Inauguration Week gets me thinking of a different US President I had the pleasure of meeting—Bill Clinton. Late one night when I arrived at my favorite hideout to work on a chapter of my book, Self-Promotion for Introverts®, I was surprised to find Clinton there, holding court. As an introvert, I would normally “stick to my knitting.” However, I had to try asking him a question for readers of my book. Clinton said something simple, but it really resonated with me—and I repeat it as a mantra whenever I challenge myself with a stretch assignment. I share the story in this video.

Video produced by Larry Bograd and Coleen Hubbard, and edited by David Plakke.

Copyright © 2012 Nancy Ancowitz

I first met Susan Cain a half a dozen years ago when she took a Self-Promotion for Introverts® workshop I gave at New York University. A mutual colleague, Ben Dattner, Ph.D., connected me and Cain because we were both writing books for and about introverts. Mine, Self-Promotion for Introverts®: The Quiet Guide to Getting Ahead, came out in 2009 (and contains tips from Cain about salary negotiation). Cain’s, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, took the world by storm in 2012 when she started an introvert revolution and commanded the stage in her soft-spoken way at a TED talk. She is with us today, on the first anniversary of her book release, to answer my questions about what it’s like for a card-carrying introvert to be thrust into the limelight. (more…)

One of the most important career-building and leadership skills you can learn is to speak effectively to an audience. I dedicated a chapter of my book, Self-Promotion for Introverts®, to this topic, based on work with my coaching clients over more than a decade as well as continuing education students in my Presentation Skills for Introverts™ workshop at New York University. If you would like to build your skills and confidence at public speaking, particularly as an introvert, check out the following resources.

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Self-Promotion for Introverts® in Korean? You bet your bibimbap! Yes, it feels weird that I can’t even read the cover. Still, I’m tickled to share it with you—and particularly my Korean readers.

As Self-Promotion for Introverts® makes its way around the world, it’s fun to see what readers in faraway places have to say. This just in from Turkey: a review of my book in Today’s Zaman which says, “Ancowitz believes that everyone is gifted. Everyone has something they can do better than the rest of pack.” No matter where you are, remind yourself often of your gifts—and don’t keep them a secret!

Why isn’t getting credit where it’s due the norm in the workplace? How often have you shared an idea that your boss or a colleague has turned around and presented as her own? Then there’s the kind of credit you don’t want: blame. From cubicle to corner office, workplaces are crawling with what Ben Dattner, Ph.D., author of The Blame Game: How the Hidden Rules of Credit and Blame Determine Our Success or Failure, calls credit grabbers and blame throwers. (more…)

It is one of the best ways to expand your professional network, there’s no limit to how often you can do it, and it’s free. If you haven’t gone on an informational interview lately, why not set one up today? This time tested tactic will help you land your next job, take your career to the next level, and get new clients. (more…)

I was recently interviewed for an article titled “Conquer Your Networking Fears,” for the Project Management Institute. Here’s how it begins:  “Have you ever found yourself standing alone at a networking event, watching other project professionals mixing and mingling? You know you should introduce yourself and find new connections — but you just can’t muster the courage.” Can you relate? If you’re an introvert, take your time and enjoy the connections—one at a time and at your own pace. (more…)

I like making terrifying topics fun. In my upcoming interactive presentations, together we’ll tackle super scary topics like public speaking, self-promotion, and projecting confidence with demanding people, with special insights for introverts. You’ll leap over a few hurdles and learn something useful. We’ll have some laughs—but never at anyone’s expense. (more…)