Networking for Introverts

On Thursday, I attended a rather curious event. It was a networking event for introverts - a special one, because it was the third anniversary of the network. Needless to say, there was endless joking about how introverts and parties seem an unlikely combination.

For me, it certainly caught my attention and made me even more enthusiastic about attending. I'm glad I did.

I met the host, Mervin Yeo, and he told me that he has been in business networking for 16 years. As an introvert. Wow. You really have to enjoy it to be in it for so long.

Apart from Mervin, I met a few others. One of them, it turns out, is about to launch a co-authored book titled Because I'm Introvert I Triumph. It's a collection of stories from introverts who have used their traits to aid in their success.

When I told him that I am also an author, he very kindly said that he wished that he had met me earlier and that he would like me to contribute to the future editions of the book. Well, there will be a book launch of Because I'm Introvert I Triumph on the 25th of May. Pretty exciting stuff. You can be sure that I will be there.

So networking is a new game that I just got into, having never seen the appeal or need to do so before. I think I'll study it a little more before I get in deep. Isn't that just the most stereotypically introverted approach?

Loot from Another Book Sale

On Sunday, intending originally to go to an exhibition at Singapore Expo, I ended up at another Book Sale by MPH.

The thing about MPH book sales is that they don't exactly advertise them widely, so I tend to get there rather late. This time was no exception. By the time I walked about half the hall (filled with books of all sorts), it was nearly time for them to close the hall for the day.

Well, I still got a pretty good lot of books, one of which was fiction (surprise!). It was titled The Bees by Laline Paull. The reason I got interested in this novel was the fact that it was scientifically accurate. The author had obviously put in a good deal of time and effort to get her story lined up with science. That, coupled with her engaging writing style, got me binge-reading it. I finished it in less than 24 hours and I was pretty impressed by it.

Without spoiling the story, the setting is in a hive - a bee hive, obviously - and the characters are mainly bees, as well as other creatures like wasps, spiders and the like. The main character was a bee called Flora 717 and she (all worker bees are female) had quite a life due to her unusual nature.

The hive was run much like a totalitarian regime, with police and priestesses. The story explores societal classes, fanaticism and prejudice, as well as kindness, courage and community. Perhaps the insect world is not so different from ours after all.

Time to Get Moving

As my previous post has stated, this is a cooling down period for me. My major school projects for the beginning of the year are winding down, leaving a few weeks for me to do other things before I get busy at the end of May again.

So, what have I done? Honestly, not that much yet, because I've only just recovered from all the fatigue and settled all the piled-up administrative stuff that I've neglected for the past four months.

Starting this week, I will be ramping up the work that I need to put into my other projects, especially my book and my gem and jewellery stuff. I'm projecting to get as much done as possible before June, when I have projected my book to be sent for printing. I look forward to holding a physical copy in my hands!

On other fronts, I've been experimenting with Fiverr, I'm in discussion with a gaming company for a possible role as a presenter at their next event, I'm working on turning my ideas for education into realities and so on.

It's not all as hectic as running from school to school day after day, but it is mentally quite tiring. Thus, there must be time set aside for breathers and rest. 

Here we go!

Cooling Down Period

As the mad rush of the projects that erupted over the first four months of the year cools down, it's time to do some reflection, get some rest and prepare for the next phase of the year.

By the middle of the year, I plan to send The Introvert Teacher for printing. That means that I have to settle accounts with any potential sponsors, finish up my marketing materials (including my author photos), and plan the book launch. That's going to be rather exciting.

Apart from the book, I'm going to work on some gem and jewellery projects. The launch is projected to be somewhere around the third quarter, not too long after my book will be printed. Again, rather exciting!

I also intend to get some curriculum designed and I need to prepare for a two-week long school project at the end of May.

Freelancing isn't as relaxing as many people think it is. Without proper planning, it could easily become a mess. Here's to not messing it up!