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Overcoming Awkward: The Introvert's Guide to Networking, Marketing, and Sales

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Some people are electrified by the idea of networking events, cold-calling, and dazzling total strangers with their winsome smiles, intriguing conversation, and charming personalities. But for introverts, meeting and talking to new people is like watching a horror movie where they are the star! So what is an entrepreneur or sales professional to do if he or she happens to also be an introvert? In this groundbreaking work from a bona fide introvert master marketer, you will learn actionable strategies to create connections, build relationships, and establish loyal, repeat customers who are thrilled to refer you to everyone they know.

You will social media marketing,how to sow seeds for organic growth,how to win over angry clients,how to expand your comfort zone,the value of expert mentorship,
and so much more! This is the definitive guide you've been waiting for. Gone is the advice to introverts that they must learn to take on a persona that is light years away from who they really are. You will finally be free to just be you and will discover that your vibe attracts your tribe.

Monica Parkin is a licensed mortgage broker and successful serial entrepreneur. She is an award-winning international speaker and the host of the “Juggling Without Balls” Podcast. She is also a self-professed introvert and crazy goat lady who lives on a small farm with an assortment of furry creatures. She loves to hear feedback from readers and looks forward to opportunities to speak on topics that empower others to feel more connected, confident, and successful.

167 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 10, 2021

18 people are currently reading
1602 people want to read

About the author

Monica Parkin

1 book17 followers
Monica is licensed Mortgage Broker, Entrepreneur and an award winning international speaker that has presented to audiences in excess of 2000 participants both in person and virtually.

She is also the host of the "Juggling without Balls," Podcast, where she interview inspiring women that have overcome challenges in life to be successful.

When she first started out in the sales industry she found herself struggling with how to build authentic connections with a fear of attending large
events and no understanding of how to build relationships. She has since evolved into a master relationship builder and share actionable tips with readers though relatable stories and analogies.

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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Stephanie Curry.
63 reviews
January 10, 2022
I read this in a day. I devoured it. As a painfully shy introvert in a mortgage world, it’s been a challenge to make connections. Cold calls seem impersonal and I struggle with not being awkward on the phone. But what I CAN do is be myself.

Monica, thank you. I will be keeping this at my desk at all times to refer back to.
Profile Image for Hannah.
29 reviews2 followers
January 4, 2022
Easy to read and packed with good advice. My personal favourites were chapters 18&19; they really resonated with me and aligned with my current goals. It's definitely worth your time both personally and professionally to read this book.
3 reviews
December 13, 2021
Great read

There were so many helpful tips in this book and I felt like I really connected. Thank you for being vulnerable and writing this book!
Profile Image for Barbara Whitaker.
Author 5 books128 followers
May 24, 2022
The book started as expected - focusing on introverts. As it progressed the focus became more and more on building relationships, networking, marketing and sales. It actually has some very good information for a business person who is building a business. But I was looking for more on how extreme introverts deal with these situations.
70 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2022
Thank you, Goodreads, for an enjoyable book full of practical advice and encouragement for anyone in the throes of launching a career.
Profile Image for Tammy.
43 reviews
January 4, 2022
I have to say, I really enjoyed this book.

From how to get out of your introverted shell, to train your mind to consider 'networking' differently made a huge difference. New ways to consider things really leads to new thinking and new action, inspired action really. So, I really appreciated that.
The other part of the book which really spoke to having a good work ethic, dealing with people in the highest way possible, what to do when people are negative etc. . . was familiar to me, but it seems from reading this - that a lot of people in business, or in life - have lost this, or were never trained so I'm really glad she covered it. Last thing, I love her take on keeping your expectations and boundaries strong. I love love loved this!

Recommended!
Profile Image for Mary.
123 reviews1 follower
February 21, 2023
Good book for business owners.

It's billed as an "Introvert's Guide" which is what drew me to it. But really about the first 3rd or so was focused on some of the struggles an introvert might have. The rest was just good business practices that aren't specific to introverts.

I enjoyed the examples. I like that she often told a story where a tactic wasn't used and the proprietor lost a client, and then turned around and told a story where it was used and the client base grew because of it. Though, sometimes I felt like there was one too many. But that could have been just me.

And a slightly picky thing. The book was formatted strangely on my kindle app. So, sometimes when I thought a chapter might be ending, it really wasn't. There were gaps at the bottom of a page so that the new paragraph would start on the following page. And I found it awkward to read at times.
5 reviews
January 25, 2022
Monica’s wisdom is inspiring! We should all strive for how she connects, helps, and supports clients, community members, and friends.
I haven’t been able to achieve my personal goals with networking in the past, however, after reading this book, I’m looking forward to trying again.
Profile Image for Nick.
Author 21 books141 followers
March 3, 2022
There's really not much that's new here, but all the advice is sound, and aimed particularly at shy people. It's all about being yourself, being vulnerable, taking small steps, and getting out there a la Atomic Habits.
1 review2 followers
July 1, 2022
The message of being successful while still being your authentic self should resonate for both introverts and extroverts. The tips are helpful and written in a humorous engaging style. An impressive debut!
Profile Image for Kelly  Schuknecht.
291 reviews28 followers
June 6, 2022
I thought Overcoming Awkward was a great book. If I could change anything about it, though, it would be the title. Although the subtitle—The Introvert’s Guide to Networking, Marketing, and Sales—is closer to what the book is about, it’s not just for introverts. If the title How to Win Friends and Influence People wasn’t already taken, a fitting title for this book might be How to Win Friends, Influence People, and Succeed in Sales.

The author, Monica Parkin, is a licensed mortgage broker. She became a successful businesswoman because she knows how to treat people and how to network, even when it didn’t originally come naturally to her. Her book is a guide that covers all the basics around networking, relationship building, social media marketing, and how all of these can lead to increased sales by simply putting yourself out there, being a decent person, and seeing things through your client’s perspective.

If you are an entrepreneur, a business owner, or in sales, I recommend this book. It’s a quick read.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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