Make a professional impression as an introvert

Make a professional impression as an introvertThese days, simply showing up to work and doing a good job is unfortunately not enough to succeed in the work world. If you want to build a successful career, its important to create a personal brand that defines you professionally. Then, you have to sell yourself. Its a lot, right? And the trouble is, if you think of yourself as an introvert, you really hate putting yourself out there like that. Youd rather hide your light under your bushel and stay under your comfy little jupe and have it all happen for you. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) Never fear its possible to set yourself up with a great brand without making yourself feel super awkwardeven if youre super introverted. Read on to find out how.Let social media work for you.It doesnt take any human interaction to set yourself up with killer profiles on all the social media sites. Keep them fresh and up-to-date. Make them representative o f your personal style. You can do all this from the comfort of your own couch, in your pajamas. Then, you can try a few fancy tricks like signing up for Twitter chats or LinkedIn groups to join the most current conversations in your industry and get your name out there.Have a script.If youre prone to clam up in social situations, have an elevator pitch ready to go that you feel confident and comfortable delivering wherever you need to. But beyond that, you can script mora of your social interactions if it helps. Draft a standard greeting or opener that you can turn to whenever you feel awkward in an overwhelming room and practice it until it comes naturally. Maybe its just an interesting question you ask every new person you meet, or a succinct summary of your job title and main responsibilities for networking events. Memorizing an intro might feel forced, but at least youll have some conversation starters ready so you never feel at a loss for words.Choose your marks.Be strategicmak e a game plan ahead of time for networking and other work events. How many people do you want to meet? How many contacts do you need to rack up? Then, be more specific about who exactly you want to meet and why. Setting targets for yourself ahead of time can turn the whole thing into a project with an end point. Once you hit your quota and meet your big fish? You can go homeFollow up and stay in touch.Touching base after youve honigwein someone is the classy thing for everyone to do, and its easy because you dont need to do it in person. If you felt you made a weird impression on someone, shoot them an email or a note to keep the door open. Many introverts feel at their most charming when behind the screen. Take the time to type out exactly what you wish you had said.Do it your way.If something feels totally uncomfortable, you can only force yourself out of your comfort zone a little bit. If you try to take giant leaps, or to completely go against your instincts, youll be miserable and everyone will be able to tell. Realistically, what are your social limits? Define them for yourself. Then, work within them at first. Once you gain a level of comfort at this first level, slowly branch out. Then do it again. Networking and self-promotion are skills you must nurture and growif it takes you longer than your extrovert peers, so be it. Youll get there.

How to Stretch Your Summer Savings

How to Stretch Your Summer Savings Share Share via TwitterShare via FacebookShare via Google PlusShare via LinkedInShare via E-mail Summertimein college isthe best. Its one of the last times in your life that you will have a long stretch of timeoff to do as you please. Oftentimes,summeralso means getting a job to fund living expensesfor theschool year.Stretching your summer savings to make sure they last through the school year can be a challenge. Even though you worked all summer, you may have a modest nest egg. Concerts, nights outand trips must all be carefully considered.Lets look at some ideas to stretch those hard-earned summer camp dollars.Create a budgetThe first step to financial planning is learning how to budget. One way to budget is to divide your savings over the amount of time you need them to last. Factor in breaks and vacations, including the month-long winter break.Look at what you have. Is it enough for all of your expenses? Do you need a job or internship this year to help supplement your summer haul? If so, better to start planning now then to scramble for a job when the money runs out.Find on- and off-campus jobsthrough Student Employment, or read morabudgeting tips from CU Money Sense.Avoid big purchases orbuy usedWe all have that friend who spends the majority of their summer savings in the first month of school. Dont be that person.If you need some new outdoor gear, a computer, caror another big-ticket item, shop for used items on Craigslist, eBayand through word of mouth. You can typically save well over 50 percent offthe list price by picking up gently used items. Developing the habit of shopping for used items now will save you lots of money in the future.Seek out free, low-cost activitiesMany activities on campus and in town are free for students. Hiking, for one. Movies on campus. Many campus organizations offer free meals to attend one of their events, and you can learn something cool in the processGet involvedJoin a club, assume a leadership role, work a campus job, volunteer, attend an event, go to the gym, or play an intramural sport (potential fee involved for intramuralsports). By staying busy, activeand engaged youll hardly miss spending money to have fun and youll be bettering yourself for future employment opportunities.CU Money Senseis your campus resource tohelpwith budgeting, student loans, debt, saving, credit, investingand evenretirement planning. CategoriesMoney SenseTagsMoney Sense