3 Networking Tips for Introverts

3 Networking Tips for Introverts Introverts are personalities that fall under the temperament melancholic. Naturally they are  not sociable and tend to keep for themselves preferring seclusion over crowds. For a job  search,  networking might prove difficult for a person with this kind of a personality. We are aware networking is crucial in any setting especially when wanting to establish  ones career. The traditional method of sitting on your computer and sending resumes is no  longer as much effective as it used to be without some one-on-one with your employer. However, the networking process for an introvert can be an absolute intimidating moment for  him/her. This nevertheless does not mean that an introvert cannot secure a job. There are  many methods that can be used by an introvert to seek that job or create ways that would  neutralize the process of job seeking through networking. 1) Know your personal style: While networking does not mean a personality revamp, but an understanding of who you are  and what your strengths are. Many introverts are mostly good listeners, a quality that most  extroverts lack. And this might be a better explanation of how many introverts are successful  sales people. Getting an understanding of your personality as an introvert will boost your  communication style enhancing your networking skills through capturing the other person’s  conversations and spinning them into your own. 2) Engage in non-face-to-face  networking: This kind of networking does not necessarily require one to show face. This kind of  networking works best for the introvert. It involves the following: Letter writing and follow-ups calls:  This is an introduction letter that mentions the person who referred you to the particular  person. This introductory note serves as the first contact information in reference to  networking. By breaking the ice further you can call up later and create an impression of  following up on the letter. Script-write your conversational phone call:  This is a written dialogue of how the person contacting you and yourself are going to make a  conversation. Note to not cram but make it as conversational as possible. Volunteer at organizations or in recreational areas your professional skills and expertise:  This  enables you to gain visibility in a much easier way and fostering relationships through networking will  come in more naturally.  Publicize yourself:  This can be through contributing to newsletters or any other kind of  publication within your practice. This way there will be more recognition to your name. Common examples are LinkedIn and Sixdegrees.com, among others. These online networks vary  in terms of social group discussions, webinars, web-groups and more. Your  contributions are vast and unlimited and in the event that you are providing valuable input, you  will get recognition and therefore much easy networking. 3) Do your homework: Before attending a networking event ensure to have contacted ahead and found out the people  who are going to be part of the event. Surprises bring tension; therefore it is good to be aware  of your surroundings way in advance. Try and get a function, like in a committee, this way you feel that you have something  to offer to the guests and will definitely fulfil your purpose at the networking arena.  Preparedness is the ultimate ice breaker in a networking event. Prepare brief conversations  starters and come with business cards (if any) or any documentary evidence of what you do. When you come early you are able to get in sync with the rooms atmosphere and mood. This  way you are also able to participate in  small talks with groups that arrived early as well, who will be  your company later on and even further introduce you to others. Bring someone with you who is  an extrovert and knows quite a lot about  you and can back you up. This though, does not mean he/she is your spokesperson, but is  quick enough to notice you are tense and brings a lighter subject in a conversation. It is important to realize that networking does not mean you talk to everyone in the room, but  those who are relevant. When your energy lags, always feel free to leave the room. Be sure to  find a way to maintain the relationships that you have established. Author:  Kate Funk is a professional editor and writer. Currently she manages the team of talented writers at  Aussiessay,  focusing mostly on providing them with comfortable work conditions and discovering new ways to motivate people. [Featured image: Shutterstock]

