For years we have been told that extroverts are better at networking than introverts, and there is no doubt that would be true if networking was about collecting business cards. But networking isn't about business cards; it's about building relationships. This book is the story of how I learned to network by observing introverts who are experts at it, and it is your story if you want to learn to network by just being yourself.

One of the biggest myths that plagues the business world today is that our ability to network depends on having the “gift-of-gab.” You don’t have to be outgoing to be successful at networking. You don’t have to become a relentless self-promoter. In fact, you don’t have to act like an extrovert at all. The truth is that when introverts are armed with a plan that lets them be their authentic selves, they make the best networkers. Matthew Pollard, an introvert himself, draws on over a decade of research and real-world examples to provide an actionable blueprint for introverted networking. A sequel to Pollard’s international bestseller The Introvert’s Edge: How the Quiet and Shy Can Outsell Anyone, this book masterfully confronts the stigma around the so-called extroverted arena of networking. In The Introvert’s Edge to Networking, you’ll discover how to: Overcome your fear and discomfort when networking Turn networking into a repeatable system Leverage your innate introverted strengths Target and connect with top influencers Leverage the power of virtual and social networking The introvert’s roadmap to success doesn’t look like the extroverts, we’re different and we should embrace that. Whether you’re a small business owner struggling to make a living or a professional who’s hit a career plateau, The Introvert’s Edge to Networking is your path to a higher income and a rolodex of powerful connections.

Shows how the networking-averse can succeed by working with the very traits that make them hate traditional networking Written by a proud introvert who is also an enthusiastic networker Includes field-tested tips and techniques for virtually any situation Are you the kind of person who would rather get a root canal than face a group of strangers? Does the phrase working a room make you want to retreat to yours? Does traditional networking advice seem like its in a foreign language? Devora Zack, an avowed introvert and a successful consultant who speaks to thousands of people every year, feels your pain. She found that most networking advice books assume that to succeed you have to become an outgoing, extraverted person. Or at least learn how to fake it. Not at all. There is another way. This book shatters stereotypes about people who dislike networking. Theyre not shy or misanthropic. Rather, they tend to be reflective - they think before they talk. They focus intensely on a few things rather than broadly on a lot of things. And they need time alone to recharge. Because theyve been told networking is all about small talk, big numbers and constant contact, they assume its not for them. But it is! Zack politely examines and then smashes to tiny fragments the dusty old rules of standard networking advice. She shows how the very traits that ordinarily make people networking-averse can be harnessed to forge an approach that is just as effective as more traditional approaches, if not better. And she applies it to all kinds of situations, not just formal networking events. After all, as she says, life is just one big networking opportunity - a notion readers can now embrace. Networking enables you to accomplish the things that are important to you. But you cant adopt a style that goes against who you are - and you dont have to. I have never met a person who did not benefit tremendously from learning how to network - on his or her own terms, Zack writes. You do not succeed by denying your natural temperament; you succeed by working with your strengths.

“For introverts who panic at the idea of networking, Wickre’s book is a deep, calming breath.” —Sophia Dembling, author of The Introvert’s Way Former Google executive, editorial director of Twitter, self-described introvert, and “the best-connected Silicon Valley figure you’ve never heard of” (Walt Mossberg, Wall Street Journal), offers networking advice for anyone who has ever canceled a coffee date due to social anxiety. Learn to nurture a vibrant circle of reliable contacts without leaving your comfort zone. Networking has garnered a reputation as a sort of necessary evil. Some people relish the opportunity to boldly work the room, introduce themselves to strangers, and find common career ground—but for many others, the experience is awkward, or even terrifying. The common networking advice for introverts are variations on the theme of overcoming or “fixing” their quiet tendencies. But Karen Wickre is a self-described introvert who has worked in Silicon Valley for thirty years. She shows you how to embrace your quiet nature and “make genuine connections that last, that we can nurture across the world for all kinds of purposes” (Chris Anderson, head of TED). Karen’s “embrace your quiet side” approach is for anyone who finds themselves shying away from traditional networking activities, or for those who would rather be curled up with a good book on a Friday night than out at a party. With compelling arguments and creative strategies, this “practical, easy-to-use” (Sree Sreenivasan, former chief digital officer of Columbia University) book is a perfect guide.

