[CCU] Networking for Introverts… and other shy professionals

Are you shy about networking? Learn some simple steps to
improve your ability to make the connections you need… to grow the business you
want.

I feel somewhat — foolish? arrogant? – to be an Extravert
talking about networking for introverts.

But, then I think back to how shy I was as a kid — Yep!
Extraverts can be shy! — and how I still have times when I’m nervous in
groups. So, as a coach who has taught networking to many, many introverts I’d
like to shares some useful ideas.

Here goes…

I’m going to assume you agree with me… networking is one
of the best ways, if not THE BEST WAY, to find a job, find contracts, find
information, or find clients.

So, why don’t more people use networking?

Here’s what I’ve heard.

– I’m too shy.

– I don’t know what to say

– They’re staring at me… I feel so naked!

– I don’t know where to start

– There’s too many people

– Get me outta here!

 Hey! Been there. Got the T-shirt and coffee mug to prove
it.

 Most of the time I feel pretty comfortable in crowds.
But, I have times when I walk into a room full of strangers and think: What the
heck am I doing here? Where do I start? I think I’ll just sneak out and go
home.

Here’s what I do when I’m feeling scared, shy, and
vulnerable in a crowd. I hope it’ll work for you.

#1 I look for someone ‘interesting’ who’s alone

You know what I’ve found out… we’re all alone in a crowd.
So, I look for the lone guy or gal who’s standing by themselves. And, I walk
over and say, “Hi. My name’s Lyle. Etc. [more in a minute on what’s next”

Never been refused. Sure, I’ve had folks who never warmed
up. But, no one has ever said, “B-gg-r off mate!”

I define ‘interesting’ people by how they dress or don’t
fit with the crowd. For example at a friend’s 50th birthday party I
went over to the guy who looked like a biker. I asked him how he knew my
friend. Turns out he’s my buddy’s IT support tech. Go figure.

So, look around. Someone else is feeling just as alone as
you are.

#2 Ask them questions

It IS a fact: people like to talk about themselves. I
mean, what could be more interesting. Best way to get ‘em talking is to ask
questions.

But, what to ask?

There are tons of things you could ask about. But, be
strategic. Why are YOU there? What are you looking for? Contacts? Leads? A hot
date?

So, ask questions that will lead you to getting a sense
of whether this person fits your target market or might know someone who fits
your target market.

Ask things like: What organization do you work for? What
do you do there? That’s interesting, what’s fun about that? How’d you get into
that line of work? What are the challenges you face there? What’s new and
exciting at your company?

You can actually move through questions like these in
under 5 minutes.

But, at some point…
=======================================================================
QUOTES

"Concentration
is one of the greatest gifts of the Introvert." – Thomas Leonard about
Warren Buffet

“It is not necessary to do extraordinary
things to get extraordinary results.” –
Warren Buffet

“Better to say nothing than to open your mouth and remove
all doubt” — Anonymous

=======================================================================

NETWORKING FOR INTROVERTS and other shy professionals –
continued

They’re going to ask you about yourself.

#3 Have a Commercial prepared

 

You want to be PREPARED to tell others what you do, who
you serve, what value you offer, and do it in a way that causes them to go “WOW
TELL ME MORE!” 

Easy right? 

NO! Crafting what marketing expert Robert Middleton calls
an audio logo is hard bloody work. But, it’s worth it! 

So, what goes into your audio logo? 

WHAT & WHO – what single, unique, compelling, service
or product do you provide? 

Overwhelmed? Maybe. But, take a breath. Take some time.
And, think. What do you offer? So, you say, “I offer coaching.” Great, that
narrows it down to 20,000,000 professionals – I’m being sarcastic but you get
the drift. 

What kind of coaching and for whom? Let’s try again. “I
coach creative, independent professionals.” “I coach working mothers.” “I coach
wanna be writers.” The narrower the market. The clearer the target. The easier
more memorable the distinction. The better others remember! 

RESULTS/VALUE/PROBLEM/SOLUTION – What results do you achieve?
What problem(s) do you solve? What value do you provide? 

Some call this your USP – Unique Selling Proposition. What
makes your service offering different from the competition?

The answer in a minute… but first a word from a valued affiliate.

=======================================================================

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And, I did it through the simple, easy to learn, tips
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=======================================================================

NETWORKING FOR INTROVERTS and other shy professionals –
continued 

Remember, people are always thinking WIIFM – What’s In It
For Me? 

You’ve got to give them a compelling answer. What’s
compelling? How you make it easier, faster, cheaper, less painful. 

Here are a few examples: 

Mine: “I coach writers and other creative professionals
who are struggling with turning their talents into a meaningful and rewarding career.” 

A client’s: “I’m a relationship catalyst. I coach couples
who want to make their relationship magical.”
 

Another client’s: “I help high performing athletes
succeed through the power of BodyMind Nutrition.”

 

So, what’s the secret of networking? 

Remember you aren’t alone. Ask questions. Have something
interesting to say.

And, relax and be yourself. 

See you July 1st when I’m going to talk about
CAREER CONUNDRUMS,

 
Lyle Lachmuth MSOD, CDP, CRT(Hons)
The Unsticking Coach (TM)
Your Talents >
Your Life >> Your Way!

 ===================================================================

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Copyright 2005 Turning Point Strategies and Lyle T.
Lachmuth

June 15, 2005 |