“Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying basic fundamentals.”
…….Jim Rohn, American entrepreneur, author and motivational speakerRae A. Stonehouse’s Power Networking for Shy People: How to Network Like a Pro is a valuable guide toward learning how to communicate with self-confidence, especially when promoting your work. Although the title indicates “shy people,” I believe the ideas Stonehouse shares will benefit anyone who is passionate about his or her work.As a member of Toastmasters International for more than 25 years, Stonehouse gives much value to the organization by building self-confidence and communicating effectively. As an author and speaker, he is devoted to sharing, step by step, the route to good communication and the avenues available to accomplish that goal.Stonehouse urges people to seek leadership roles, believing that by learning how to lead, you learn how to communicate. He emphasizes that shy people can learn how to be outgoing, that enthusiasm in specific interests will lead them to people with similar interests. The author makes many suggestions for shy people: team up with outgoing people, be a good listener, ask questions, join professional organizations.The author is also a proponent of Linkedin, an Internet social network specifically designed for career and business professionals to connect. He goes into some detail as how to get started with Linkedin and how to maintain communication with others.Stonehouse defines networking as giving and sharing, not prospecting or selling. Where does “power networking” come in? It’s the power that comes from a spirit of giving and sharing.Power Networking for Shy People gives readers in-depth steps to gain confidence and become comfortable in promoting themselves. I recommend this book to both introverts and extroverts—there are gems of wisdom to draw on for everyone.