Networking for People Who Hate Networking

A Field Guide for Introverts, the Overwhelmed, and the Underconnected

By: Devora Zack

Narrated by: Karen Saltus

Devora Zack, an avowed introvert and a successful consultant who speaks to thousands of people every year, found that most networking advice books assume that to succeed you have to become an extrovert. Or at least learn how to fake it. Not at all. There is another way. This audiobook shatters stereotypes about people who dislike networking. They’re not shy or misanthropic. Rather, they tend to be reflective - they think before they talk. They focus intensely on a few things rather than broadly on a lot of things. And they need time alone to recharge. Because they’ve been told networking is all about small talk, big numbers, and constant contact, they assume it’s not for them. But it is! Zack politely examines and then smashes to tiny fragments the “dusty old rules” of standard networking advice. She shows how the very traits that ordinarily make people networking-averse can be harnessed to forge an approach that is just as effective as more traditional approaches, if not better. And she applies it to all kinds of situations, not just formal networking events. After all, as she says, life is just one big networking opportunity - a notion listeners can now embrace.

©2010 Devora Zack (P)2012 Gildan Media LLC

Nothing new - more of the same "how to speak up."

Introverts are special. Don't feel bad if others get promoted. You think first and then speak which is great. But use this book on how to open up. This is a lightweight intro book.

So that's why I hate networking!

Always hated networking. Can't believe it took me to now to understand why! and that it is OK! Looking back over my life I realise I do a lot of what Devora Zack does - hanging out by the refreshment table, disappearing to re energise, speaking well to a crowd if I am 'given permission" but not in an informal group. Well worth reading and made me quite happy. Highly recommend to anyone who thinks they are shy and highly recommend to all teachers who make us 'find a partner' and 'work in groups'.

Great for introverts looking for reassurance

I listened to this book before a conference and it was very encouraging. Those who aren't into 'collecting' people as extroverts have the great tendency of doing will find this book very reassuring. That which is commonly perceived as a weakness- highly selective networking- is, in many ways, a strength. This book gives good suggestions on how to train yourself to handle networking style events, start a conversation, and escape it honorably once your social capacity has been reached. "The Highly Sensitive Person" is a good addition to this listen as this doesn't address situations for those that are beyond the basic introvert level.

Important note: this is more targeted towards networking *for sales* than for other purposes

I am Glad That The Audio Book Was Free!

I am Glad that the audio book was free, because the narration is terrible. I felt like I was listening to a Alexa or Siri read. No personality, just robotic. I don't even want to finish listening to it.

I found it a little scattered in delivery

I think the book was written in a form that would mirror the authors speaking style, which I found a little hard to follow. I had to listen to it twice to really capture Ms Zacks point. After a search to find out who she was, and looking at her web site, I think it would be better to attend her speaking engagements if you know you are an introvert and need help with networking.
On my second listen and really paying attention I did realize I am-by her definition-an introvert. So I guess I did get that much value out of it. More knowledge about yourself is always a good thing.