Another blog post in the mini-series of 'Life as an introvert' is here and it's all about the victory formula to help you communicate your true value whilst networking.
If you've read the previous two blogs in this mini-series, you will know that earlier this year, I attended a virtual summit about being an introvert. During the summit, lots of guest speakers spoke about being an introverted entrepreneur and how to succeed in the business world when much of life is conditioned for extroverts.
As introverts, we're generally more reserved people. This makes it harder to communicate with others and network as well. But during the summit, there was one thing that stood out to me.
It was the Victory Formula. In general terms, it aims to help introverts convey their true value whilst networking, which can be rather difficult. Now because I am an introvert myself and found this helpful, I thought I'd share it with any other fellow introverts who read my blog.
The Victory Formula
Networking is one of the biggest challenges introverts face in the working world. We often don't like approaching other people for our benefit and intrusive thoughts can also creep into our minds.
The universal idea of introverts being shy and not wanting to speak up is just a myth. Introverts often want to but don't have the tools to do so to excel in promoting themselves, not like extroverts.
But the Victory Formula helps introverts use their own, personal methodology to promote themselves in a way that is comfortable to them. It means that introverts don't have to put pressure on themselves to show up in a certain manner that may not feel authentic. Instead, they can network for the right reasons and feel confident in how they do so.
So let's get into what the Victory Formula really is.
V - Visions and Values
I - Intentions
C - Courage and Confidence
T - True Self
O - Obstacles
R - Rules
Y - Yes, You've Got This!
Visions and Values:
The first step in the Victory Formula is Visions and Values. This means working out why you're networking, what the purpose of it is and how you want to be remembered.
Think of the values in life that mean something to you and utilise them to convey yourself. Don't try to be what you think others want you to be.
Intentions:
This is slightly similar to Visions and Values. However, it focuses more on setting yourself some goals/missions that you want to achieve.
For instance, if you're at a networking event, make it a goal to get three different people's contact information. Or perhaps hand out a certain number of business cards.
Courage and Confidence:
This step in the Victory Formula is one of my favourites. Networking and approaching people you don't know can be scary. It takes courage for you to be able to make the initial interaction.
But once you've made it, your confidence will start to grow and the more you show up and network, the bigger your confidence will be.
True Self:
Life nowadays works in a way that carries expectations for everybody, whether it means we're expected to act a certain way or look a certain way etc.
However, the best version of ourselves that we can be is our true selves. Show up to an event as your true self and do the things you want to do. Don't force yourself to be extroverted and speak to as many people as possible; follow your intentions and use your visions and values to be your true self.
Obstacles:
There are obstacles in every aspect of life and for introverts, there are definitely some in the working world. But if you can identify and understand what the obstacles are, what your typical 'wobble moments' are and how you can manage them, it'll help you in the long run.
Rules:
This step doesn't only apply to the working environment and networking. No, it can work in every aspect of life.
As an introvert, create your own rules that'll help you overcome your fears and build that courage and confidence. For example, doing something every day that scares you, and it doesn't have to be a big task. It could just be phone calling someone instead of emailing them or sending them a text (I know I'm not a big fan of talking on the phone, haha!).
Yes, You've Got This:
Now this step isn't really something you can do. But it is something you can believe.
Have faith in yourself and believe you can achieve your goals and what you set out to do!
I hope if you're a fellow introvert, that the Victory Formula inspires you and can maybe help you in the networking industry.
Let me know if you have any more tips on how to succeed down below.
Until next time..
Really good advice and highlights why having a plan in place can be so beneficial in many different ways. The Victory Formula is essentially like a plan, it allows you to structure your thoughts, actions and how you reflect on them after. Self belief doesn't come easy to many, and we look at others who seem confident and act like a true extrovert as being unreachable, and yet they themselves may be introverts just handling the process already, with experience, and ultimately giving this false impression. Well done, very useful indeed!
I'd completely forgottten about this! I think this is a really good tool for introverts to use. It can be scary, but like you say, the more you do it, the more confident you'll feel. 😊
Brilliant advice 👍 and so glad this works for you. Hope it works for others too