An Introvert's Guide to World Domination: Become a High Level Networker and Upgrade Your Life

by Nick Shelton

Imagine you've just been invited to a high-level event. The room is filled with fascinating people, and you know you want to be in their orbit. The problem is, you have no idea how to get there. So instead, you find the nearest chair and stay put for the next two hours.

If you're introverted, shy, or socially awkward, this scenario probably feels familiar.

Social discomfort shouldn't stop you from making connections, succeeding in business, or upgrading your life and lifestyle. An Introvert's Guide to World Domination will teach you how to do this, and navigate social events with ease.

By breaking the process down into bite-sized steps, Nick Shelton offers practical, reliable strategies for forming lasting connections with others. You will improve your confidence, strengthen your relationships, and gain access to people and opportunities you've never had before.

Shelton speaks from firsthand experience. After a lifetime of shyness, he's ditched the lonely chair and made introversion his greatest strength. Now, you can too.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Business, Communication, Personal Development, Psychology

232 pages, Paperback

Published September 2, 2020

Reviews

[Elizabeth AcesoUnderGlass · Rating 1 out of 5]

At one point the instruction is "figure out what's holding you back, and fix it". That's the helpful level we're talking about.

[Nicholas Gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oftentimes I’ll read books from authors that claim they can teach me their wisdom, but all they do is talk around said wisdom.

But Nick Shelton lives up to his promise.

Whether you are an introvert or just terrible at networking, he walks you through each step of the way and makes you laugh as he does.

It is repetitive enough that you’ll retain the information after one read, but not repetitive to the point of making you want to skip ahead.

When you’re done, you’ll have learned the tools you need to step into the arena, feel comfortable in it, and succeed so that you can step into it again and again and again.

As an introvert myself, this book didn’t just help me learn how to network and get out of my shell, it got me excited to do so.

Highly recommend!

[Alexandra · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received this book as a gift.
The title seemed intriguing (as an introvert myself), but I was soon to discover that it is very misleading. 

This guy is not an introvert and doesn't know the very basics things about introverts! He was the awkward, lonely kid in school (as SOME introverts are, but not all) and he dreamed to be the popular guy. So... he wrote a book about how to be an annoying prick, in order to meet important people, get invited to parties on yachts, fly with helicopters and other stupid things.

Listen, as an introvert myself, I must confess that I KNOW how to interact with people. I just don't like it. I'm not the socially awkward type and most people that interact with me don't even know that I'm an introvert. I just need my alone time, to recharge. I prefer to read a good book, than going to a party. But I will go to the party if I really need to.

So... a book about going to events you don't care about, about making "connections" with any costs, about growing you're "network" (as "your network is your net-worth...") is not for me!

And some advices here are really terible!

Like going to an event and "hunt" for the introverts. Spot them at the edge of the crowd and force a conversation with them. Apparently, they will be so happy you are there, because they were only waiting to be saved by someone. "You saved him, you are his hero!" No, just NOOO!

And he continues with this gem: "Start a conversation with them and see if he's interesting. He's probably not."
You condescending prick!

If you have read this book and are eager to try the (terrible) advices in this, and by any chance you spot me at an event, minding my own business... please leave me the F@&$ alone!!! I don't want to be "saved" by any extrovert, trying to expand his network. Just don't. Thank you!

*****
Later edit:
I wanted to stop reading after I posted the review, but I just couldn't. It was fascinating. Like reading a manual for sociopaths (or aliens) on how to pretend and act like humans. Scary... and fascinating at the same time.

Our guy goes to polo events, even though he doesn't know anything about polo. He goes to baseball games, where he doesn't watch the game, but the people. Goes to (or hosts) caviar tastings, even though he hates caviar. Volunteer to meet and greet the new co-workers, just to get remembered and use these new connections (and their connections) later on. Send ice-creams vouchers and thank you cards to random people who fix his computer...

What a shell of a man. Not an ounce of empathy. That's really scary. Reading this book, was like watching an episode from Criminal minds, through the eyes (and advices) of the criminal. I'm beginning to understand why he wasn't popular in school...

Dear Nick... you've got 99 problems, but introversion it's not one of them.

[Beatriz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick Shelton created an excellent guide if you wish to navigate social events without feeling stressed or anxious. Honestly, I have social anxiety and this book really helped me to understand it and try to overcome it with his tips and life hacks. With this pandemic, I got more and more stressed to leave my house, so Nick gave me the final push that I so needed.
An Introvert's Guide to World Domination: Become a High Level Networker and Upgrade Your Life has several explanations that can help us be positive when having changes in our life. We know that meeting people or making friends is always vital, but sometimes it can also be quite nerve-racking. Well, don’t get nervous, because Nick provides us with several explanations so that even though you are quite shy you won’t feel overwhelmed.
Right from the beginning you will be introduced to the authors life and how he made friends as a kid. I recommend this book to everybody who needs that little push to finally show up and not miss invitations or get excuses to not go to an event or party. I enjoyed how the author keeps encouraging us to move on and be positive. Negative words attract negativity, so let us cut those words from our vocabulary! It is a breath of fresh air!

