The Introvert Entrepreneur

Ep74: Introverts and The Happy Hour Effect with Kristen Brown

There are few people who would see the terms "introverts" and "happy hour" and think they would be like two peas in a pod. Yet my guest, Kristen Brown, challenges that assumption and gives us a new perspective on happy hour. It's not about the event itself; it's about the energy it can generate. Kristen and I chat about "The Happy Hour Effect," commitments entrepreneurs make that separate a business from a hobby, and the power of our personal story.

At the end of my interview, I share a few thoughts that members of The Introvert Entrepreneur Facebook community have about happy hours.

Kristen is a bestselling author, keynote speaker and corporate trainer. She’s a two-time bestselling author, widow mom and 15-year corporate America veteran. Her books are “The Happy Hour Effect: 12 Secrets to Minimize Stress and Maximize Life” and “The Best Worst Thing.”

Website/Blog/Podcast

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

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.”

Connecting Online and IRL with Morgan Barnhart

One of the things I noticed right away when I started my business was that it was much easier to be outgoing and social online than it was in real life. I could do things at my own pace, sit back and watch for a while before jumping in, and I generally felt in control. Contrast that to a live social situation where anything can happen – I could forget someone’s name, draw a blank when someone asks me a question or spill my drink on a new acquaintance when I go to shake their hand. I’ve learned over the years that I’m not alone. There are lots of introverts who describe themselves as extroverts online, and introverts IRL, or in real life. It makes us start to wonder, “who am I really?” The truth is that both are true, unless you’re going over-the-top online and taking on a new voice, brand or personality. I became curious about how introverts could leverage the power and relative comfort of social media to form stronger off-line relationships. My guest, Morgan Barnhart of Sociable Boost, gives us some insights to help us bridge the divide.

Unleashing the Power of the Mastermind with Cheri Ruskus

For some of us, putting ourselves in a situation where we have to reveal our dreams, fears and triumphs to our peers is taking a huge risk, even if we value the learning that might result. It's incredibly important to feel safe if we're going to share what we usually keep inside, especially regarding our entrepreneurial aspirations. In today's podcast, Cheri Ruskus of Victory Circles introduces us to a tool - the mastermind process - that provides a powerful way to create that safety so that you can make meaningful connections with others while strengthening your business. We learn how to tap into the wisdom of almost a century ago, when Napoleon Hill formulated the principles that have lead millions to success. Cheri shares how she developed her business around these principles and how they can be particularly supportive to introvert entrepreneurs. We learn about

• How a spirit of collaboration can bring you answers to the toughest challenges
• The best practices of thriving mastermind groups
• What can derail even the best intentions
• The benefits of mastermind principles on all of your relationships

Leveraging LinkedIn for Success with Matt Youngquist

Are you making the most of your LinkedIn profile? Or did you set it up ages ago and have to blow the dust off the URL each time you come back? I've decided to make 2012 the "Year of LinkedIn." While Facebook has gotten a lot of our (my!) time and attention, LinkedIn is a fabulous treasure trove of connections and resources. I thought for the longest time that it was primarily for job seekers. My guest for this podcast, Matt Youngquist of Career Horizons (http://www.career-horizons.com), sets me straight on that point. He shares ways that both the seeker and the entrepreneur can leverage LinkedIn for stronger relationships and stronger businesses. We also talk about being an introvert entrepreneur and how LinkedIn is a perfect platform for the introvert to connect with others. You'll learn

• What LinkedIn is and isn't useful for
• Why your profile might not be working hard enough for you
• Why you don't want to say "yes" to everyone who invites you to connect
• LinkedIn's best kept secrets that boost your visibility and connectivity