Index of

DOES NO MEAN NO?
Perhaps your carefully honed anti-networking predisposition is fi netuned
to protect you from inadvertently stumbling into networking
opportunities against your will. Th is is a good time to rethink
your strategy.
Not so easy for introverts, as we are a bit inclined to say no before
we say yes.
What is the reason behind this phenomenon? Why are introverts
likely to reject unexpected requests, changes, and challenges? Don’t
go gett ing all defensive; I notice this propensity in myself, too. I am
having a good laugh right now, envisioning you stifl ing the urge to
insist “No! Th at’s not true!”
On a related note, I have heard the claim that introverts tend to be
negative.
Th e reason for the stigma is because introverts need to process.
When approached with a new idea, introverts without the opportunity
to think it over are likely to simply respond with a “No.” Th ere is
a way around this. When presenting a concept to a suspected introvert,
don’t let him respond immediately. Off er the idea, then fl y out
the door saying, “Let’s discuss it later.” You may be surprised at how
receptive he has become when you return to discuss the idea a couple
hours later.
Welcome to a personality behavior analyst’s version of a geometrical
theorem.
A. Introverts think to talk. Th is means we prefer to consider and
weigh many angles of an idea before committ ing to a response.
B. If not given time to provide a considered response, the standard
introvert reaction is “No.”
C. If one approaches an introvert suddenly with an idea, presents it
verbally, and expectantly prompts, “So what do you think?! Are
92 NETWORKING FOR PEOPLE WHO HATE NETWORKING