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some good tips, and plenty of stories to show how to apply the principles in various situations. I like the genuine, non-slimy approach to networking. Unfortunately, this book is more about socializing (growing your network of acquaintances and friends) than networking for business purposes (getting clients and referrals). The author talks a lot about how he's met many people and had memorable conversations and experiences, but doesn't explain how this has helped his business. The book is somewhat repetitive and long-winded, and the writing is too casual for my taste.

The author is single and doesn't have kids, so his availability to attend events and travel is very different from those who are married and/or have kids or other family obligations.

The author teaches introverts how to network and behave at social events. He runs The Connected Introvert.

Notes
The Journey
"'Your Network is your Net-Worth.' If you can level up your network, you'll level up your life.

Set Up for Success
Sign up for the email lists of luxury items and experiences, to get listed as someone who likes luxury items and events. Even if you can't afford them, you'll start getting invited to events with opportunities to network with people in these circles.

Prior to an event, become known by other attendees by participating in the event's online group. As the event approaches, say to people, "I look forward to seeing you there."

If anyone invites others to meet them somewhere the night before the event, go. Or, you can be the one to invite others.

Stay at the most expensive hotel you can afford, to meet people who stay at such hotels. Get the cheapest room if you want.

Making Connections
Your goal for an event is to make 1 solid connection; someone you'd like to follow up with, get to know, spend time with.

To stand out, dress a bit above standard attire, or wear an unusual accessory (belt, pocket square, shoes, etc.).

Get to event early, to understand the layout and position yourself.

At event, sit up like you're somebody, with your back straight but not stiff, somewhat relaxed. Look pleasantly happy, calm, confident, approachable.

Speak to others as if you're peers.

At event, find introverts and talk to them.

At event, don't ask people what they do. Introduce yourself and make observations about event, food, drinks, venue, person. E.g., "Did you notice …?" "Tell me about your accent," etc.

At event, try to always be in a group of 3. It makes conversation smoother, gives you more opportunity to participate than 4+, and makes it easier to exit the conversation. If you're in a group of 2, invite someone who's strolling by into the group.

At event, find a pair (especially husband and wife). They're usually eager to talk to someone new.

If you have trouble connecting with people, spend a few minutes hanging out with the host and introducing yourself (especially to those arriving). Then, go talk to those people who now recognize you.

Networking
Ask, "What interesting projects are you working on?" "What's the best thing happening with you right now?" "What's the best vacation you've taken recently?" "What's a good restaurant you've been to recently?"

If the event is about a topic you don't know much about, ask others to explain. They'll be happy to.

Instead of telling people your job title, be understated (e.g., "I'm Nick Shelton. I'm just a regular guy who likes sandwiches."). That will pique curiosity, and they'll ask questions until they learn what you do.

Talk about your interests, because people bond over them.

When relevant, tell short stories, especially embarrassing ones.

Don't say the other person's name more than at the beginning and end of conversation, to avoid seeming artificial.

Don't hunt for people that seem valuable to you; you can't judge a person's connections from talking to them for a couple minutes at an event.

Connecting with a Headliner/VIP
Instead of trying to get through a mob to talk to a VIP, introduce yourself to one of the VIP's assistants or friends, start a short conversation, then say, "I'd really like to meet the VIP, but I'm really shy and there's a mob. How would that possibly happen?" They may introduce you.

Maintaining Relationships
Connect with each person in your contact list at least quarterly. Ask, "How are things going?" and "Can I help with anything?" Face-to-face is best, but if it's not possible, call, send a recorded video, or text.

Instead of asking, "How can I add value to you?" figure out how you can, and just do it.

[Nate Ragolia · Rating 5 out of 5]

While An Introverts Guide to World Domination claims its intended audience in its title, author Nick Shelton’s charming and disarming set of anecdotal tips, life hacks, and social reminders hold value for everyone, whether they identify as introvert, extrovert, or something else. Peppered with delighting stories and some powerful personal reveals, this isn’t just any old self-help text. It’s more like a thoughtful conversation between friends; the reader, and Mr. Shelton. From imagery like embracing “the Cape Walk” and remembering to think “Cookies are Coming!” to defuse resting anxiety at new or awkward social events, An Introverts Guide, gives you laughs and joy with every page. This isn’t a preachy book. It’s author doesn’t claim some incredible knowledge or power. Instead, it’s a story of practical steps, that he, himself, has lived, to make his life better, more connected, more joyous and more his own. And honestly, as any good book of this kind should, all of Nick Shelton’s lessons feel right and natural. They will remind even the most avid extrovert about the importance of cultivating and maintaining relationships, generating real human connections, and above all else, holding onto and reaching for the dream life you’ve always wanted to live. This is a book about living enthusiastically, regardless of how you may view your default mode, and that’s, perhaps, its most valuable gift (of many).