Personal Branding Weekly - Your Insincere Brand - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Personal Branding Weekly - Your Insincere Brand - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career All business is personal and is built upon your relationships with individuals. People carry forth (or don’t) the mission of the brand in daily actions. A company’s brand is the mission in action put forth by a conglomeration of many personal brands. I took the time to trace that relationship because so many brands are vying for and aggressively competing for customer loyalty. And, while temporary loyalty can be bought sustained loyalty takes relationship.   A good, strong, consistent, trustworthy relationship. When someone says “thank you” and their face and demeanor don’t match, we don’t believe them.   The same goes for when someone says “thank you” and they’ve never told us thank you before but now they need us for something.   It’s all so insincere. Personal brands who are not sincerely delivering on the company’s brand promise result in that company not being trust “worthy” of loyalty.   This disconnect is too big for people to be loyal. Think about it. Have you ever worked for someone who’s never said one nice thing to you, or done once nice thing for your or even cared to ask about you, your family or your life and then suddenly they become so sugary sweet that you’re wondering what gives? Often, you find out later that a report was needed, a special favor, a connection, a hook-up or something. It doesn’t feel like genuine appreciation. It feels like manipulation and it’s steeped in insincerity. I worked with someone like that.   Constantly texting and questioning my very abilities by micromanaging every step, he would nag me all through the day for information, meetings (to soothe his mind), question and revisit and rehash every decision and then he would send me a text “I appreciate you so much! I’m so grateful for you.   I have a meeting with a client in Minnesota. Will you go with me to pitch to them?” Did you feel the insincerity?   Me, too. You have people and businesses in your life like that. And, we could rant together about that.   Yet, instead let’s flip it to make sure that you aren’t doing anything that can be perceived that way and that we are consistent with our personal brand values over time. Here are some questions to ask yourself: 1. Are you consistent in your connection and appreciation of people (colleagues and customers)? 2. Do you see past the task or transaction and see the person? 3. Do you genuinely want to work with or do business with this person, group or company? 4. If you want someone to be loyal to you are you already loyal to them? This week, as you manage your own personal brand we shared these insights: The Small Business Polar Vortex by Skip Weisman Go for the CEO Job! by Debra Benton Should I Stay or Should I Go? by Nance Rosen 4 Ways to Avoid Letting Fear Control Your Career by Heather Huhman Post Interview Rules by Ceren Cubukcu How to Improve Your Career in Your Free Time by Bill Connolly The Secret Behind Reference Checks by Alex Freund Cross-Serving for Additional Revenue by Eddy Ricci Advance Business Using One Secret Strategy by Elinor Stutz Side-Hustling: Chantel Waterbury, CEO of Chloe + Isabel by Bill Connolly Becoming a LinkedIn Groupie by Richard Kirby Greatness through Gratitude by Maria Elena Duron Why Influence Marketing is Essential for Personal Brands by Susan Gilbert What the Olympics can Teach Us About Career Development by Jeff Shuey Go Viral! Tips to Creating Content People Share by Leslie Truex Why Certain Givers Outperform Takers? by Beth Kuhel 7 Key Characteristics to Job Satisfaction or Dissatisfaction  by Marc Miller 4 Steps to Ace a Video Interview by Glassdoor.com If you sincerely want to assist or support other people’s development and growth then you’ll find these tweetable tips helpful and ready for you to tweet. • Some of the best leaders are typically those who don’t need to dominate others. http://ow.ly/tpWTH  [tweet this] • To make your business card worth holding on to, turn it into a coupon or rewards card for a discount or free offer. http://ow.ly/tpX4J  [tweet this] • Top impress your new boss, be enthusiastic. Enthusiasm on the first day is a great way to start your new job. http://ow.ly/tpXap  [tweet this] • The most efficient way to self-promote in an interview is to allow the conversation to become a give and take. http://ow.ly/tpXjf  [tweet this] • Do your research when deciding on obtaining certifications, as some are hot in certain markets and not needed in others. http://ow.ly/tpXBm  [tweet this] • Question of the week: are you moving forward with your brand? http://ow.ly/tpXLW  [tweet this] • Vital issues that are typically frozen out from communication revolve around workplace behaviors and expectations. http://ow.ly/tpXVd  [tweet this] • Regardless of your calling, someone is going to lead the charge; no group can do without. It might as well be you. http://ow.ly/tpYhx  [tweet this] • Before you make a career move, make a list of what you would like to change about your life â€" not just work. http://ow.ly/tpYsC  [tweet this] • One of the most common things people do when they’re afraid is make excuses about why they can’t do something. http://ow.ly/tpYwO  [tweet this] • Didn’t get the job? Don’t be afraid to ask for their feedback so you can improve upon for future interviews. http://ow.ly/tpYNu  [tweet this] • Focus on improving yourself in your spare time as a way to enhance your career potential. http://ow.ly/tpYWS  [tweet this] • What’s most important about references is that you ask permission before putting names on your reference list. http://ow.ly/tpZhc  [tweet this] • How can you cross-serve? The retention of your clients will increase if they have more services or products with you. http://ow.ly/tpZAt  [tweet this] • Stand up for who you are and what you can contribute to reset your peers thinking on how you may work together. http://ow.ly/tpZTb  [tweet this] • Make time for side projects by staying focused and managing personal deadlines throughout the day. http://ow.ly/tq02F  [tweet this] • Getting connected and active in LinkedIn Groups can increase the career and business  benefits you can derive. http://ow.ly/tq0wP  [tweet this] • The unexpected, genuine, timely, sincere thank you means much more than promises of its pending arrival. http://ow.ly/tq0Ee  [tweet this] • As influence marketing evolves, it’s important to stay on top of the latest trends and be personal with your audience. http://ow.ly/tq0LJ  [tweet this] Lastly, I’ll leave you with this video that expands what I began with â€" Is your personal brand perceived as insincere? Why Employees Dont Want to Be Appreciated Just for What They Do  from  Paul White  on  Vimeo.

