Are You Socially Awkward And Building a Product? Here's The #1 Way To Grow Your Network

✨ Hi, I’m Sara, host of the Polyweb podcast. On the show, we explore how we can find meaning in the Technology Era. Join conversations with global tech leaders and entrepreneurs, navigating the intersection of business, life, and technology.

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😅 As a self-confessed socially awkward person, I treasure my alone time for recharging, like a phone in airplane mode – disconnected and blissfully conserving energy.

Thinking about going to a social event, let alone hosting one, feels like a sloth at a speed dating event to me – moving at a glacial pace, slightly bewildered, and wondering, "How on earth did I end up here?"

However, Nick Gray, a successful entrepreneur with two multi-million dollar exits and the author of "The 2 Hour Cocktail Party," suggests my trepidation towards social events isn't entirely without reason. Many events aren't exactly introvert-friendly, often leaving us to awkwardly navigate the choppy seas of mingling with strangers.

Yet, networking is a hidden superpower, crucial, especially if you're in the process of building and marketing a product – your success might just hinge on it.

In the most hilarious episode I've ever recorded, Nick systematically deconstructs my misconceptions about event hosting. He provides not only practical tips but also a thorough step-by-step guide for building a network as a socially awkward individual.

Convinced by Nick's compelling arguments, I've taken up his challenge to host my very first small gathering by the end of this quarter. Stay tuned for updates.

🎯 Three Key Takeaways:

1. Why You Should Grow Your Network by Hosting Small Events: The Power of Loose Connections 
   Nick emphasizes the value of loose connections or weak ties. These acquaintances, rather than close friends, often provide life-changing opportunities. By hosting small events, you create a network of these connections, increasing your chances for serendipitous encounters and success.

2. How to Become the Person Everyone Wants to Talk To 

   The secret is to be genuinely interested in others as a key to becoming more engaging. Showing curiosity and openness in conversations, rather than trying to impress, makes one more approachable and interesting to others.

3. The 'NICK' Method for Hosting Events 
   This is the 4 step formula for every successful event. 'N' for Name tags to ease introductions, 'I' for Icebreakers to facilitate interaction, 'C' for Cocktails/Mocktails (keeping it simple, no dinner), and 'K' for Kick them out (ending the party on a high note). This method is designed to make hosting more manageable and enjoyable, especially for introverts.

📚 Resources:

How to Introduce Two People via Email: Sample Scripts: https://nickgray.net/how-to-introduce-two-people-via-email/

9 Career Day Speech and Presentation Ideas: https://nickgray.net/career-day/

Party Times: Start, End, & Best Times: https://party.pro/time/

Icebreaker Name Tags: Examples and How to Do It RIGHT: https://party.pro/icebreakers-on-nametags/

How to Host an Event: Parties & Networking: https://party.pro/how-to-host-an-event/

Where to Throw a Party? Ideas and Venues for 2023: https://party.pro/where-to-party/

Icebreaker Activities for Your Next Event: https://party.pro/icebreaker-activities-2/

Friendship Recession Website: https://friendshiprecession.com/

7 Small Trade Show Booth Ideas for 2023: https://nickgray.net/trade-show-ideas/

⏱️ Time Stamps:

00:00 Intro

01:40 Challenges of hosting events as an introvert

06:55 The power of loose connections

11:07 What makes an event successful

14:35 Tips for ending conversations at events

14:35 Tips for ending conversations at events

18:09 How to become the person everyone wants to talk to

23:24 Effective opening questions in conversations

28:42 Steps for planning a small event

38:20 Curating guest lists for events

42:34 Hosting events at home vs. external venues

47:00 The 'NICK' method for hosting events

52:18 Handling unexpected situations at events

58:21 Maintaining connections after events

01:02:41 Nick Gray's views on online events

About:

Nick Gray is an entrepreneur and author. He started and sold two multi-million dollar companies: Flight Display Systems and Museum Hack. Nick is the author of The 2-Hour Cocktail Party, a step-by-step handbook that teaches you how to make new friends or build your network by hosting small gatherings. Hundreds of people have used his "NICK party formula" to host their first happy hour or networking event. Nick has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and New York Magazine called him a host of “culturally significant parties.”

🔗 CONNECT WITH NICK:

👥 Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickgraynews/

🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/nickgraynews

💻 Website - https://nickgray.net/

🔗 CONNECT WITH SARA:

📸 Instagram - https://bit.ly/saralanditortoli-instagram

🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/Sara_LandiTor

👥 Linkedin - https://bit.ly/saralanditortoli-linkedin

💌 Newsletter - https://polyweb.beehiiv.com/

🪢 ABOUT POLYWEB:

Polyweb navigates through the intricate nexus of technology, product innovation, and human creativity. Engage with leading entrepreneurs and experts in uncovering how we can forge impactful companies and lead lives enriched with purpose in the Technology Era.

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