I am a shy introvert. No one believes me when I tell them that fact, but it is true. 10 years ago, the thought of going to a networking event where I didn’t know anyone and had to make small talk would give my hives. In 2016, I began working with a woman who was a master-networker and I learned there is great value in learning this skill, and it is a skill. For the next few years I read hundreds of books and articles on networking, took webinars and I studied my co-worker for tips and tricks to overcome my owning phobia. Today, while I make no claims to be an expert networker (I still get butterflies in my stomach before events) I want to encourage you to develop your own skills by sharing with you some of the good things that happened once I embraced networking.
There are numerous resources on how to improve networking skills. Some of my favorites are: - The Fine Art of Small Talk by Debra Fine - How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie - Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi - How to Work a Room by Susan Roane - Your Network is Your Net Worth by Porter Gale The three pieces of advice which helped me most were:
If I can network, anyone can do it. I encourage my fellow introverts to take a few giant steps outside your comfort zone and see what great things might start happening for you.
8 Comments
Alice Vaught
11/29/2016 05:05:00 pm
Thank you for these words today. They really hit home and what I'm dealing with in the world around me. Especially about being positive and surrounding yourself with positive people.
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11/30/2016 09:08:38 am
I'm glad the message helped you It is amazing what happens when you change the energy that surrounds you.
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11/29/2016 09:16:52 pm
I would have never pegged you for a shy introvert. You've obviously taken your own advice and done an excellent job of networking.
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11/30/2016 09:10:05 am
PAINFULLY shy!! But fortunately, you can teach an old dog new tricks.
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12/2/2016 08:44:26 am
Great suggestion. I'm chronically early everywhere I go :)
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Karen Lewis
12/13/2016 05:57:59 pm
Fantastic blog and GREAT tips! I am a huge believer in networking and totally agree that it is a skill that has to be maintained and nourished. Best of all, that's how we met!!
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AuthorThe Audacious Admin is Debbi L. Shaffer, an outgoing, resourceful and highly motivated executive assistant with 20 years of experience specializing in C-Suite Executive Support. Archives
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