Power Networking for Introverts

How to Network (Even If You Hate Networking)

Back in April, economic gardening expert Christine Hamilton-Pennell sent me an article on networking that she thought I'd like. I was doing a lot of traveling at that time, so I just filed it away to read later. I recently got around to it, and - with the startup of this blog - it couldn't have come at a better time.

You can always count on Christine. When she sends you something that she finds useful or interesting, it always is. How to Network (Even If You Hate Networking), by David R. Butcher is a very worthwhile read for introverts who network.

In my workshops on this topic, I've always emphasized that the very qualities that define us as introverts make us well-suited for networking. Based on information from Devora Zack's 2010 book Networking for People Who Hate Networking, the article takes this idea even further. It's a step-by-step guide to harnessing the power of these strengths, and -- for each -- it outlines specific techniques and tips.

There's really no way of getting around the fact that we must network -- whether we like it or not. This article definitely makes it a lot less painful.

 

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.

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.

The Introvert Advantage

Each month, I'll  be reviewing a book that I think is a worthwhile read for introverts. Here's the latest:

Since I started this blog back in February, I've had a number of people recommend "The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World," by Marti Olsen Laney. I finally got around to reading this book recently, and I found it fascinating. It's well worth the time - It confirmed that being introverted is a good thing, I learned why some things are so difficult for introverts and why others can be so comforting, and I now have an eight-step plan for revising my priorities in the New Year.

"Introvert Advantage" covers what exactly an introvert is; how being an introvert affects our work environment, relationships, and parenting; and tips on how to survive living among all those extroverts. After reading about research into how the brain works and the differences between extroverts and introverts, I can finally see why phone calls make me so nervous, why I'm such a procrastinator, and why my memory can be so bad at certain times (they are NOT senior moments).

The book really is a "How To." It's packed with some great ideas for getting by when you have to live or work with extroverts. There are memory joggers, tips for ironing out the bumps in a "mixed marraige," and ways to keep your sense of humor.

I felt better about being an introvert, and I came away with a plan. Not a bad takeaway! Let me know if you've read this book, and what you thought was the best part.

Tips for shy people

Here's a must-read article for introverts. It's called How to Network: 12 Tips for Shy People, and it was written by Meridith Levinson for CIO. I especially like the part about not apologizing for being awkward or for asking people for help. Introverts tend to apologize a lot, and it's refreshing to know that some things are just OK.

(Thanks to Ellen Naylor of The Business Intelligence Source for sending me this article)

Networking for shy people

In his M.A.P. Maker blog, Curt Rosengren recently updated his list of links to articles on networking for shy people - and Power Networking for Introverts is on the list (Thanks!). If you're the sort of person who - as Curt says - " would rather set your eyebrows on fire than go to a networking event," be sure to check out these links for some great networking tips.

Making a good impression

Introverts tend to worry about what other people think. When we first meet someone, we worry about saying just the right thng. When we call to connect over coffee, we worry that they will think we're being pushy. The list goes on. We spend so much time worrying, it's hard to have fun. If this sounds all too familiar, take a look at "Eight Essential Tips to Overcoming Shyness and Making a Good Impression" by Cyan Ta’eed. What I found interesting is that every one of these tips focuses on the other person. Give compliements, listen, remember details about them. This is good news for introverts because it takes the spotlight off of us and onto the other person. So read all the tips, and try them out at your next networking event.

Networking blogs

In my ResearchNOTES e-mail bulletin, I’ve recently talked about reading and tracking blogs. Following the same thread, I’d like to share with you the networking blogs that I regularly monitor for both information and inspiration:

 Keith Ferrazzi’s never eat alone blog is full of good stories. And I always feel more motivated after reading about his adventures.

HELLO, my name is BLOG! is from author, Scott Ginsberg. Known as the “Nametag Guy” because he wears a nametag 24/7, he writes about “The Power of Approachability.”

From Josh Hinds, Business Networking Advice offers business networking interviews and resources. I enjoy reading about how others go about building and maintaining relationships.

 I’d love to find more. Let me know what networking blogs you follow.

Getting motivated

Although networking is a year-round event, the networking scene around here seems to slow down quite a bit during the summer. It picks up again after Labor Day, and the announcements for upcoming events are filling up my e-mail inbox. But after some time off from networking events, it can be difficult to get going again. If your networking skills are a little rusty, or if you aren’t feeling particularly motivated to go out and meet new people, I suggest you check out the free podcasts from Harvey MacKay. MacKay, who literally wrote the book on networking, covers – in a casual, interview style – such topics as networking within a large company, selling through building relationships, advice for college graduates, and more. Listening to Harvey MacKay talk about how much he loves networking will definitely get you back into the swing of things!

LinkedIn for Introverts

LinkedIn’s social networking site is a great complement face-to-face networking. Check out a great article, “LinkedIn: Everything I Ever Wanted to Tell You, But Was Too Shy/Modest/Embarrassed to Say…,” by Kim Dority (Dority & Associates). Kim talks about using LinkedIn to develop your personal brand, an essential tool for job seekers. At the end of the article, look for a great list of additional articles on the topic. Geared toward library and information professionals – an industry that attracts its share of introverts – this resource offers great tips for all introverts who are struggling to make connections.