Shows how the networking-averse can succeed by working with the very traits that make them hate traditional networking Written by a proud introvert who is also an enthusiastic networker Includes field-tested tips and techniques for virtually any situation Are you the kind of person who would rather get a root canal than face a group of strangers? Does the phrase “working a room” make you want to retreat to yours? Does traditional networking advice seem like it’s in a foreign language? Devora Zack, an avowed introvert and a successful consultant who speaks to thousands of people every year, feels your pain. She found that most networking advice books assume that to succeed you have to become an outgoing, extraverted person. Or at least learn how to fake it. Not at all. There is another way. This book shatters stereotypes about people who dislike networking. They’re not shy or misanthropic. Rather, they tend to be reflective—they think before they talk. They focus intensely on a few things rather than broadly on a lot of things. And they need time alone to recharge. Because they’ve been told networking is all about small talk, big numbers and constant contact, they assume it’s not for them. But it is! Zack politely examines and then smashes to tiny fragments the “dusty old rules” of standard networking advice. She shows how the very traits that ordinarily make people networking-averse can be harnessed to forge an approach that is just as effective as more traditional approaches, if not better. And she applies it to all kinds of situations, not just formal networking events. After all, as she says, life is just one big networking opportunity—a notion readers can now embrace. Networking enables you to accomplish the things that are important to you. But you can’t adopt a style that goes against who you are—and you don’t have to. “I have never met a person who did not benefit tremendously from learning how to network—on his or her own terms”, Zack writes. “You do not succeed by denying your natural temperament; you succeed by working with your strengths.”

"Funny and insightful, Meghan has written a true resource for any introvert seeking to break out of their shell and step into the spotlight." Dr. Ivan Misner, founder and CEO of Business Network International Are you an introvert who wants to succeed in the business world? Do you: Avoid unnecessary social interaction? Keep to yourself or to your small group of friends? Seek out time alone? Confessions of an Introvert offers you practical advice, interspersed with real-life stories, that will help you overcome your shyness and find ways to have a satisfying future in the corporate world. Packed with valuable insights and personal anecdotes, Confessions of an Introvert will teach you: Why business networking is the key to professional growth and how even the shyest person can learn how to network That a little self-promotion goes a long way in showing others how good a businessperson you are How to communicate with people in a way that is comfortable to you but still gets the results you need That being an introvert is just a part of who you are and not a serious roadblock to your success Confessions of an Introvert is a must-read for any introvert seeking to excel in business and get the most out of life. Meghan Wier is known for melding her professional style, keen business sense, and desire to share her work and life experiences with others. An introvert/forced-extrovert, her relationship-building savvy and strong marketing skills have made her a recognized expert in building through networking. Ms. Wier is an influential authority on business networking and marketing. From ForeWord Magazine (12/10/08): Networking is a big buzzword these days. People are joining networking Web sites and networking groups in the hopes of improving their career or social status, or simply expanding their social circle. Confessions of an Introvert: The Shy Girl's Guide to Career, Networking, and Getting the Most of Out Life helps women for whom networking and self-promotion don't come naturally. "[E]xtroverts gain energy from other people and introverts feel like they just get the energy sucked out of them by other people," author Meghan Wier writes. She is an expert on marketing and networking, and a self-proclaimed introvert. Wier insists that introverts can become charismatic speakers and great leaders. She helps readers along the way with sections on identifying sources of anxiety, building confidence in tough situations, becoming an expert in one's field, and organization. In order to make public speaking easier, she recommends that readers write down everything they dislike about speaking and why, then come up with actions that will offset each item.

Over 40% of North Americans describe themselves as being shy. Would you? Do your hands start sweating and your legs shake with the thought of having to not only attend a business networking session but actually talk to people? Do you feel paralyzed by the fear of rejection when you are at a business networking event? Would you rather have a root canal than attend a business networking event? Would you rather send an e-mail to a business lead than meet them in person? Well if any of these apply... you may be shy! "Get over it!" That's what our extroverted friends would say. "Just do what we do!" Life isn't that simple. We aren't all extroverts and it would probably be a noisy world if we were. Being shy isn't a personal defect. You aren't the only one out there, even if it feels like it sometimes. The world is full of shy people and that doesn't prevent you from being an effective networker and reaping the benefits that networking can bring to your business. In Power Networking for Shy People: How to Network Like a Pro you will: - discover proven strategies to reduce your fear [that's what shyness really is] that will help you become an effective, power networker. - learn practical tips to strengthen the networking skills that you already have. - discover easy to use techniques that will take you from shy to sly. - discover the three phases of networking and how you can use each of them to your advantage. - learn about common fears or barriers that shy networkers often experience and how to overcome them. - The author knows what it is like to be shy. He knows how avoidance & denial can be a good friend. He knows how uncomfortable it can be to attend a networking event and not know a single person. He also got sick and tired of his inhibitions getting in the way of opportunities and decided to do something about it. The result... Power Networking for Shy People: How to Network Like a Pro. This is a must have book for those who want practical, proven tips & techniques on how to network effectively, especially if you are shy. I'm not really shy. Will this book be of any use to me? This program manual explores the fundamentals of relationship networking. If you don't have the added challenge of being shy, you will likely find it easier to use the tips & techniques to strengthen the networking and relationship building skills that you already have.