topic and a great speaker.

Some of you may know about Karl Fisch. He created the video that's been viewed by millions on YouTube, "Did You Know?" (The presentation was updated in June). At our meeting, Karl talked about creating personal networks, which I found fascinating. We build networks to advance our career or grow our business. But what about building a network just for learning?

Personal learning networks - collections of people and resources that help us learn - are essential in a world filled with information. We've always had a group of people to whom we can turn when we need to get up to speed on a topic (remember your school or public librarian?). With the growth of the Internet and Web 2.0, along with blogs, podcasts, and other user-generated content, we can now tap into the expertise of people and resources from around the world. Karl told us that he had actually set up a live blogging session between Daniel Pink and the students at his school. That's an amazing use of the Web and the connections it allows!

OK, so we don't all have access to famous thought leaders. But everyone knows someone who can help us get smarter. And you can help someone else reach their learning goals. As you scan blogs, read online articles, and participate in electronic discussion lists, make note of the experts. You can send comments, ask questions, or offer your expertise.  It's a whole new world of learning and networking out there. Even introverts can do it!

Not just for women

I recently came across a great article by Jill Lubin, co-author of Guerrilla Publicity, The article,"Business Networking for Women Entrepreneurs: Connecting is the Key to Magical Networking,” talks about women, networking, and building relationships. But I don't think this is just for women. There are some great tips in here, and it's a great read for women AND men.

How can you help?

Another one of those First-of-the-Year tasks around here is cleaning out my files. As I glanced through my folder with networking ideas, I came across a tip I had saved from Robin Neidorf, of Free Pint Limited. I especially like this one because it solves two problems when it comes to networking: 1) keeping the conversation going when you're at a networking event, and 2) figuring out how you can be helpful to others:

When you talk with someone, ask them about their business and what they need to move them forward in the next 30 to 60 days. You will often hear about little nagging things, like "I need a database programmer to finish this project," or "I wish I had an intern to do the leg work to follow up on all these prospects!"

 Following up with a referral that helps solve their problem is a great way to build relationships!

A tribute

On Friday, my husband and I attended a memorial service for Dr. Ed Peterson. It was actually more of a celebration because Dr. Peterson was 95 years old when he passed away, and he lead a very happy and healthy life. As I listened to those who spoke about him, it was clear that Dr. Peterson was passionate about people and developed some wonderful relationships through the years. He listened to people and he found ways to help them - usually without revealing their benefactor's identity. He traveled far and always found friends along the way. And he made sure he stayed connected. I first met Dr. Peterson when my husband took over his chiropractic practice 30 years ago. He and his wife Margie would stay in touch over the years , through Christmas cards and and the occasional lunch at their favorite restaurant. Dr. Peterson's patients, friends, and family will always remember him because of the strong bonds that he created. What a wonderful legacy.

Happy New Year

Since I started my business nearly eight years ago, I generally take time between Christmas and New Years to do some strategic planning. One of the first things I do is look at where my projects and clients have come from during the past year. Sure enough, the results were the same as every other year. My biggest projects in 2007 came from people I met years ago through some of my more painful networking experiences.

One project was the result of a referral from my partner in a Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce golf tournament. I met a repeat client through the Chamber leads group I tried for a couple of years. Four smaller projects came from a gentleman I met at an American Marketing Association luncheon.

What's interesting is that I'm terrible at golf, and golf events make me really nervous. I haven't been in that leads group since 2003 - I found the stress of having to talk about myself and pass leads too much for me. And I attended just two of those AMA luncheons because I was not a member, and you know how hard it is to eat lunch and make conversation  with a roomful of strangers. Just the thought of these types of networking activities can make an introvert cringe.

Here's what I did. I forced myself to go. I faked it, and I kept at it until networking events became easier and less stressful (even a little fun). I also followed up with each of these people, even though the calls and coffee meetings were difficult to initiate. And although we met years ago, we have managed to stay in touch.

So here are my three goals for next year - I'm going to force myself to go to a few more luncheons, golf tournaments, and other networking events. After each one, I'll follow up. Finally, I'm going to make more calls and take time for coffee with key contacts through the year.

Thanks so much for reading this blog in 2007. Have a very happy, healthy, and successful 2008!