Customer Reviews

Why Should Extroverts Make All the Money?

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Well, not for being an introvert, anyway... Like Balzano, I'm an officially tested, rather scarce commodity known as an INTP (1% of the population). I've had a lot of problem fitting into the wheeling-dealing crazy world of the extrovert, and networking is something I've looked on with absolute horror, almost like a deer caught in headlights. I'd rather be shot than experience the joy of a company get-together, and I'd far rather clean the toilet and scrub the bathtub than go out with the coworkers for a Friday evening drink.

This book does have some great hints for trying to gradually work your way into the wide world of small-talk, business connections, parties, public speaking, etc. It also pinpointed several problems I'd had over the years with a few of my more extroverted bosses.

It's not a very concrete book, but the hints do come in handy, even if going into a room filled with people fills me with as much joy as a trip to a proctologist. And it is unique, addressing networking from a perspective that only a fellow introvert would think of. Many of the other networking books I've read haven't even attempted to consider the special concerns that an introvert has, and that alone makes it well worth the cover price.

It's very reassuring to know that you're not alone!

This is the only book I have ever returned to Amazon. Take it from an INTJ -- it is totally devoid of useful, substantive suggestions on the claimed subject. It is the same old basic networking suggestions rehashed -- nominally adapted for introverts but as far as I could tell, not in any useful way. Its primary purpose seems to be as a promotional piece for the author's seminars, but given the quality of the book I doubt it will stir up much interest.

For a better read on the subject, try Thomas Murphy's book on selling for introverts or one of the many books on NLP.

This book is eminently readable. For people who judge themselves and their "failings," this book helps them see themselves in realistic, yet positive terms. It enables self-acceptance while at the same time encourages and guides toward change. It is helpful and practical and presents exercises and directions that truly enable the introvert to make the best of their attributes and get more of what they want in the work world.

Why Should Extroverts Make All The Money certainly has its merits. The exercises specifically the one describing problematic bosses are quite helpful. Balzano's basic analysis of introverts as the thinkers behind the organization is pretty accurate. The basic solution to getting introverts to open up is to discover your passion and go about it full blast.

Balzano should discuss more how introverts can overcome their fear of approaching others. Merely comparing it to a less desireable situation does not stand alone as the answer.

Also Balzano needs to realize that there are many people who are part extrovert and part introvert. On the 30 question test to discover if you are an introvert, I answered about 12 as an introvert. So what does that make me? More description is need there.

The analysis on the different types of extroverts and introverts are basically good. However, there are people who do fall in between these categories. A little more detail would ahve been nice.

At times the book loses focus on whether it wants to analyze introverts networking practices or just the general human nature. Each person has their own unique ways and Balzano does pidgeon hole the situation a bit too much. None the less, there are some good ideas.

Thank god that I only borrowed this book, and didn't have to actually buy the thing. There were a few quizzes, but it was mostly stories and comments on how networking for introverts will be addressed in the book. I made it three-quarters of the way through before I finally gave up. There was no meat to the book. I have gotten more out of magazine articles.

As a male introvert trying to improve my networking skills, I found this book very disappointing. There is only one, fairly unhelpful, chapter about men near the end of the book.

This book pushed MBTI and it showed some case studies of where introverted women have failed, but it really didn't offer anything on networking that a google search wouldn't turn up.

Ms. Balzano clearly, concisely and with excellent examples lays out a roadmap for professionals (and non-professionals) to use in developing their careers. The book is a 'how to' in terms of developing oneself at their current job as well as going about finding a new one.

Most insightful is her analysis of personality types, where she identifies the shy extrovert. Knowing how to use one's personality in dealing with the challenges of career development where different personality types need different skills to be successful.

Her suggestions can be put to work today! Her methods have already born fruit for me.

I am nearly finished with your book - what a wonderful set of ideas! Thank you many times over! I especially liked the passage in which you described your friend's reaction to your identification of yourself as an Introvert as if you had announced you had a life threatening illness!

The book is is extremely timely in my life - I decided last month that I want and need to go for a Ph.D. (in fall 2001) - and basically a Ph.D. in introversion (with interdisciplinary study in both developmental and personality psych - I'm researching programs all over the country - recommendations welcome). I want to work, as Dr. Zimbardo has, on separating introversion from shyness, and studying what introversion looks like at different phases of life. I have a Master's in Counseling and the fascination with personality, and introversion specifically, has grown out of observations in my work and own life - my work life is split 70/20/10 youth/family therapy primarily with elementary school aged children, corporate training - people skills for Engineers/Architects, and running a singing group. Thank you so much for your book - it is truly a gift. I had a great time reading it chuckled to myself several times (and a few "Amens!" burst forth - in my mind only - I was on a plane...).

As reviewed in, Dan's Papers.August 6, 1999By Sally FlynnCopyright Dan's PapersThis may come as a shock to many people, but I am an extravert. Been one all my life. I cannot recall a single day when I wasn't, even as a new kid in many new shcools, I'd introduce myself to everyone around me. If there's blabbermouth in the room, its me.Extraverts dominate intorverts. Its the natural order of things. I love being an extrovert and bulldozing over all the shy people. One of the greatest joys in life is to be in a group and get to be the one who decides what everyone will do because those introverts are too shy to speak up and stop us. And if they do, since we're used to talking, we just talk them out of their silly little opinions. Extroverts rule... but there's trouble afoot.Last week I worked with Jeanne Randall at the Executive Option. Jeanne is a naturally shy introvert who has wiggled her way into the extroverts' world and become a success. I realiized there are several introverts on the Island who have done this. Pushing their way into the extroverts' world, upsetting the balance of power. A dangerous trend.Then, I met their ringleader right here on Shelter Island, Frederica Balzano, Ph.D., she wrote a book called Why Should Extroverts Make All the Money? I read her book because I was curious how introerts think and what they think and why do they even bother thinking since they never speak up anyway? This frightening book details how introverts can manage and even, perish the thought, overcome extroverts in business and personal life. It even tells how to recognize extroverts who are masquerading as calm, cool, collected introverts. It tells introverts how to worm their way into our world. Well, this book has to burned!I had lunch with Frederica at our lovely air-conditioned Chequit Restaurant and confronted her about this alarming book."Well, somethmes extroverts don't realize they are overpowering," Fredi said. "I think we have a greater tendency to think more carefully before we...." "Yes!" I said. "That's the problem, you're thinking too much. You have to cut it short and get your opinion out there. Be more out-going.""I have another book coming out I think you'll like Sally. It's called How to Serve Extroverts." "Now, that's more like it Fredi. Rescind all those wild ideas from your first book.""Yes, well, its a cook book..."

what a great review! I'm going to buy the book that inspired this review. Thanks for making me laugh.