The Introvert’s Edge to Networking: Work the Room. Leverage Social Media. Develop Powerful Connections (The Introvert’s Edge Series)

If you want to become more successful in business and in life, this book is for you. Matthew Pollard shows us how to articulate our value in a well-structured way that makes us stand out. Matthew advises that we should “own who you are, your uniqueness, your passions, and stories.” Pollard refers to your passion as your “superpower” that will drive you. This is something that gives you energy (rather than drains it).Throughout his book, Matthew asks questions that are designed to encourage us to dig deeper into what we really want our lives to be like. Discovering who we are and what we are passionate about is the key to living our best lives.*What sparks excitement in you?*What are you passionate about?*Do you know your mission in life?*What do you want to see happen in the world?*Why do you care?*Is there any personal connection?*What do you get your greatest joy from?*When are you doing what tasks and time flies for you?*What do you hate seeing happen?*What do you love seeing happen?*Which are your favorite types of problems to solve?*How can you make that relevant to what you do?*What do you provide that no other person does for their audience?Matthew’s #1 rule in networking is that it is not about you! Ask others what they are excited about.If you are looking to live your best life, then you need to read this book. Matthew shows you how!

For mote than the three decades I've run a solo environmental consultancy I failed at networking. Yes, I'd pay to go to an event, but had no idea what to do while there. Last year I was scheduled to give a presentation at a large industry annual conference which also had networking opportunities (of which I failed to take advantage in prior years.) A couple of weeks before the conference I learned about Matthew Pollard and ordered this book.It arrived 5 days before the conference and I quickly read how to introduce myself and hold a conversation with people I didn't know. I made several good contacts during the conference and now look for other in-person networking events where I can hone what I've learned about networking.Now I'm re-reading the book from front to back to pick up all I missed when I rushed to learn how to change my actions in networking events. My only regret is that this knowledge was not available to me many years ago.Very highly recommended.

Starting my first business at age 63, I need a simple, targeted book to get up to speed. The book was great, just what I needed. I summarised it as I went and did a lot of the exercises even though I already had a UM, "Thermotherapy Consultant". But Matthew's implementation training, with input from Matthew himself, looks like it is going to be the simplest way to get my new life airborne.I was recommended "the E-myth" before starting out on my venture. It was good... and I was inspired, implementing a few things but basically it wasn't what I needed. IE for Networking is exactly what I need and not only was I inspired, but Matthew's email bots have been on my case until I've finally started his implementation program... Step 2 of "inspiration" turns out to be "implementation".For me, this has been a great read for an introvert needing to network incessantly. The parts I have used already (validating my UM, working out what to say in the room, and defining my niche) have proved invaluable. Now I'm looking forward implementing the other parts of the book and refining the whole process (with occasional nudges from Matthew and his email bot).

It’s clear, funny, and you can tell he is a master teacher in how he uses stories to each. It tells you who to talk to, how to set things up to stay comfortable, and addresses core introverted mindset issues that others don’t cover.The reason why it’s not 5 stars?1. Not written for the new or aspiring freelancer with no clients/experience. The book overall assumes you have experience or past clients. A large part of the strategy is centered around stories of people you have worked with and the successes with them. The book is not targeted to help new people with zero clients, experience, or contacts still figuring themselves out.2. Impressive concepts are purposefully veiled or explained in a matter that can’t be acted on. One example, his section on the concept of having a “UM” is very testimonial heavy. But You are left to your own devices to try make yours. This was the most frustrating part for me, since there was no checklist or mental model to go by. Yet at the end of the book, he stresses how important it is to have one, which stresses you out asking “well then, How the heck do I do it then?”3. Lastly, In the kindle version, there are so many spacing and spelling errors. It was mildly annoying since I use text to speech.Overall, The networking strategy in this book is great. But I feel if you want to be truly successful with it, you’ll have to buy his course.