5 Networking Tips for Introverts (and Anyone Else)

Five takeaways:

Though it may not feel natural to some, research shows that the art of networking can be learned and developed. A recent study surveyed 450 professionals from various occupations to determine the most important factors for developing networking skills. They found that the development of network skills– regardless of age, gender, career stage, or level of extroversion or introversion– can be developed through these five important points of focus:

  1. Cognitive Flexibility – building the ability to adapt your thinking swiftly in response to changing situations will help you in networking situations as you navigate different personalities, and effectively respond to social cues. You can build cognitive flexibility by making changes to your daily routine, like taking a different route to work or working from a new location. Video games have also been shown to help with cognitive flexibility.
  2. A Promotion Focus– a “promotion focus” is about going for positive outcomes, rather than a “prevention focus” which is about avoiding negative ones. Going into conversations being afraid of rejection or awkwardness is self-defeating. Take a deep breath and remember that every conversation need not be a home run. Be excited for the possibilities that arise from networking, even if it is somewhat uncomfortable at times.
  3. Perceived Prowess– Work to build self belief. If you believe you can network, it’s more likely that you can. Replace negative thoughts with positive self-talk, such as “I can do this,” “It’s okay to be nervous,” and “I have prepared and I’m ready.” Ask for feedback from those you trust to enhance your sense of preparation.
  4. Persistence– The more persistently you network, the greater your chances of success. The method— be it in person, by phone or email, or via LinkedIn — depends on personal preference, but what matters is that you follow through.
  5. A Future-Focused Temporal Orientation– Rather than focusing on the past or present, envision the future. Contemplate upcoming events and think about the possibilities ahead. This will create a sense of excitement for networking, and add intention to your efforts.

Even incremental improvements in these areas can have a substantial impact on your willingness and ability to network!

From Willy Das and Samantha Dewalt for The Harvard Business Review
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Note: At the time of this posting Harvard Business Review offers two free article views per month. Four if you register for a free account.


This site may contain links to articles or other information that may be contained on a third-party website. Advisory Services Network, LLC and MAP Strategic Wealth Advisors are not responsible for and do not control, adopt, or endorse any content contained on any third party website. The information and material contained in linked articles is of a general nature and is intended for educational purposes only. Links to articles do not constitute a recommendation or a solicitation or offer of the purchase or sale of securities.

Managing Anxiety When There’s No Room for Error

Nine takeaways:

  1. In the workplace, perfection can feel like the only option. The fear of making a mistake can lead to crippling anxiety that only adds to the risk of an error and can have hugely negative impacts outside of work.
  2. Distinguish between big and small mistakes: Focusing on every possible mistake can distract you from the most significant or costly ones. Speak to colleagues and study your role to gain full comprehension of the most common and most costly errors. It will give you the feeling of having your feet beneath you when assessing the risk of error.
  3. Adopt risk-reducing systems and habits: perfection is impossible. You can implement risk-reducing systems and habits, like checklists or standard protocols (think about the way pilots have a list of checks they do before takeoff) and cultivate a culture that encourages reporting near-misses and sharing diverse viewpoints. Such approaches focus on learning rather than blaming, and they reward the identification of unknown risks.
  4. Get support to address your weaknesses: Acknowledge the areas of your job in which you’re most prone to error, and address them through the assistance of a mentor, consultant, therapist, or friend. Self-improvement, more often than not, involves many besides just the self.
  5. Play on your strengths: Use your strengths to mitigate your weaknesses. For instance- if you are a visual person, set visual reminders for yourself that assist you in safeguarding against your weaknesses.
  6. Address self-sabotaging behaviors: When we’re very anxious about something, we often self-sabotage in ways that increase the chances of the feared thing happening. Spend the extra money on the tools you need, ask for extra time on tasks if needed. Believe in your own ability to overcome your shortcomings.
  7. Collaborate with others focused on the same issues: Seek out solutions in group environments and find groups that share your fears or deal with similar challenges. Consider getting involved in larger efforts to reduce mistakes in your field or role.
  8. Reduce small-threat distraction by taking simple actions to mitigate those risks: Take simple actions that help reduce the frequency of minor problems- the “low hanging fruit.” Address minor potential mistakes to the extent that they free up your mental capacity to think about and prevent larger ones.
  9. Consider a hobby that allows you to make mistakes: Take up an activity in which mistakes and false starts aren’t at all costly. The author cites a CEO who alleviates the pressure of his work environment by going surfing- a relaxing hobby in which mistakes are not frowned upon but expected and celebrated.

