The Introvert Entrepreneur

Ep68: A Conversation with Pamela Slim, author of Escape from Cubicle Nation

When I started down the entrepreneurial path, one of the first books I turned to was Pamela Slim’s “Escape from Cubicle Nation.” I wasn’t necessarily escaping from a cubicle; rather, the book captured the spirit of adventure I was feeling and provided a roadmap for action in those early days.

While Pamela is a self-proclaimed extrovert, she has insights and wisdom that will give even the most introverted among us food for thought. Pamela is an award-winning author, business coach and speaker. In 2005, she started the Escape from Cubicle Nation blog, which is now one of the top career and business blogs on the web.

Pamela's first book, “Escape from Cubicle Nation: From Corporate Prisoner to Thriving Entrepreneur” was released in Spring, 2009 and won Best Small Business/Entrepreneur Book of 2009 by 800 CEO Read. Her new book, “Body of Work,” gives a fresh perspective on the skills required in the new world of work for people in all work modes, from corporate to non-profit to small business.

In our wide-ranging conversation, we discuss what we introverts need to know about our essential selves and social selves; how a niche leads to sustainability; how to ask for support; and what we can do if we suffer from success dysmorphia.

Websites:  http://pamelaslim.com/ and http://www.escapefromcubiclenation.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pamslim 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pamslim

Amazon.com Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Pamela-Slim/e/B001N27YW6/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

  

Ep65: The Introvert's Guide to Success with Lisa Petrilli

When introverts learn more about themselves and then discover others like them, there’s one overwhelming response: I am not alone.  My guest today writes about that how to use that awareness to your advantage in her eBook, “The Introverts Guide to Success in Business and Leadership.” She writes, “Acknowledging and understanding the real meaning of this simple statement is a key tenet to succeeding as an introvert.”

Lisa Petrilli is Chief Executive Officer of C-Level Strategies, Inc. She is passionate about visionary leadership and true empowerment. This podcast focuses on another of Lisa’s passions: helping introverts succeed in business. Through her eBook, “The Introverts Guide to Success in Business and Leadership,” Lisa shares what she discovered about how to use her introversion to her advantage. 

Our conversation focuses on the transition from corporate life to the entrepreneur life, as well as self-promotion and introverts as strong leaders.

Special Podcast Note: this interview was recorded in the winter, hence the opening reference to snow!

Connect with Lisa:

Website:  LisaPetrilli.com
Twitter: @LisaPetrilli
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheIntrovertsGuide
eBook: www.lisapetrilli.com/the-introverts-guide/

Ep60: An Introvert-Friendly Approach to Networking with Sandy Jones-Kaminski

When an introvert thinks about networking, dread is often – but not always – the first emotion that comes to the surface. Yet networking is an important social activity, whether we own our own business or work for someone else. Since we have to do it anyway, how can we make it easier and more enjoyable? My interview with networking expert Sandy Jones-Kaminski helps us to redefine networking into an activity that’s ultimately satisfying and even energizing. And if following her advice also leads you to more business, so much the better.

Together we talk about

• how a pay-it-forward attitude can be applied to networking
• the process of building social karma
• how to spot every day opportunities to practice our small talk (also known as “get more bang for your buck when you go through the drive-through at the coffee shop”)
• why exchanging resources is more important than exchanging business cards

Sandy Jones-Kaminski has more than 20 years of experience as a communications and business development professional. She is a networking and LinkedIn expert, Inc.com #1 Business Book Wish List author, bylined columnist, keynote speaker and self-described “connector.” Her book is titled, “I’m at a Networking Event: Now What???: A Guide to Getting the Most Out of Any Networking Event.”

Ep59: Building an Extroverted Brand, Introvert Style: A Conversation with Tony Hsieh

In this first episode of 2014, I'm pleased to welcome Zappos.com CEO, "Delivering Happiness" author, and introvert entrepreneur Tony Hsieh to the podcast. We cover a range of topics, from how he handles his role as a very public leader to how his style meshes with the more extroverted culture (it's been called "zany" and "the whackiest," and encourages chance encounters to stimulate connection) of Zappos. We also touch on the new holacratic organizational structure that Zappos is adopting, and what motivates Tony to continue his investment in people and community.

Be sure to listen all the way to the end, when I announce just a few of the fabulous guests yet to come in 2014!

Dedication: This podcast is dedicated to Francis Vijay, a podcast fan and loyal member of The Introvert Entrepreneur Facebook Community. He sent me a message a week or so ago, requesting new podcasts (it's been a little while since the last one!). So Francis, this one's for you!

(Audio Correction: While I say at the start that this is episode 58, it's actually 59!)