Personal Branding Pledge for 2013 - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Personal Branding Pledge for 2013 - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career This year my destination is a matter of manifestation I become a GPS for achievement and success I finally reveal the true nature I possess I am Mighty like an ox Smart like a fox Majestically truculent and brave as a lion Crushingly seductive and poised like a python All the inner beasts that lie under my skin All the power that is coiled and covered within The life I have been leading They are about to emerge and reveal my true talents With a surge of genius and a punch of courage So flat line discouraging, disparaging words Quit carping and harping on my substance or style I am about to put the distance between us at a mile Unless you acknowledge what I am about to become I am The one I can rely on The one who succeeds Even if no one else sees, believes or conceives The magnitude of what I am about to achieve Watch me this year while the clock tick-tocks off time I prove for certain this year is Mine, mine, mine Author: Nance Rosen  is the author of  Speak Up! Succeed. She speaks to business audiences around the world and is a resource for press, including print, broadcast and online journalists and bloggers covering social media and careers. Read more at  NanceRosenBlog. Twitter name:  nancerosen

How to Find Your Dream Job With 30 Days of Networking Days 21-25

How to Find Your Dream Job With 30 Days of Networking Days 21-25 We are well over half way through the networking challenge!  In case you missed it, here are Days 1-5,  Days 6-10,  Days 11-15  and  Days 16-20. One of the many things that I have learned since starting the  4 X 4 Networking Challenge  is that networking is so much more easier than you think.  After a few months of focused planning of who I would meet with every month, it starts to become a habit.  I also have learned that once you make up your mind of what direction you want to go AND you begin telling everyone around you, opportunities will open.  But, if you keep what you really want to do just to yourself, no one will know and they wont be able to help you get there! I believe that being successful means having a balance of success stories across the many areas of your life. You cant truly be considered successful in your business life if your home life is in shambles. -Zig Ziglar Here are days 21-25 of our 30 day networking challenge.  Good luck! Day 21: Make a master list of all of your contacts.  This way you will be ready to send out Christmas, birthday, thank you or job search update cards or emails to your network to stay in touch!  Put reminders in your calendar every month to make sure you stay on top of birthdays and other important events. Day 22: Send thank you letters.    Follow up with everyone that you have met so far and thank them.  Also, thank all of the people who have opened up their networks and connected you with their friends and co-workers.  Be generous and let them know how they helped you! Day 23: Let your friends and family know your goals.  Now that you have spoken to a few people, your dreams and goals should be getting narrower.  If this is the case and you now know more of what job or industry you want to be in, tell your friends and family.  It is amazing how once you start telling people what you want to do, doors start opening.  It is sometimes a leap of faith but it is worth it to have support of your friends and family. Day 24: Ask to have a meeting with your boss.   If you don’t have one, have a mock meeting.  It is sometimes hard to have a comfortabl dialogue with your boss because you are nervous.  Today, initiate a meeting with your boss by asking him/her to lunch or coffee or showing him/her a project that you have been working on.  Better yet, tell them about an idea you have that could increase sales or efficiencies.  Your boss will appreciate it.  If you dont have a boss right now, ask a friend to pretend to be your boss and do a mock meeting instead. Day 25: Review your resume and make changes based on conversations you have had this month.  Is there a skill that employers are looking for in the industry you want to get in that you have?  Make sure you highlight in on your resume.  If you have no changes, try sending your resume to someone you met this month and asking them for feedback. What have you learned by networking and connecting with other people?

