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. 

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!