Hate Networking? Change Your Inner-Monologue And Get The Results You Really Want – Forbes

Networking works best when you emphasize the "give" part of the equation.

Quick question: Would you rather get a root canal than schmooze with a roomful of strangers?

If you hesitated for even a second in considering that choice, you must not enjoy networking.

Join the crowd.

Networking may be one of your least favorite activities. But getting past your apprehensions and doing it right can work wonders for your business and for your career.

And its not about collecting contacts. Its about planting relationships.

No one understands this better than Devora Zack. Shes author ofNetworking for People Who Hate Networking: A Field Guide for Introverts, the Overwhelmed, and the Underconnected.

Devoras clients include Deloitte, Delta Airlines, the FDA and other high-profile organizations.

An avowed introvert herself, she says traditional networking rules dont apply to everyone. In fact, the very traits that make many people abhor networking can be harnessed as strengths.

Listen in on this conversation to glean some tips for your own networking.

Rodger Dean Duncan:Introversion and extroversion are both widely misunderstood. What are some common misconceptions that youve observed?

Devora Zack

Devora Zack:There are so many! Allow me to share some of the most popular. And please note thatnone of these are true!

Extroverts are more confident. Introverts are slower paced. Extroverts are self-engrossed. Introverts are insecure. Extroverts are better public speakers. Introverts are stand-offish. I could go on all day.

Introversion and Extroversion have no relationship to success, Type A or B personalities, or energy level.Stereotypes abound.

In reality, there are three foundational distinctions between these personality types

Remembermost of us have elements of both.

Duncan:Why do so many peoplewhether introverts or extrovertsseem to resist networking?

Zack:People misunderstand networking. The thought of working a room or shameless self-promotion is unappealing to most. True networking, however, requires neither. Real networking is the art of building mutually beneficial, meaningful connections one person at a time.

Duncan:You suggest that peoples views on networking are correlated with their inner monologues. How can reframing such monologues lead to different networking behaviors and results?

Zack:Going back to those Big Three, an introvert could say to herself, I energize along and think to talkI could never thrive at a networking event! She could reframe her self-talk to embrace and accept her natural predisposition. The new inner monologue could begin with, Okay, I think to talkThat means Ill do best by preparing in advance some interesting questions and plan responses to questions Im likely to be asked.

Generosity is the currency of effective networking.

Duncan:Generally speaking, what advantages might an introvert bring to a networking opportunity? And what about an extrovert?

Zack:Theres lots! Introverts tend to be natural listeners, and being a good listener makes a better impression on others than self-promotion. Extroverts are great connecters, so they bring together disparate people.

Duncan:You differentiate between the Golden Rule (Treat others as you want to be treated) and the Platinum Rule (Treat others astheywant to be treated). What role does that difference play in your advice on networking?

Zack:Its inaccurate to presume everyone wants to be treated identically. For example, introverts consider many more topics private than extroverts. Therefore, when meeting someone new, begin with broader, open-ended questions, allowing others to decide how specific and personal they wish to be in their responses.

Duncan:What are the most important things a person can do to derive maximum benefit from a networking event?

Zack:Be authentic. Youll never thrive attempting to be someone youre not. The idea is not for introverts to try to be extroverts. Work with rather than fight against your true nature. Introverts do not need to be fixed!

Duncan:What is the most important determinate of successful networking?

Zack:Follow up. If youre not following up, youre not networking.

Extroverts are apt to tell me, Im a great networker. I can talk to anyone about anything.While thats a lovely ability, it does not correlate with lasting networking. Far more significant is what happens the next day. If you make a single meaningful connection that evolves into a lasting, positive relationship, that is quality networking.

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Hate Networking? Change Your Inner-Monologue And Get The Results You Really Want - Forbes