Building a Career with Future Life Changes in Mind

Building a Career with Future Life Changes in Mind Photo Credit â€" Pexels.comJust because you’re doing something well now doesn’t mean you’ll always be successful at your job or enjoy the work you do. There are a number of reasons you might decide to look for another job.Changing careers always carries a certain level of stress, but there are things you can do to make future job searches easier for yourself, no matter when you find yourself job-hunting.Here are some situations that may prompt or complicate your job search and some tips for dealing with them.1. You’re Unfulfilled at WorkevalYou can be the best at what you do, but if it doesn’t make you happy and keep you engaged, it can be miserable to continue.Aside from being disinterested in the type of work you’re doing, other reasons that might cause you to dislike your job include toxic relationships with co-workers, office politics, a lack of potential for growth, and assignments that seem meaningless and never-ending.Many people feel this way for years before taki ng any action.Even taking small steps early on can increase the chance that you’ll find a new job that you will enjoy. You can begin exploring your options by searching for profiles and podcasts that feature someone who is in a job that sounds interesting to you.Career-related books and websites can also help you to identify potential directions. Digging deeper, you can find a lot of information about specific companies you’re interested in as well as employee experiences in different positions.Leaving your job isn’t the only option if you’re unsatisfied at work. In some situations, communication is the key. If the company you currently work for conducts regular performance reviews, be sure to take advantage of these.The thought of your supervisor assessing the work you do may bring up insecurities, but this is an opportunity for communication and growth.evalIf you see a particular need within the company or recognize a industry-related skill you’d like to learn, your empl oyer may consider creating a new position or initiating a training program that gives you the experience you want.2. You’ve Been Fired or Laid OffIf you’re fired or laid off, for whatever reason, it can add an extra layer of difficulty to lining up your next job. Though it’s important to be honest about the circumstances surrounding your being let go from a company, you shouldn’t describe the situation on your resume.You’ll have a much better chance of making a good impression on hiring managers if you explain this in person. If you’ve been laid off or let go due to company-wide changes rather than performance issues, it might be worth mentioning this in your cover letter.If you spend some time without work, you may face some financial struggles as well.evalIt can be helpful to list any current sources of income, including any severance or unemployment benefits, any amount you might get from your last paychecks, your savings account, and any liquid assets. Then write dow n your current expenses, using your bank statements as a reference.You’ll get a clear picture of your financial situation if you can track three months of expenses. You’ll also be able to identify subscriptions and other luxuries that may cost more than you can afford without a steady income.It’s important that you stay up to date on necessary expenses such as rent, utilities, loans, and car payments. Neglecting these can have terrible effects on your credit.In some situations, contacting a company and letting them know your situation may allow you to stop or lower your payments for a period of time.You may be tempted to use a credit card to cover expenses when you’re unemployed.However, this can quickly increase the amount of debt you’re in and rack up interest that may take a long time to pay down, even once you’ve found a job.You should never include credit cards within your budgeted income, but if you have no other option, you may have to cover some expenses using cr edit.3. You’re Moving to a New CityMaybe you’re looking for a change of scenery. It can be challenging to find a job in a new city, especially if you don’t already have a network of people there to connect with.If you have enough in savings to go without a few paychecks, it might be easier to wait until after you’ve made the move to begin looking for work.evalHowever, for many people this isn’t possible, and you’ll need to begin searching for jobs and networking opportunities well in advance.Even if you’re not planning to move for weeks or even months, it’s important to begin your job search early. At the very least, this involves doing online job searches around the new location on career sites and Craigslist.You should also check for personal or business connections in the area on Facebook, LinkedIn, and any other networks you may be a part of. Even if you don’t know someone who lives in the new city, someone you know might still have a connection there.Be sure t o update your resume, and as you apply for jobs, consider that you may need to visit the new city ahead of time for an interview. Also, even if you find a job, it’s likely you’ll need to cover your own travel expenses, so you’ll need to include that when considering your moving costs.Initially it may be necessary to take a temporary or seasonal job until you can find a permanent position. This would allow you to take care of the challenges of moving and settling into a new location.eval4. You Just Need a ChangeThere may not be anything particularly wrong with your job, but you still feel the need to move on to a new position, a new company, or even a different industry than the one you currently work in.People have seemingly unlimited potential for growth and change, and today could be the day you decide to take the first steps toward something new.Even if you don’t know what you want to do, you can find a fulfilling career. One way to brainstorm ideas for potential jobs is to pay attention to growth trends in particular industries.For example, careers in sustainability are in high demand, a trend that is expected to continue growing. Because environmentally friendly practices are becoming more important to consumers, sustainability jobs span across nearly every industry.If you’re changing industries altogether or looking into jobs very different from your current position, it will help to make a list of skills you’ve gained that could apply to a variety of jobs.Experiences with communication, research, leadership, and different software are applicable to many jobs. Be sure to consider specific examples from your work experience that demonstrate your ability to manage different situations related to these skills.It’s no longer the expectation that you’ll stay in the same position with the same company until retirement.Today, it’s much more common for people to make drastic career shifts when they need a change of pace, when companies’ polic ies or needs affect their position, or when people decide to relocate.Finding your dream job is a process that may take some trial and error. Even if you’re happy with your job now, you should always look toward the future and prepare yourself (and your resume) for a variety of opportunities.

