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.

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.

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.