Power Networking for Introverts

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!

Networking with colleagues

The I-25ers, a group of independent info pros in the Denver area, meets regularly to talk about issues related to owning your own information business. I know - this doesn't sound very exciting , but we all look forward to it. We've even had some info pros fly in from other parts of the country for these meetings. Besides being able to throw around words like "taxonomies," "reference interview," and "value-added deliverables" without getting strange looks, what makes these networking events so special? Here's what we did at yesterday's meeting:

• Shared tips on client management
• Shared productivity tips with a colleague who recently started her own business
• Talked with and offered encouragement to a student interested in eventually starting her own business
• Before and after the meeting, caught up with old friends and welcomed newcomers to the group

Afterwards, we were anxious to try new ideas, plan coffee meetings, and share our tips with those who couldn't attend. Not a bad way to spend a couple of hours on a Saturday morning!

It's Not All About You

You build a network to help others. We all want to be able to help our friends, family, and colleagues when they need us. Think how nice it is to connect an in-law who is struggling with some serious health issues, with one of the top doctors in the state. What about the friend of a friend who needs some help getting her business off the ground? Putting her in touch with your business coach is a great way to lend a hand. And it's a good feeling when you know just the right person to call when a client says, “I’d love to start this project, but what I really need right now is a good writer." Yes, we are frequently on the receiving end when it comes to our valuable connections, but the real joy is in helping others. That’s your reward for all your hard work.

Good advice

Networking  has a bad image. Just say the word, and it most people think of a bunch of strangers having meaningless conversations, exchanging business card, and moving on to the next stranger. But networking is all about relationships – meaningful relationships. In his book, Never Eat Alone, Keith Ferrazzi urges readers to think about connecting, rather than networking. Here’s how he defines connecting: “sharing my knowledge and resources, time and energy, friends and associates, and empathy and compassion in a continual effort to provide value to others, while coincidentally increasing my own.” I like that advice, especially from an introvert’s point of view. Connecting sounds more meaningful - and it’s definitely not quite a scary as networking.

Networking - Do I have to?

Mention networking to an introvert and their first question usually is “Do I have to?” Maybe not, but as Harvey Mackay (author of Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty: The Only Networking Book You’ll Ever Need) says, “No matter how smart you are, no matter how talented, you can’t do it alone.”

Your network can enhance your business, professional, and personal development. Recently, my network has brought numerous referrals for my research business, helped a relative get an appointment with a top doctor, allowed me to recommend a colleague for a large project, and much more. My network benefited me, but – more importantly – it helped me help others. And I couldn’t have done it alone.