How to Network: Even if You're as Shy as I was

by Dan Hollander

"Learn how to become a succesful networker, even if you are an introvert." Do you hate networking and do you dislike the typical networker? Do you feel overwhelmed when you enter a room full of people and are you too shy to start a conversation with a stranger? If you’d like to obtain a steady stream of customers, boost your self-confidence, and enjoy meeting new people, then this might be the most important book you’ll ever read. This book will teach you how • Learn specific techniques to conquer shyness. • Never be afraid to enter a room full of people. • Make a good impression on the people you meet. • Use networking as a means to become successful in business and really enjoying it while doing.

78 pages, Paperback

First published August 24, 2015

About the author

Dan Hollander is the author of How to Network, Even if You’re as Shy as I was. You can find it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HFEX4R0
He’s spent the first part of his life wanting to become a car designer. Although, in between there was a brief period that he wanted to become a police detective. Like many persons he suddenly changed his mind and went to law school. After graduating he became a lawyer, which he still is today. After being an employee at two law firms, he started his own law firm in 2005. Apart from being a lawyer, Dan has a lot of different interests. He likes to explore new things and learn new skills. His intention is to write a couple of books to share his experiences and his acquired knowledge.
What separates Dan from most other authors is his ability to explain various topics in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner. The strategies he suggests are easy to implement.
Dan lives together with his wife and their two sons. During his spare time he likes to run, play tennis or sail with his family.

Reviews

[Michelle Swann · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Network: Even if You’re as Shy as I Was is a practical guide for anyone who dreads the idea of walking into a room full of strangers and striking up conversation. The author writes with empathy, sharing personal experiences of once being painfully shy, which makes the advice feel relatable rather than intimidating. The book’s greatest strength lies in its gentle, step-by-step approach. Instead of urging readers to transform overnight into extroverted networkers, it offers small, manageable strategies: how to prepare an introduction in advance, how to ease into a conversation, and how to follow up afterward in a way that feels natural. This incremental style is especially reassuring for those who fear being “salesy” or inauthentic or even pushy.
The advice is grounded in practicality. Tips such as listening more than you talk, asking thoughtful questions, and focusing on genuine curiosity remind readers that networking is not about showmanship but about forming real human connections. The book also emphasizes that small victories—like approaching one new person or joining a single conversation—can build confidence over time. Its encouragement helps remove the pressure of perfection, reframing networking as a gradual process of growth rather than a high-stakes performance.
Overall, How to Network: Even if You’re as Shy as I Was is best viewed as a starter kit for shy or introverted beginners who want a compassionate push into the world of networking. It excels in lowering the barrier to entry, helping readers see that success is less about bold extroversion and more about showing up, listening, and being consistent. For anyone who has avoided networking out of fear or discomfort, this book offers not only useful tactics but also the reassurance that even the shyest person can learn to connect—and thrive.