"The former Google executive, editorial director of Twitter and self-described introvert offers networking advice for anyone who has ever cancelled a coffee date due to social anxiety--about how to nurture a vibrant circle of reliable contacts without leaving your comfort zone. Networking has garnered a reputation as a sort of necessary evil in the modern business world. Some do relish the opportunity to boldly work the room, introduce themselves to strangers, and find common career ground--but for many others, the experience is often awkward, or even terrifying. The common networking advice for introverts are variations on the theme of overcoming or "fixing" their quiet tendencies. But Karen Wickre is a self-described introvert who has worked in Silicon Valley for 30 years. She shows you to embrace your true nature to create sustainable connections that can be called upon for you to get--and give--career assistance, advice, introductions, and lasting connections. Karen's …
"The former Google executive, editorial director of Twitter and self-described introvert offers networking advice for anyone who has ever cancelled a coffee date due to social anxiety--about how to nurture a vibrant circle of reliable contacts without leaving your comfort zone. Networking has garnered a reputation as a sort of necessary evil in the modern business world. Some do relish the opportunity to boldly work the room, introduce themselves to strangers, and find common career ground--but for many others, the experience is often awkward, or even terrifying. The common networking advice for introverts are variations on the theme of overcoming or "fixing" their quiet tendencies. But Karen Wickre is a self-described introvert who has worked in Silicon Valley for 30 years. She shows you to embrace your true nature to create sustainable connections that can be called upon for you to get--and give--career assistance, advice, introductions, and lasting connections. Karen's "embrace your quiet side" approach is for anyone who finds themselves shying away from traditional networking activities, or for those who would rather be curled up with a good book on a Friday night than out at a party. For example, if you're anxious about that big professional mixer full of people you don't know, she advises you to consider skipping it (many of these are not productive), and instead set up an intimate, one-on-one coffee date. She shows how to truly make the most out of social media to sustain what she calls "the loose touch habit" to build your own brain trust to last a lifetime. With compelling arguments and creative strategies, this new way to network is perfect not only for introverts, but for anyone who wants for a less conventional approach to get ahead in today's job market"--
"The former Google executive, editorial director of Twitter and self-described introvert offers networking advice for anyone who has ever cancelled a coffee date due to social anxiety--about how to nurture a vibrant circle of reliable contacts without leaving your comfort zone"--
Review of 'Taking the Work Out of Networking' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
Star ratings for non-fiction continue to be nonsense. However, this book does what it says on the tin: it is full of helpful tips for social connections for introverts. Lots of useful networking information for those of us whose networking knowledge is five letters and a slash: viz, TCP/IP.
I may have only decided to write a small textual review of this valuable little tome just to make that joke. But no jury would convict me.
Review of 'Taking the Work Out of Networking' on 'Goodreads'
3 stars
If Goodreads would allow, I'd give it 3.5 stars. I'm sorry that I'm bringing the author's/book's rating average down a little—I just can't quite make it to a 4 rating.
People assume that we introverts are lousy networkers; but some of our skills/qualities actually benefit the networking process. This book brings that to light in an encouraging way.
I especially appreciated the specific language suggestions when approaching various connection goals.
I won't likely use all of the specific social media platform advice offered.
Soon after I started the borrowed audiobook, I ordered a hardcover copy to keep.
Review of 'Taking the Work Out of Networking' on 'Goodreads'
3 stars
If Goodreads would allow, I'd give it 3.5 stars. I'm sorry that I'm bringing the author's/book's rating average down a little—I just can't quite make it to a 4 rating.
People assume that we introverts are lousy networkers; but some of our skills/qualities actually benefit the networking process. This book brings that to light in an encouraging way.
I especially appreciated the specific language suggestions when approaching various connection goals.
I won't likely use all of the specific social media platform advice offered.
Soon after I started the borrowed audiobook, I ordered a hardcover copy to keep.
Review of 'Taking the Work Out of Networking' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
I'm fortunate to consider myself a member of Karen Wickre's large network, and have benefited from numerous introductions she's made over the years. I've always known how good Karen is at collecting connections, curating her network, and putting it to work in a variety of ways. What I never knew was how she does it, and this book is a wonderful dissection of how intentional she is at networking (in all its various forms).
The book is focused specifically on introverts, but I suspect many extroverts will find nuggets in here that will help. (Her thoughts on how to systematically maintain loose ties was particularly insightful for me, and I'm already thinking about how to apply her approach in my own work.) I expect the book will do particularly well among new graduates who are realizing the power of personal networks for the first time, and people experiencing career transitions. …
I'm fortunate to consider myself a member of Karen Wickre's large network, and have benefited from numerous introductions she's made over the years. I've always known how good Karen is at collecting connections, curating her network, and putting it to work in a variety of ways. What I never knew was how she does it, and this book is a wonderful dissection of how intentional she is at networking (in all its various forms).
The book is focused specifically on introverts, but I suspect many extroverts will find nuggets in here that will help. (Her thoughts on how to systematically maintain loose ties was particularly insightful for me, and I'm already thinking about how to apply her approach in my own work.) I expect the book will do particularly well among new graduates who are realizing the power of personal networks for the first time, and people experiencing career transitions.
Throughout, Karen's voice comes through. In person she's relaxed, amiable, and curious -- and she has a gift for translating those qualities to the pages in the book. Introverts in particular will feel like they have a trusted confidant who will guide them along the path to a more effective and powerful personal network.
