Did you catch my latest Facebook Live - Weekly Discover Your Career Q&A?  

If you are an introvert who cares about your career, then it is a must watch:

Networking is hard.  It is work after all.

It is even more difficult for us Introverts.  I know for me the thought of entering a room full of strangers is terrifying.  Trying to find someone to talk to, having to figure out WHAT to say, and the worst – how do I leave a conversation.  These are all the things that put me into an anxiety stupor and I know if I’m not careful, I’ll end up just sitting or standing by myself and not talk to anyone!

So I have had to find ways to make networking work for me, as an introvert.  And since at least 50% of the world are introverts, these are tips that could help you out too.

1. What does Networking Mean?
Networking is all about relationship building.  We all know how to do that.  Introverts just go about it differently.  I know I build relationships best by having one-on-one (or small group) conversations where I can ask lots of questions.

2. There is more to life than networking events.
My favourite type of networking is the informational interview or coffee chat.  First of all it starts off with an email!  It is usually a phone call and since I asked for it, I set the agenda so I don’t have to worry about it getting  awkward.

There are also social media groups for networking now – LinkedIn and Facebook especially.  If you live in the Halton Region – sign up for the Career Networking Group.   

Looking into conferences and training, it will get you out there and maybe you can talk to the person sitting beside you.  

3. Networking Events are possible

First of all, I don’t do cocktail events and I always skip on that portion of an event since it is an introvert’s nightmare.  That is why the first CNG event I’m hosting is a cocktail event (coming in January) since I know it will be a safe space for me to finally get over this fear.

But I do like the dinner events, where I can sit down and have conversations with people at the table.  And for me, it is all about preparation.  Preparing for events really helps my anxiety and nervousness.

• I have a list of questions that I can ask people.
• I have some talking points about myself ready.
• I have my business cards. 
• And most importantly, I have a goal of how many people I will talk to.  (Usually, I will introduce myself to everyone at my table and have at least 1 in depth conversation).

4. Find a networking buddy.
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Find another introvert, but don’t enable each other.  Push each other!

I'm sure it comes as no surprise to anyone who knows me or follows me on Facebook or Twitter that I love to read.  

I read every day for at least an hour.  It is how I start and end my day.  When I wake up, I grab a coffee and read, usually a nonfiction or heavier read.  At the end of the day, I climb into bed an read a more lighthearted book, like a Young Adult or Chick Lit novel.  Anytime I have 5 minutes here or there is sure to be spent reading.  Reading for me is like breathing.  

I get asked for recommendations all the time so thought I would compile this list of the top 10 nonfiction books that I read this year. 

NonFiction Books

1. A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived by Adam Rutherford

I LOVED this book and recommend it all the time.  I love evolution, have since I was a little girl (my aunt and mom love to tell the story of how I spent 3 hours in the evolution exhibit at the ROM while they patiently waited for me when I was 10).  I also love genetics.  This book combines those two things, it was just a fascinating read.

2. Finding Gobi by Dion Leonard

A warm hearted book about an ultrarunner running the Gobi ultamarathon and picks up a friend, a dog.  This is the story of their friendship and the lengths to which Dion went to in order to have Dion come home with him.

3. Seven Skeletons by Lydia Pine

A review of the 7 most important skeleton finds in the world of Evolution.  It was an interesting read on the actual finds but also the political and mainstream impact these skeletons, like Lucy, had on evolutionary science and research but also on the world.

4. Tribe of Mentors by Tim Ferriss

I enjoy Tim Ferriss' books and his podcast.  This is one massive book, Tim asks over 100 people (athletes, investors, actors, authors, etc) a bunch of questions asking for tools, tricks, and habits that we can work on emulating in our own lives.  It took some time to get through it but it was filled with so much great advice. 

5. Meet Me in the Bathroom by Lizzie Gordon

Another top read of 2018.  This is a massive collection of conversations surrounding the music scene in New York City from 2001-2011 straight from the musicians like The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Kings of Leon.  It was intriguing, eye opening and super compelling.


6. Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics by Dan Harris

I loved this book so much, I devoted a whole article to it.

7. North: Finding My Way While Running the Appalachian Trail by Scott and Jenny Jurek

Another combination of two loves.  I love reading books about thru-hiking and I love Scott Jurek (he was in one of my favourite Nonfiction books, Born to Run but I also love his last book Eat and Run).  Scott and Jenny write about Scott's record breaking Appalachian trail run.  I followed their run on Social Media so was very excited to get to read their story.  Both my husband and I loved this book.

8. Girl in the Woods by Aspen Matis

Aspen was raped in her dorm room on her first day away from home.  As we can expect, she wasn't believed or taken seriously when she told counselors and her family.  So she decided to hike the PCT as a way to come to terms with the rape and her upbringing (which was unusual).  It was a can't put down story.  Another book that both my husband and I loved (he read it first and recommended it to me).

9. Educated by Tara Westover

This was a phenomenal read, Tara' memoir about growing up as part of a Mormon family who isolated themselves to prepare for the end of the world as we know it.  They did not believe in the public education system, healthcare industry or anything related to the modern world.  It wasn't until she went to University that she finally stepped into a classroom, she did her Masters at Harvard and her PhD at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar - an incredible feat.  

10. The Four Pillar Plan by Dr. Rangan Chatterjee

Another book you could tell I loved by the fact that I wrote a 4 part series on Dr. Chatterjee's 4 Pillar (Relax, Move, Eat, Sleep).


I'm building my reading list for 2020 (putting books on hold at the library) - what book did you read this year that you recommend?

Every week, on Thursdays at 12pm EST I answer your job search questions over on Facebook.

This Week I answer YOUR job search questions:
1. How do I tell people I have been laid off?
2. How do I find a job closer to home?
3. Should I tell my manager I'm looking for a new job?
4. Can I postpone an interview if I'm sick?

​Did you miss it?  Catch it here.