Power Networking for Introverts

Appreciating networking serendipity

This is another in a series of guest posts, this time from another fellow AIIP member, Betty Story.

Although working in a linear fashion is not my inclination, I know that following a plan is the tried-and-true way to succeed with networking.  However, along with a methodical plan, I find serendipitous networking is reassuring for an introvert. Serendipitous, or happy-chance, networking is often a possibility when we're out and about in our lives. Since most of us are engaged in a range of activities besides work, we enjoy networking without a recognized event that demands we suit up, meet, greet and sell ourselves.

Recently I wrote a letter to the editor of the local weekly newspaper of my beach community.  The letter was a response to another reader who suggested shutting down the local libraries and for taxpayers to receive refunds from the tax funding that went to libraries.  After I calmed down, I wrote a letter about the ROI communities do get from libraries and the roles of Andrew Carnegie and Benjamin Franklin in founding America's libraries.  As an introvert, I struggle with public speaking, and writing this letter was easier than if I had to spontaneously debate the value of libraries.  After the letter was published, however, I received an invitation to speak at a community group.  There were also a couple of phone calls and emails from several like-minded people with questions about my work. Yes, this could just lead to being on another committee, but I have learned to not underestimate any relationships.

Also, I lately responded to a query in HARO ( Help Out a Reporter) about starting private school libraries. As I have set up several international school libraries, I got in touch with the reporter from GreatSchools.org. I was interviewed about my experiences with school library development.  From this outreach, I've been contacted by a consortium of well-established charter schools and an educational publishing company, and they are interested in my services.

The contacts that were generated from the letter and interview were springboards to conversations about what I do as an information professional.  Talking about a passion for libraries and my experiences with developing school libraries is one painless way to market myself and make connections.

Social-media marketing guru Dave Merman Scott blogged recently about serendipity vs narrowcasting marketing. Scott suggests that we have to use both types marketing and not just focus on our primary market field.

Since we all have real life interests when we're off duty, it’s good to remember how simple networking is when we’re not in potential business situations, pondering what to say next.  For example, I volunteer with a group that finds homes for retired racing greyhounds.  When we're not talking about our dogs, we do sometimes talk about our work life.  I have gotten work indirectly from a connection with other greyhound owners.

Keep an eye out for your serendipitous networking occasions, I find they build confidence, are enriching and may even occasionally bring prospects.

Betty Story, an independent information professional, teaches and works on projects for nonprofit agencies, school libraries, and small businesses. She currently serves on the board of directors of the Association of Independent Information Professionals.  Although she pretends she's an extrovert, it's only from years of practice that she can now enter a room of strangers, smile and approach someone.

Pump Up for Networking

This is another in a series of guest posts, this time from fellow AIIP member, Frances Caballo.

Some days I just don’t feel like networking. I’d rather stay at home, write a few blogs, or send a few tweets. But burrowing in my office won’t bring me clients or money to pay the mortgage -- so I venture out and pretend to be an extrovert.

Take today as an example. My task list included taking a new class at the gym and checking out a new networking group. Thirty minutes before the class started, I vacillated. What if the class was too difficult? What if no one wanted to show me how to use the equipment? Did I really need to exercise today? Couldn’t I just go to the gym later when it would be quiet and workout by myself? Well, I knew I wouldn’t go to the gym later so I pushed myself, went to the “Body Pump!” class, and did just fine.

Having pumped a dose of endorphins into my body, I felt confident about networking. After all, I’d just taken an exercise class with 20- and 30-year-olds. In comparison, networking with adults more my age would be a breeze.

I raced home, freshened up, and headed to the networking event. I smiled, introduced myself, asked for a few business cards, and said something that made people laugh. In short, I networked -- and it was fun.

What I rediscovered was that working out not only renews my confidence, it leaves me feeling calm and relaxed. When my anxiety disappears, I’m able to be more natural, more myself. Somehow, it isn't so difficult to take that first step, shake someone’s hand, and enjoy the conversation.

What if I don’t have time to exercise first? I apply some makeup, put on a great outfit, do some deep-breathing exercises, and pretend to be an extrovert. And then I introduce myself to the first friendly face I spot.

Frances Caballo has 22 years of experience in communications and nonprofit resource development and has worked with local, regional and national nonprofits. She is presently the Social Media Editor for Redwood Writers, a board member with Redwood Writers, and a volunteer with Golden Gate Labrador Retriever Rescue. Her company is Act Communications, and she specializes in helping nonprofits with their social media marketing, communications, and fund development needs. Frances is bilingual (English/Spanish).

Navigation for the nervous networker

We have a series of guest blogs lined up. The first is from Joanna Ptolomey, a fellow editor at FUMSI.

My name is Joanna Ptolomey and I'm a nervous networker.

About 8 years ago, with 2 children under 2, I was isolated and struggling. On the verge of giving up my business and feeling detached from the information profession, I wasn’t sure how to turn things around. However, a chance remark by a fellow professional and an offer to connect me with some information professionals in a different sector re-ignited my desire to continue in business.

Coming from a project management and research background I decided to take advantage of a short period of time and set myself a 4 month personal booster project. Designed with the nervous me in mind, it was a tool to network, learn, share, and -- if need be -- a prop to hold me up.

Power networking with smart business cards, the best stationary and the slick one-liners -- well that was not me. What I learned was that networking is about building relationships for yourself and helping others build theirs. Also, relax and be yourself -- simple but true.

I decided early on that networking had to be integral to my work plans and flows -- it had to be part of the natural flow to make it seem less of a chore. That would mean seeing opportunities to connect and share where there are sometimes seemingly none.

Some things that worked for me:

• Have a plan for meeting people, connecting and sharing. Perhaps develop a short project with goals and outcomes.
• Share your ideas with a colleague/mentor. Experience has taught me that if I share my ideas and aspirations and be specific about outcomes, then I am more likely to have success. They will often recommend or connect me to others.
• Be creative about putting yourself in different situations. One of the things I do is to get involved in focus groups in healthcare (my niche industry). I have discovered that for a short amount of time I give free, I get so much back. Many of the stakeholders are present at these events -- from patients to service delivery budget-holders.
• Don’t do the hard sell. Yes, if people ask, tell them what you do and how you help people. But listening and asking enquiring questions are key.  You never know what intelligence you will glean for yourself or the profile you are creating.
• If you get an introduction via someone else, be prepared to be upfront about what you expect. For example, I generally want to know about how public and health libraries have been working together in consumer health information provision.
• Publish or showcase what you do at selected events/organisations. I started small with the Scottish Health Information Network (a group of which I was already a member).
• Social media has to be mentioned as a tool; however it really deserves its own post. Just being a friend on social media does not count. It takes the same amount of energy and effort to share consciously and effectively.

Navigating away from the nervous networker has taken time -- and I still prefer the terms sociable and sharer. Whatever works!

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Joanna is a freelance information consultant and analyst. She helps people make the best use of information in decision making and managing risk. She is particularly interested in inequalities such as accessibility, information literacy and the information divide especially in the healthcare sector. She is the author of the chapter ‘Digital divide and accessibility’ in Government Information Management in the 21^st Century and the book Taking charge of your career : a guide for library and information professionals . She is a contributing editor and product reviewer for FreePint publications FUMSI and VIP.

Contact Joanna by email, or follow her on Twitter.