Do You Need Some Tough Love

Do You Need Some Tough Love Job Search is difficult and lonely.   Dont go at it alone! Have you found yourself saying any of these things: There aren’t any jobs out there I’ve spoken to everyone in my network already I’ve been through workshops and attended networking groups, but they don’t work I’m too old old/young and no one wants to hire me I don’t know what else I should be doing I don’t want to be a pest These are things I hear disheartened job seekers say every day.   But it doesnt have to be this way!   I want you to feel empowered and excited about finding your next great opportunity!   (Im a realist, not an idealist, really)! Did you know that people who are part of an accountability group find work faster than those working solo?   Really, its true! That is why I am offering an accountability group for people who are ready to change their search!   This isnt for everyone.   It is about taking the harder route, stepping outside of your comfort zone, and trusting others.   This is a six week program which will start Wednesday September 7.   If you or someone you know is in need of help, share this with them! Here is a link to more information and register if you are ready(also see how you can get 20% off) Here is what we’ll tackle: Make more and better follow-up contact with hiring managers and your network Acquire more names of people to meet with Work smarter, not harder to get it all done in a week Develop a personalized plan to work the most productive activities first How to NOT shoot yourself in the foot when you interview Top 8 reasons to join Tough Love Energize and maintain positive momentum in your job search. Learn from the experiences of others, share advice and expand your network. Take away new perspectives and fresh ideas. Become accountable to the group, so you will stop procrastinating. Get objective feedback and input on what you are doing in your job search. Reprogram your attitude from negative to positive. Get the help you need at a price you can afford. Have some fun. Life is short. For years I have facilitated accountability groups and have seen how truly helpful they are in driving positive, forward motion and leading to a successful outcome- a new job! Don’t wait to reserve your spot, only 10 slots are available. Deadline is September 1st Click HERE for more information!

The Email For Month Communication Between You and Your Prospective Employer

The Email For Month Communication Between You and Your Prospective EmployerIt may sound funny but the email for month communications of a large corporation are best practiced when working from home. The reason being is that this can make the way for the person to perform well and provide great feedback to the company for the benefit of the employees.When you are going to start resume writing, the first thing you need to keep in mind is that you need to connect with your prospective employer. If you have knowledge about what they want to hear and what you believe will best improve their business, it will help you come up with great suggestions. This kind of communication does not only go for your resume as you also need to remember to do research on your particular field.It is important that the resume of your potential employers know about the type of business that you are interested in and the areas where you excel. Not only that, you need to know where you want to work and how you will help them achieve their goals. In order to learn more about your prospective employers, you may need to search the internet for information. It is important that you gain as much knowledge about the company that you want to work for because this will give you an insight into what they expect from their employees.As resume writing you will need to be sure that you have filled in all the information that you believe is necessary to show that you are fit for the position that you want. Make sure that your resume is short and sweet and that you do not leave out any information. It is essential that you have the proper vocabulary to use so that you can communicate effectively with your prospective employer.The resume that you put on your resume can either attract your prospective employer or it can turn them off. In fact, some employers use email for month communications because they believe that it will be a much better option to read a resume from a third party. They are unsure th at the resume they are reading is not already sent by you for your own benefit. So, by doing so they are avoiding the problem of you copying and pasting information into your resume which may look amateurish.However, make sure that you keep yourself as updated as possible regarding your prospective employer. You need to stay updated on the company that you are applying for. Most importantly, you should never stop your internet searches. This will ensure that you remain updated on the company that you are applying for so that you are able to provide the best possible resume writing that you can offer to your prospective employer.The communication between the prospective employer and the prospective employee is one of the most important parts of the new job that you get. Therefore, you need to make sure that you are not missing out on any opportunity by being passive in the process.