From Alice Boyes for The Harvard Business Review
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Note: At the time of this posting Harvard Business Review offers two free article views per month. Four if you register for a free account.


This site may contain links to articles or other information that may be contained on a third-party website. Advisory Services Network, LLC and MAP Strategic Wealth Advisors are not responsible for and do not control, adopt, or endorse any content contained on any third party website. The information and material contained in linked articles is of a general nature and is intended for educational purposes only. Links to articles do not constitute a recommendation or a solicitation or offer of the purchase or sale of securities.

What Are Muscle ‘Knots’ and How Do You Get Rid of Them?

Five takeaways:

  1. The common muscle knot is technically known as a myofascial trigger point. The fascia is the thin layer of connective tissue that surrounds a muscle. When a muscle takes damage, even just a little, it can cause inflammation that makes it tender to the touch and can limit range of motion. As many of us are likely aware- they can be very uncomfortable!
  2. While these can be associated with strenuous exercise, you may also notice a muscle knot in your upper back and shoulders if you are consistently hunched over a computer all day.
  3. So how to get rid of them? The tried-and-true method is to wait them out. You can also try massages, electric stimulation, or even a procedure called dry needling, which injects a thin needle into the trigger point. Each of these methods is meant to break up the tissue and increase blood flow to the area- to decrease the tautness of the fascia.
  4. There are methods of “self-myofascial release”: using a foam roller or rolling device like a lacrosse ball or softball. Lying on a roller of some kind will allow you to put necessary pressure on the affected area and allow you to control the movement based on your own pain tolerance.
  5. For those of us at a desk all day, remember that consistent exercise habits and moving throughout the day can help keep knots from developing in your muscles in the first place.

Zachary Gillen from How Stuff Works
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This site may contain links to articles or other information that may be contained on a third-party website. Advisory Services Network, LLC and MAP Strategic Wealth Advisors are not responsible for and do not control, adopt, or endorse any content contained on any third party website. The information and material contained in linked articles is of a general nature and is intended for educational purposes only. Links to articles do not constitute a recommendation or a solicitation or offer of the purchase or sale of securities.

What is Long-Term Care Insurance, and Do you Need It?

Five takeaways:

  1. A Genworth Financial report says that 70% of people 65 or older will need some kind of long-term care in their lives
  2. Long term care is extremely expensive and looks only to become more expensive over time. The average cost of a private room in a nursing home in 2019 was $102,200 a year, which is 57 percent more than it cost in 2004, according to Genworth Financial.
  3. At this point, Medicare and Medicaid provide inadequate long-term coverage. Medicare will only pay for 100 days maximum in a nursing home, and Medicare does not cover any unskilled home health care (which includes help dressing, bathing, eating etc.)
  4. While long-term care might offer peace of mind (not only will keeping a policy holder from being a burden on their spouse or family later in life but protecting one’s savings by reducing potential health care costs), it can also be a waste of money if a policy-holder does not wind up requiring extensive, long term care.
  5. So should you buy it? Unless it is clear that you may spend extensive time in a care facility or in need of in-home assistance, the better route forward is to be aggressive in saving for retirement, with the expectation that you may incur long term health care costs in later years.

Dave Roos from How Stuff Works
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This site may contain links to articles or other information that may be contained on a third-party website. Advisory Services Network, LLC and MAP Strategic Wealth Advisors are not responsible for and do not control, adopt, or endorse any content contained on any third party website. The information and material contained in linked articles is of a general nature and is intended for educational purposes only. Links to articles do not constitute a recommendation or a solicitation or offer of the purchase or sale of securities.