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Networking for People Who Hate Networking

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Networking for People Who Hate Networking

A Field Guide for Introverts, the Overwhelmed, and the Underconnected

Berrett-Koehler,

15 min read
10 take-aways
Audio & text

What's inside?

Introverts hate networking, but they can do it well if they know how.

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Editorial Rating

6

Recommendation

Author Devora Zack identifies herself as a bona fide, “off-the-chart” introvert. Even though she makes her living presenting to large groups, she prefers to be alone engaging in solitary pursuits. She likes serene reflection more than multidecibel excitement. Happy hours do not make her happy. Nevertheless, she is a networking expert who teaches introverts how to build connections. Her goal is to help them actually learn to love networking, but how well her techniques work for you may depend on just how deeply introverted you are. It’s hard to make networking palatable to someone who regards a group of strangers with unmitigated terror as opposed to general unease. Yet, this is a good, solid book and Zack’s ideas are sensible. Even if some of her suggestions may not be workable for every introvert, getAbstract believes her advice will help many people become better networkers.

Summary

Innie or Outie?

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Introverts tend to be:

  • “Reflective.”
  • “Focused.”
  • “Self-reliant.”

Extroverts generally are:

  • Verbal.
  • Expansive.
  • Social.

Much misinformation exists about these disparate personality types. Personality traits mistakenly assigned to introverts include being antisocial, moody and isolated. One of the biggest misconceptions is that introverts are shy while extroverts are outgoing. In fact, the reverse is often true. And then there are “centroverts,” who fall between introverts and extroverts. Introverted people often find networking difficult, and in fact, an introvert truly might be “uncomfortable making small talk,” but networking is a crucial activity in modern business. It’s tough to get ahead without it. Introverts, extroverts and centroverts must network, like it or not.

If you are an introvert, you don’t have to hate networking. You can learn to enjoy it by employing three techniques known as “the 3Ps: pause, process and pace.” They follow the principle that “quality networking is really about connecting.” The 3 P’s are significant ...

About the Author

Devora Zack is the president of Only Connect Consulting.

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