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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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).

This book contains some good insights. It is more for sales rather than networking for professional opportunities related to growth. Also this guy is not an introvert, He lost me when he said he sits on planes on strikes up conversations with strangers.

Having read The Introvert’s Edge, I was looking forward to reading The Introvert’s Edge to Networking and this book did not disappoint. In fact, it blew me away! I have recently relocated to a new city where I have no network, no connections, and no relationships built for my business. This has caused me to have to start again building a new network in a different part of the country and do the one thing I really do not like: networking. I thought I knew networking even though I dislike it only to find out through this book that the reason I dislike it so much is that I have been doing it mainly transactionally instead of relationally. That is the secret to great networking that makes you want to get in the room to do it. Matthew has provided a system with simple steps to make the most out of networking even when you are not thrilled to do it. I have already started implementing the first step in his system and it is paying dividends for me and my business expansion.

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!

As a natural introvert, this book spoke directly to me. I love it when you're reading something and not only does it confirm your thinking but it also stretches your thinking too. We all know networking is a critical part to business, yet for most introverts it's something we avoid. In this book Matthew makes it easy... he makes it a system! Step 1. do this... Step 2. do that... Step 3... If you're an introvert, you really should read this book. If you know an introvert, you should buy this book for them :)

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.

This book is an absolute must read for anyone looking to improve their ability to grow their business or improve their career. Just like in Matthew Pollard's first book, he gives you step-by-step instructions on how to not only be effective, but also how to feel comfortable and authentic as an introvert while networking. When I first met Matthew Pollard and he told me I needed to get on sales calls and network more I was like 'nope, no way!' But with the system he teaches, Matthew can make even the most shy person feel comfortable with the idea. Now networking is one of my favorite parts of growing my business! If you follow the system outlined in this book, it may just become one of your favorite things too!

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.