Power Networking for Introverts

Hello, again

Never say never. Back in April 2008 I wrote what I thought would be my last post for this blog. Although I said "Goodbye, for now," I really thought that I'd said all I could say, and what little spare time I had needed to be used on other things. But, as my grandma used to say, "You never know." (or something along those lines - it was in Yiddish)

Why am I back? In my last post, I mentioned my (overcommitted) schedule and everything I was juggling at the time. It was actually much worse than that, because in the middle of everything - running my business, being AIIP president, editing the Find area of FUMSI magazine - I wrote a book, Research on Main Street: Using the Web to Find Local Business and Market Information. Hectic? Amazingly so. Gratifying and rewarding? Amazingly so.

I'm no longer on the board of directors of AIIP, and the book is done. My life is still hectic, but a lot less so. I'm doing more blogging at MarcyPhelps.com, marketing my book, and have taken on some volunteer jobs that are a lot less time-consuming than being president of an international association. And I've gotten back to networking.

Yes, I have to admit that during the time I was writing the book, I did basically zero networking. There was no time. I was fortunate to have a nice core of regular clients that brought repeat business to Phelps Research, but the lack of networking definitely affected the flow of new business. It was also lonely. I missed getting out of the confines of my office to meet new and interesting people.

Once the book was done and I started making progress on my after-the-book-to-do list, I knew I needed to get back to networking. I knew how important it was and how its done. I've blogged about it, for Pete's sake! Did I get right to it? Not at all. I procrastinated for months, each week finding better reasons why it could be put off. When I would finally drag myself to a networking event, I was at a loss for words and fearful of approaching people I didn't know. The introvert had retreated.

So - at least for this introvert - it seems that networking is definitely not like riding a bike. If you haven't done it in a while, you forget. You forget that networking really isn't all that scary, and you forget what real networking is all about.

While it's not exactly like when I first started networking (heaven help us), I do feel like I'm starting over. I've taken some baby steps, like volunteering and attending events where I know some people. Reading and writing about networking will - I think - help the process and help get me get back into the swing of things. I also like sharing what I learn. And, looking at the blog stats over the past few years, I've come to realize that people really want to know about this topic.

So, I'm once again blogging about Power Networking for Introverts. Not a lot, and I'm not promising that there won't be gaps. But, as I come across a great article or other resource or have some new insights during my re-entry into the world of networking, I'll pass it on. I'm also looking for some guest bloggers to help out.

Let me know what topics you'd like to read about on this blog. What's on your mind? What do you wish you knew more about? I'll try to cover what  you'd like to know about 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!