Maximize Your Strengths, Minimize Your Weaknesses

Are you an introvert? Or are you an extrovert?

Ivan Misner was having a conversation with his wife of 20 years and he classified himself as an extrovert. "No, really you're an introvert!" hie wife said. Ivan couldn't believe it. After all, how could the most successful business networker on the planet be an introvert? (But how could the woman who has been with him for so long be wrong?)

Ivan went in search of more information and came across an internet site that has a test to determine if you are an introvert or extrovert (like this one here). He discovered that he was a "situational extravert"...that he is a bit of a loner and reserved around strangers, but very outgoing in the right context. That was an "aha" moment for Ivan and really made sense.

Mr. Misner started BNI over 20 years ago because he was naturally uncomfortable meeting new people. As he says, "BNI created a 'system' that enabled me to meet people in an organized, structured networking environment that did not require that I actually 'talk to strangers.'"

Mr. Misner further states that when he is in a new place, as he is all the time traveling around the world promoting BNI, he makes sure to have someone from the area or group walk around with him to introduce him to new people. This way he is able to overcome his introvert tendencies and connect with as many new people as possible. That is a coping mechanism he uses to overcome his shyness around new people.

So what are the strengths and weaknesses of being either an introvert or extrovert as it relates to networking?

Introverts
+Great a listening
+Perceived as thoughtful and trustworthy
-Don't go out of their way to talk to people
-May be reserved in new social situations

Extraverts
+Not afraid to meet new people
+Actively initiate conversations
-Can come on too strong
-Might scare the introverts away!

These are just general observations that our members made in the meeting this morning and while they might not be true for all people, they highlight a point: we each have strengths and weaknesses in our character that will help or hinder us in a social networking situation. The key is working to maximize your strengths and minimize, or convert, your weaknesses to a positive that will help you be a great network no matter what type of character you have.

Working Words of Wisdom
"Personality has the power to open many doors, but character must keep them open."

Go and take that test at PersonalityType.com and report the findings back here. (I am an ENFP, Extraverted-Intuitive-Feeling-Perceiver). What strengths do you have that help you be a great networker? What weaknesses do you need to compensate for? Do tell!