Networking for People Who Hate Networking
By Devora Zack
For the month of September, we will be reading Networking for People Who Hate Networking by Devora Zack. As we all return to campus there are a multitude of events and opportunities to meet new people and learn about future jobs and experiences. Networking can be daunting – especially if this is a new environment. This book aims to provide advice on how to reframe networking in your mind to make it a more approachable situation as well as some strategies to network successfully and play to your strengths.
The author, Devora Zack is a Cornell alum and the CEO of Only Connect Consulting, an award-winning leadership development company. In her book, she breaks the networking process down into smaller parts to dispel the fear that many people feel in networking situations.
One especially helpful component of this book is Chapter 6, the Networking Event Survival Kit. In this chapter, Zack advises us to take time for ourselves on the day of a networking event, go with a friend, arrive early, and clarify our goals. Knowing your purpose for putting yourself in this situation helps to keep you focused and can calm nerves by providing an end goal to focus on achieving.
Another key section of this book is Chapter 9, The Job Search. In this chapter, Zack aids readers in assessing their progress and developing ways to pitch themselves to potential employers. Thinking about what you want to say ahead of time is a great tip to best articulate your thoughts and sell yourself!
This book is a great resource for introverts to improve their networking skills. Stop by MVR 1203 to check out this book or talk to a Career Assistant about developing skills for your next networking event!
