Hi Nick, please tell us a bit about yourself and your journey.
Sure!
Well as you know, I am a High Level Social Networking Coach for introverts but that wasn’t always the case.
I grew up extremely shy and introverted. So much so that when I started a new school in the second grade the teachers thought I was deaf and put me in the hearing impaired kid class. I don’t know why, I guess they didn’t know any better at the time. But it was actually pretty cool. There were only four of us in there and we were learning sign language and becoming good friends quickly.
The fun all ended about a week into it when my mom found out I was in there and explained to the teachers that I was not deaf, I was simply very shy and they kicked me out of that class and put me back in “general population”. As you can imagine, that sucked. And that was the start of a long battle of social awkwardness and shyness.
Middle school and High school I had trouble fitting in and trouble talking to girls.
When I got out of high school I figured if I could make some money, it would solve everything.
I became a commodity futures trader and was able to make quite a bit of money fairly quickly. But money didn’t help my social situation. I was the same guy, I just had nicer stuff.
Then I tried alcohol which worked a little bit but then you have to be drinking all the time and that comes with its own problems such as getting a reputation as a drunk dude.
I wanted to upgrade my life. I knew I could be better. I was tired of living in the shadows. I was tired of not being seen, heard, invited and included. Most of all I was tired of people underestimating me.
I had to find a way out.
You’ve heard the sayings “show me your friends and I’ll show you your future”
“Your network is your net-worth” “you are the sum of the 5 people you spend the most time around so choose wisely”
Ok so…
Where do you find these 5 people? When you find them, how do YOU get there and when you get there, how do you actually connect with them?
I read the books and took the courses about networking and small talk. NONE of them worked for me. They weren’t designed for introverts, they were made for “normal” people, not people like us.
I was very depressed but I didn’t give up. I was determined to find a way.
Using the superpower of introverts (the power of observation) I started going out, out on the town by myself. I’d just sit and observe. I’d watch and study social interactions and dynamics between people. Taking what I learned, I put together a system. A blueprint for step by step socializing and networking techniques specifically for us introverts.
I applied it to myself and was able to build a very strong, close, high level, international network of friends, colleagues, and associates which allows me to be able to do a lot of things most people don’t get to do.
I often get invited to high-end, exclusive events by and with like-minded people that I enjoy being around who enjoy being around me. And not just big events, small intimate parties, gatherings and experiences that I previously would not have even known existed or would not have been invited to. In addition to that, I get access to investments and opportunities that I would not have been able to have before as well.
So I was able to network a whole new life, a better life. A life where I am known, seen, included and respected. It’s my dream life!
And as for what I do now, I teach people (introverts) how to do the same. I train them on how to level up their lives through networking. And I show them in a simple, step by step way that is specifically designed to work for people like us.
If they’ve tried and failed with other methods, they’ll find success here.
So when you say “High-Level” social networking can you clarify what you mean by that and how it’s different from normal networking?
Sure, so when I talk about “high-level” I am talking about networking socially above where you are now. So essentially networking with people who have already achieved things that you would one day like to achieve or who are like-minded and on a similar journey to yours. So if you are trying to elevate your life and be around people who push you to be your very best, are good role models and/or examples of what you aspire to be, my course will help you locate, join and connect with these people to build strong relationships and friendships.
How would you say your method stands apart from the other programs out there?
My program doesn’t have fluff or fillers and it is not based on theory. It is streamlined and to the point so as not to waste your time and give you what you need right now to get results right now. The techniques I teach in my course are designed specifically with the needs of introverts in mind and based off of what has worked for me personally and my students in real life, allowing us to build strong, close-knit networks where we are seen, heard, accepted and respected by people we care about who also care about us. There is no faster way that I know of to upgrade your life and social status than to surround yourself with people who are high achievers that bring out the best in you whose successful habits you will pick up simply by being in the right places and connecting.
You mentioned that your program for introverts is a Step by Step approach; can you tell us a little bit about what you teach in that course and how long it takes to complete?
Sure, the online course is 8 modules and contains 74 videos. It is self-paced so there is no limit on how fast you can complete it. Some people have been able to finish it over a weekend and some take up to a month.
A few of the things we teach in the course are: How to motivate yourself to get out of the house and attend events in the first place, how to get invited to events, what events to attend, what to do before the event, body language, mindset, what to do with your hands, a simple way to open conversations, how to connect with a headliner or VIP, networking within the workplace or industry, social networking with ease, as well as what NOT to say and do. We also cover maintaining and strengthening your relationships once you have them.
