Networking for the Naturally Quiet

[Bartok]

Hey everyone,

 

I'm currently in grad school, hoping to get into an industry where people get the best jobs through people they know - it seems that it's a thing where you have to A) talk alot, B) kiss some ass, and C) sell yourself. I'm fine with C, but A and B completely contradict the way I am. I despise all this "Your work is so amazing!" crap, and I'm just a naturally quiet person that doesn't talk that much. I also have a knack for making things awkward, and I'm still trying to figure out why.

 

In the interest of actually, you know, being successful, I'm looking for tips on how to survive out there. If you must know, I'm looking to get into post-production for movies/TV. Editing work, sound work, that sort of thing.

[COtuner]

Not familiar with your industry, but very familiar with networking. It's not as bad as you make it sound. You don't have to kiss up to network - in fact that only works on the weakminded and egotistical. Having something intelligent to say about the other person's work, what you learned from their efforts or a technique you admire and would like to learn more from them about... make it a real conversation with some meat to it. Even if you are a bit introverted or quiet, it's not that hard to do. I was a very shy person, which is worse than quiet, and I blossomed into a business development person because it was surprisingly so easy for me to talk about THINGS, not silly small talk. It was really no different than being in school and talking to professors or something.

 

Go about it intelligently and you'll stand out from the crowd.

[purpleduckie]

Don't kiss ass, but do compliment people. Flattery will get you everywhere, but only if it's sincere. It used to be unnatural to me, too, but practice. Compliments make you feel good, right? Compliment others. When it's deserved. It's not kissing ass, it's about making a good impression (nobody likes a smart guy who is a jerk! unless he's already successful. ). Being yourself is great, but compromising will help you succeed.