Stand up in front of a group. No script. No prep. No rules. This is improv... in a way. It's not quite as scary as that, even though that set-up is likely to send many an introvert running in the opposite direction. And in fact, what looks like a completely spontaneous improv situation actually DOES have rules, and there are ways to prepare yourself. Sure, there's no script, but life doesn't have … [Read more...]
Ep76: Get Big Things Done Through Connectional Intelligence with Erica Dhawan
Our world is both hyperconnected and disconnected at the same time. How do we make sure we are emphasizing quality connections, instead of just having surface interactions? Erica Dhawan has dedicated herself to researching innovation and how it depends on the connection between people, ideas and things. She is the co-author, along with Saj-Nicole Joni of the newly released book, Get Big Things … [Read more...]
Ep60: An Introvert-Friendly Approach to Networking with Sandy Jones-Kaminski
When an introvert thinks about networking, dread is often – but not always – the first emotion that comes to the surface. Yet networking is an important professional activity, whether we own our own business or work for someone else. Since we have to do it anyway, how can we make it easier and more enjoyable? My interview with networking expert Sandy Jones-Kaminski of Bella Domain Media … [Read more...]
Crossing the Digital Divide: Tips & Tricks for Webcam Confidence from Nancy Ancowitz
Over the past seven days, I've given three live presentations. It's both fun and exhausting. I find myself energized by interactions with the audience, but also feel like the amount of energy I have to project far exceeds my normal capacity. So this begs the question: since I want to get in front of increasingly more people with the "Team Introvert!" message, how do I manage that … [Read more...]
What To Say When You Talk About Yourself
You've landed the interview for your perfect job. You're on the phone with a potential new client. Maybe you're even sitting across from the woman who could become your mother-in-law. After exchanging a few pleasantries, the other person takes control of the conversation and says, "So, tell me a little about yourself." *Gulp.* Is it just me, or is it getting warm in here? What does that mean, … [Read more...]
5 Lessons in Effective Networking from Ginger the Lab
I'm such an introvert, even my dog is an introvert. My husband and I have plans to go out of town this Saturday night. We're going down to Portland, OR, to attend one of Susan Cain's book tour events. I've been looking forward to it for weeks... even so, I didn't really start planning the logistics of our trip until a few days ago (very unlike my INFJ nature, which likes to plan, plan, … [Read more...]
Why Being an Online Extrovert is Bad for Your Health
Over the last 20 or so years, there have been numerous trends and changes that have been like manna for introverts: self-checkouts at the grocery store. iPods and earbuds. Smart cars and MINI Coopers that only seat two people. E-mail and the web. Social media/networking. It's that last one that is becoming less like manna and more like madness. I've been experiencing "Facebook fatigue" and social … [Read more...]
Connecting Online and IRL with Morgan Barnhart
One of the things I noticed right away when I started my business was that it was much easier to be outgoing and social online than it was in real life. I could do things at my own pace, sit back and watch for a while before jumping in, and I generally felt in control. Contrast that to a live social situation where anything can happen – I could forget someone’s name, draw a blank when someone asks … [Read more...]
Leveraging LinkedIn for Success with Matt Youngquist
Are you making the most of your LinkedIn profile? Or did you set it up ages ago and have to blow the dust off the URL each time you come back? I've decided to make 2012 "The Year of LinkedIn." While Facebook has gotten a lot of our (my!) time and attention, LinkedIn is a fabulous treasure trove of connections and resources. I thought for the longest time that it was primarily for job seekers. My … [Read more...]
Tech Tips for Small Business with Sven Mogelgaard
As small business owners, we have enough on our plates without worrying about the latest and greatest gadget that comes out every month. The good news is, we don’t have to. This conversation I had back in the spring with Sven Mogelgaard of Byte Slaves Computingprovides some insights about how to stay on top of what’s most important while not getting distracted by bright shiny objects. We also talk … [Read more...]