[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.

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

ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM LACK OF ENERGY? 

Do you drag your butt through the day? Do you wake up
tired? Go to bed exhausted? Has your life lost its zest?

Sadly you’re not alone! 

More than 20,000,000 Americans and 1,000,000 Canadians
lack the energy they need to live their lives. Are you one of them? 

You can get your energy back. And, you can add more zip
to your life. 

I know because I did. 

And, I did it through the simple, easy to learn, tips
shared with me by a wonderful colleague Diana Lindstrom. Diana knows what it’s
like to have to carefully watch every step and monitor every move. You see
Diana is a Post Polio Survivor. If she doesn’t manage her energy… she doesn’t
walk! She doesn’t get out of bed. And, she doesn’t get to do what she loves. 

Over the last year Diana was kind enough to share he
story and her secrets with me. And, now you can learn how to Manage Your Energyâ„¢ 

Read more about the Manage Your Energyâ„¢ program here: http://www.uc.dianalindstrom.com

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

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!

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

ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER

Join or leave this list here: http://home.ezezine.com/72/

 Past issues here: http://home.ezezine.com/72/

 PRIVACY POLICY: I
collect your name and contact information solely to enable me to send you this
newsletter and other information on a periodic basis. I will not rent, trade,
or sell your name and contact information to anyone, at any time, for any
reason!

CAVEAT: CREATIVE CAREERS UNLEASHED and its publisher, are
not engaged in providing therapy. This newsletter is provided for informational
purposes only.

CREATIVE CAREERS UNLEASHED may be reproduced and
distributed in its entirety only, including copyright, legal, and contact
information.

Copyright 2005 Turning Point Strategies and Lyle T.
Lachmuth