Blog
Networking for People Who Hate Networking
by Dan
Business & Careers / August 31, 2010
One of the books that everyone was particularly excited about at the Raincoast Fall 2010 sales conference earlier this year was Networking for People who Hate Networking by Devora Zack (I think we could all relate!), and so we were really happy to see Macleans magazine review the book last week:
[Networking for People Who Hate Networking] starts with a reminder to introverts that they process the world differently. Whereas extroverts tend to discover “what they think by discussing their ideas,” introverts process by reflecting and thinking through, even writing down ideas. They shy away from meeting strangers. “If you don’t have the gift for chatter,” she writes, “focus on what you do have, a predisposition to watch and gather data. Tap into your high level of focus, combine deep listening with well-formed questions, and you need never be at a loss for conversation...”
Whereas extroverts dazzle with light banter, introverts excel in the aftermath of meetings and events with thoughtful follow-up. Focus on one or two people you’d like to keep in touch with, and send a personalized note via actual mail, referencing something they said from your introductory conversation. Or, if it’s an email, send an article or link relevant to your conversation. “Being thoughtful is better than just sending information about yourself, which can be perceived as too aggressive,” says Zack. “You’ll make a smashing second impression.”
Devora, who is a recognized expert in the field of leadership development, has also just recorded this new video about the book:
