My guest, Michael Snyders, is the President of Future Focus, Inc. He has spent the last 20 years working alongside small and mid-size organizations as an advisor, trainer, and coach in business strategy, talent development, and leadership training. With his vast experience in networking, Michael built his business most through it, making him an excellent resource on how to make meaningful connections.
In this episode, Michael discusses the common fear of networking and provides helpful tips on overcoming it. He emphasizes the importance of networking within your company, as it can lead to promotions based on exposure, not just performance. And for those who experience nervousness when networking, Michael shares how he overcame panic and anxiety attacks and offers practical advice on overcoming fear.
Why you need to listen to this episode:
- Gain valuable insights and practical tips on overcoming the fear of networking and making meaningful connections.
- Learn about the importance of networking within and outside your company and how it can lead to career advancement and opportunities.
- Hear from Michael, an expert in leadership development and networking, on his proven approach to networking and his personal experiences with it.
- Discover common mistakes people make when networking and how to avoid them.
- Gain practical advice on how to stay in touch with your network and make networking more manageable for introverts.
Resources Mentioned:
Episode Guide and Timestamps:
- Why people hate networking: [1:25]
- How to overcome the fear of networking: [2:30]
- Approach networking with “What’s In it For Them”: [4:40]
- Why networking within your company is essential: [6:30]
- How networking can lead to getting promoted: [8:30]
- Promotions occur based on exposure, not just performance: [10:47]
- Why networking outside your company is essential: [11:18]
- How Michael would begin a new job: [13:36]
- Mistakes people make when networking: [17:13]
- How to overcome nervousness when networking: [18:35]
- Networking advice for introverts: [20:23]
- How Michael stays in touch with his vast network: [23:48]
- Michael’s final advice: [28:06]
- About Michael’s Leadership Development company, Future Focus: [30:10]