- Nate Ragolia, publisher at Spaceboy Books, LLC, author of There You Feel Free and The Retroactivist

[Jason Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm definitely an introvert but I'm still called to attend parties or events. There are times when I've felt "on" and others where I've just felt lost and awkward. Until now, I hadn't put much thought as to what I'm doing when I'm at my best. I'd never really had any more than a vague idea of what I sought to accomplish in meeting people until I ran across this treasure trove of helpful hints.

From "The Magic of Three" to "Duke Cookie Face", this book was gold with takeaway after practical takeaway with concrete steps that you can use on a daily basis. Whether you're looking to expand your network or take better care of your existing network, this guide can come in handy. That said, to say that this book will just help you become a better networking individual truly undersells the content. The advice will help you build relationships rather than mere contacts and most importantly, can also give you the tools to become a more interesting person and a better friend.

[Joline · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an European this book felt very American to me: I wasn’t planning on chartering yachts, helicopters or getting on ‘luxury lists’ so a lot of this sounded pretty funny, forced and a bit fake to me. Especially while the bottomline is to make genuine connections. Nevertheless it was an easy read and there were a few okay take-aways about navigating through events where you don’t know anyone (yet).

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anyone who is looking to network better could benefit from this book and the author's advice. It may be especially helpful for introverts as the author identifies as one himself.
The format of the book has the main points with details and examples followed by a recap to drive home the lessons given. It almost feels like an essay for a class where you try to fluff it out just that little extra to make the word count by repeating what you already said. For a self-help book, it might be good to do this as you want the reader to learn the lesson and make it stick.
The last chapter of the book was a quick review, as expected.
There was a little crude language so I'd keep this to older teens or adults.

* I received this book free from Goodreads giveaways *

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was conflicted on how to rate this book. I found Shelton’s super casual style of writing fairly annoying. The tone is that of one dude bro hyping up a buddy so he’ll go talk to someone. He comes across as egotistical and I can’t believe that he is honestly an introvert if half the experiences he shares in the book have truly happened.

That being said, the points that he does make are simple and solid ways of networking. He uses catchy phrases that stick in your head and make it easy to remember what he told you to do in a social setting. So, though I didn’t necessarily love the way he conveyed the information, I do think the book is useful and has provided me with some helpful tips.

4 for usefulness, 2 for writing - averages out to ab overall rating of 3. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is going to be one of those books I read every year or so to make sure I’m using each tip to the best of my ability at that time. Some of the advice can be an incredibly challenging exercise(“don’t use your phone”? Come on, man! This is the 21st century! What are we supporting to do while sitting down somewhere - Sit still?😅), some of the advice is a bit like memorizing a scene in a play, some of it might not be particularly relevant to you when you first read the book(though will later on), but this is definitely a must read for introverts, whether you want to get better at networking, or even just want to improve your social life.

[Carrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grabbed this book immediately after seeing a snippet of it on LinkedIn. I am not an introvert at all, but I also didn't know the first thing about networking. If you find yourself in this same boat, this is also a good book for you. I learned so much from one quick read of one short book. I read the entire thing today and have already begun putting some of it into practice! I feel like I have gained so much value and will be giving this to my (very introverted) partner so we can begin conquering the world together.

[Ivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what i expected…..I didn’t find it very helpful as an very introverted person myself! I think his tips is more business oriented then for personal soothing or gaining confidence! a little boring to read in the end

[Joey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not for me.

[AnnaM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw the book through the bookstore’s window and I knew I had to buy it and so I did. I enjoyed the book and I took some of the advice and it really helped me. Having a new job, lots of new colleagues and not knowing anyone, I found it really difficult to interact with them at times. The advice here helped me understand how to become braver and start interacting with them. Also the fact that you need to go to parties, find a topic in anything you want, that is important to talk so that other people notice you and make some new connections or even friends, maybe. Knowing that you are not the only one going through this difficult situations and furthermore getting information on how to cope with it, it’s even grater than I thought!

[Isley Forrester · Rating 4 out of 5]

A most excellent book and I am an extrovert. I did share w my introvert husband.