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

Australian author Matthew Pollard, aka ‘the Rapid Growth Guy,’ is a serial entrepreneur, international speaker, coach, consultant, and author who is reportedly revolutionizing the world of business. His specialties include telecommunications and creating a sales method for Pollard Institute. He is the Founder and Executive Director of Small Business Festival. THE INTROVERT’S EDGE TO NETWORKING is his second book – the first being THE INTROVERT’S EDGE: HOW THE QUIET AND SHY CAN OUTSELL ANYONE.From the titles of Mathew’s two books it is hinted that at one point in time the author was an introvert, a fact that he shares in his About the Author at the end of his book. As he states there, ‘Today, I’m on a mission. A mission to help introverts like us realize that we don’t have to be (or pretend to be) extroverts. That our path to success is different. When we embrace that, while leveraging the power of systemization, we find our edge, we make our own luck, and we realize our dreams.’Matthew’s technique of writing mirrors his skills in networking: he warmly reassures the reader that the brouhaha of extroverts is an unnecessary trait for networking success. With a supportive ‘arm around the shoulder’ atmosphere he underscores the truly important aspects of ‘networking’ – being prepared before entering ‘the room,’ active listening, maintaining curiosity, inviting conversations, the ‘do what you love and love what you do’ mindset, learning to tell stories, etc…skills that focus of being your transparent, authentic self.If the above sounds impossibly naïve, then read and absorb this excellent book and discover the system Matthew Pollard has created that has improved the lives and success of many. The system - an actionable blueprint for working the room, leveraging social media, and cultivating powerful connections. This is a very impressive, even stupefying book. Very highly recommended. Grady Harp, May 21

This book has great step by step instructions to effectively network as an introvert. I love having step by step instructions. I used to be so shy and I have read several books on how to get out of my shell, but this one takes the cake. I love the idea of connecting with those who are going to the same networking conference beforehand. I just put this into practice and actually feel I will have friends in the crowd and that helps me not feel so very anxious! Turns out others appreciate me reaching out. I've even applied some of the techniques/ processes to dating and I feel much more confident.

I found Matthew Pollard's first book, The Introvert's Edge, at a bookstore last year and was amazed that someone "got" me. Most people assume I'm an extrovert because I am very involved with business organizations and even lead two monthly networking groups. The truth is that when it comes to talking about and representing myself in a group, I stumble because of my true introverted nature. I've always been better in a one-on-one situation than in groups. Yet, I network consistently and have grown my graphic design/print reseller business this way over the past 21 years. I knew there should be a formula to help me take my business to the next level and that's where this book will help my effectiveness.I was elated to have been chosen to pre-read and review Matthew's second book, The Introvert's Edge to Networking because this is where I need the most help. Matthew's low-key, no-nonsense tips give a wealth of practical advice that begins long before stepping into any networking meeting. By doing preparation before entering a meeting, Matthew shows, by both illustration and example, that introvert's can have a solid lead over extroverts in the way they both present themselves to, and are perceived by, their contacts.What makes this book such a beneficial tool in our networking arsenals are both the advice on how to reflect on our strengths and stories and introduce ourselves to others and the real-life examples from Matthew's own story in addition to the stories of those he has helped. Those who are willing to do the preparation ahead of time should succeed brilliantly and increase their sales many times over. The advantages that come from reimagining your presentation and using the strategies outlined in this book cannot be disputed. I'm looking forward to implementing much of what I have learned in Matthew's book to my own business.

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.

Let’s not be so dramatic, but I can be cleaned squared in the definition of an introvert, the ideal client of this book. It is not the first book I have read from Matthew, but that’s what makes me compelled to elaborate a review.It took me a while to commit to read the book because I had the feeling that it would be a recycled version of his first book. Just a repacking to attract a larger audience. I watched an interview where he mentioned the “why” of this book and I could not resist.Matthew has an uncanny ability to make you at ease by discussing sales and networking. He makes your mind believe that he is talking directly to you, yes ! YOU and ME. And your mind listen…Sales and marketing are the topics that make almost everyone, in particular the “not so rare” breed of introverts, to look for any procrastination opportunity.The book provides solid and actionable advice to networking that applies to anyone regardless of their X-version: introverts, extroverts and whathever-verts.My overall assessment is:  READ IT and APPLY IMMEDIATELY. Your future self will thank you.

I've been to plenty of networking events, talked to a few people and left. As Pollard points out, many people waste their time at networking because they have no strategy. In this excellent book, you will learn:- why your networking introductions ("I'm an accountant") falls flat and what to say instead (the stories on this concept are fantastic)- how to use a specific story telling structure to make yourself memorable to the people you meet- the 3 three different ways to think about the people you meet through networking (i.e. not everyone is a sales prospect)- the exact email script to use in following up after networking conversationsOverall, this is one of the best networking books I've read. I highlighted 32 passages while I read it on my Kindle.

I don't like networking. I actually very much hate it. I've not made a single useful contact during networking events in my entire life. And now I know, how to change this. This book completely changed my views on networking. It achieves this by addressing ALL my issues I had with networking. How to behave, where to walk, what introduction to use, how to politely exit a conversation and many more. The concepts are easy, underlined with heartwarming, easy to remember and believable stories.Even days after reading this masterpiece, I'm astonished how easy it was to read, how easy it is to remember, and furthermore how easy I can now imagine myself at a networking event. Can't wait to test the new strategies.I can also recommend reading Matthew Pollards other book "The Introverts Edge How the Quiet and Shy Can Outsell Anyone" as it completes the networking picture with a sales persepective.

The Introvert's Edge to Networking can be summarized by a simple quote by Henry Ford - "Prioritize an efficient assembly line before adding any bells or whistles."Introverts, unlike Extroverts, cannot simply walk into a room without a plan and expect to come out of it with 50 new contacts. Introverts need to leverage their strengths and find a way to be themselves.That's what Matthew Pollard sets out to achieve in this book. Networking, just like sales, is a system that can be learned and improved upon by anyone, anywhere. His system ensures that with a proper plan in place and with enough prep work, introverts can have an edge over their extroverted counterparts, while at the same time being authentic.What I liked about this book-1. The book has a very good structure which makes it easy to follow.2. A step by step guide on preparing your networking plan.3. Matthew also helps you understand yourself and your business better.If you're a struggling small business owner, a fresher or just someone who finds networking a dreadful chore, this is the book that will not only make you better at it, but also get you excited to go to networking events, even if they're virtual events!

I have to admit this book has reduced much of my fear of networking, which I thought would never happen. I hate the idea of getting in a room full of strangers and trying to talk about myself or my work, but the techniques Matthew walks you through really boil it down to something predictable that can be planned for, practiced and perfected, without it feeling like some sleazy sales talk.One thing I loved about The Introvert's Edge to Networking was how the book tells stories to illustrate how effective telling stories is. By focusing on other peoples stories you can finally promote yourself without being all "me me me". I was really drawn into the process and it made it so much easier to imagine having engaging conversations and standing out from the usual networking chatter.I received an advanced digital copy of the book from HarperCollins Leadership. So good I pre-ordered the hard copy. All opinions are honest and my own.