I recently was moved into the Communications/Marketing department at my work. It’s going pretty well so far — I am a great writer and good at organization & getting things done. However, I feel a bit unnerved with all the mingling and “PR” – ing. I am more of a practical person than a schmoozer … not to mention I’m an introvert and kind of quiet.
What are some good tips to help me get used to the transition so I can be good at my job?
I understand that I need to … I just want some tips on how to be better at it. Such as good ways to make conversation with strangers, how to figure out what to talk to who about, and so on.
February 24th, 2010 at 1:44 pm
Your boss expects you to step up to bigger & better things or get out. You either conquer your shyness now and learn “PR-ing” or move to some anonymous corner and stay there. One expects shyness in children, but it is time you outgrew it. Join Toastmasters, take public speaking classes, get therapy if you need it (you probably need determination more than therapy), or whatever it takes to learn the new skills so essential at higher levels in your field.
Or else find a job where you can burrow in behind your desk and stay there. As a writer, I can assure you that if you do not learn to conquer your shyness and learn to communicate with people face-to-face, your writing skills hit a limit, then deteriorate. It’s all about communication skills & communicative abilities. Grow or die.
February 27th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
Ask people about themselves, everyone likes to talk about themselves and then actually listen. Most people don’t. My company is very political and I work in marketing – I’ve had to learn this the hard way. Also, keep your nose down and don’t give up too much info on your personal life.
February 28th, 2010 at 8:55 am
Well. People who are for quiet because of who they are. They just can’t change that. I believe people who are quiet are more of a thinker than a talker. Their brain move faster than their mouth.
But then communication with people is nothing to do with being introvert or just plain quiet. It is a skill we need to learn just like other skills maybe like writing or programming skill. The more we gain more skill we grow more a person. The more we grow as a person we will ’see’ more.
So maybe I could share some tips. Listen to people and just show you care. People don’t mind others being quiet if they know those people do care. I’m not an expert so hope others could provide you more tips.