All of this with the goal of making you confident, relaxed and approachable in whatever social situation you may find yourself in because you’ll know exactly what to do. My students have access to people and opportunities they never had before and it has a HUGE impact on their lives. It’s really amazing to see the transformation and I break down the process in vivid detail for a smooth transition to get them from where they are now, to Master Networker!
Do you have to be an introvert to benefit from your techniques?
Excellent question! The answer is NO, although my techniques were designed with an introvert’s strengths and weaknesses in mind, anyone who wants to advance their social standing as well as be more confident, comfortable and approachable in all manners of social situations will benefit from these techniques.
What inspires you to do what you do?
I can think of a couple of things.
The first being, I am truly passionate about this mission.
I know firsthand how depressing it can be to be invisible and live in the shadows all the while knowing you can do and be so much more if you only knew HOW.
I wanted to matter, to have a voice, be included, invited, noticed and have access to the best opportunities and people. And after I learned that it was all possible through networking and there was nothing I could find out there that was designed specifically for introverts to do this, I knew I was the one that had to do it.
Since I was successfully able to do it for myself as well as show some of my socially awkward and shy friends how to do it too, I knew this was my calling.
I believe if you can network and navigate social situations smoothly, you can have anything you want.
Number two is I’m a networker, I build social networks, and the higher quality my network is, the better my life is. By helping people build their high-quality networks, the people I help are usually very happy with me and become part of MY network and I a part of theirs. So the more people I help, actually, in turn, help me because I am connecting and forming relationships with them, they will have access to me and my network and I will have access to them and theirs. So we all benefit. I even have a private Facebook group for people who work with me that is like a “pre-built” network so they don’t even have to start from scratch, they start out with a network of likeminded individuals who share the same goals where they will be able to connect, bond and share victories. It’s a beautiful community.
Plus, it’s great meeting new people and learning about them. Everyone has a story and it is so interesting to learn the similarities and differences between us. I really love making that connection and sharing a moment in time with someone new or someone I’ve known my whole life. Making the connections and seeing others do it as well. That’s what it’s all about. That’s what keeps me going.
What was your most memorable personal networking achievement so far?
My biggest achievement so far in the networking realm…I’ve been invited to a lot of cool and exclusive events around the world but there is one that really stands out to me. First I must tell you I am a big fan of boats, sailboats, yachts…that sort of thing. And I tell my clients “always put your interests out there” because a lot of times, people connect and bond over your interests but nobody is going to know if you don’t actually tell them. So, I always mention to people I meet that I love boats.
Now through my network, I have a connection who participates in sailboat races in the Gulf of Mexico. Well a few days before a race they had one of their crew members drop out and they needed to find a replacement crew member on short notice. They said “hey, Nick likes boats, call him!” and they called ME.
I said, I’d love to crew on your boat but I don’t know how to crew a racing sailboat. The captain said “can you do exactly what I tell you to do?” and I replied “Yes” then he said “ok, you’re in!”
We came in fourth place and it was one of the best experiences of my life.
I apply a lesson from that to my teaching as well. When my clients aren’t sure if they can become master social networkers I simply say “can you do exactly what I tell you to do?” and we transform lives.
Can you give our readers 3 tips for success in networking?
Absolutely!
- Always show up early. It makes a good impression, gives you an advantage on getting set up, and puts you in an excellent position to observe and gather any additional information you may need to give your very best.
- People often tell me they don’t know what to do with their hands. While standing, it’s good to have a drink, a small food item or a notebook in your left hand and a pen in your right hand. When you need to shake hands either add the pen to the contents in your left hand or just put it in your pocket. This way, you’re covered and it’s an easy fix. While sitting, have a pen in your right hand. It’s also important to keep both hands above the table because it is always odd talking to someone whose hands are under the table and out of sight.
- Always send handwritten thank-you notes after every event, interview, or outing. The reason being, you want to be remembered. How many people do you know that send handwritten thank you notes after events? I’m guessing its very few. So you’ll surely be remembered.
In addition to your online course, do you offer personal coaching as well?
I do personal coaching on a case by case basis, but usually, after someone has taken the online course and wants to go deeper into some of the techniques. This coming year we will host several workshops where we keep it small and intimate and walk through many different scenarios for more of a hands-on approach for people who learn better in that type of setting.
Thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me! Where can we find and follow you online?
Thank you for having me! It’s been an honor!
You can find me at:
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