Is Your Fear of Networking Sabotaging Your Career? with Jocelyn Chong.

Welcome to Public Speaking with Peter George. Do you want to be calm, confident, and credible every time you speak in public? Then stay tuned as we discuss public speaking tips, techniques, and tactics that help you increase your impact, influence, and income.

Jocelyn Chong is an internationally recognized networking specialist, four-time number-one international bestselling author, high-performance sales speaker, and coach with over 20 years of experience leading multiple eight-figure businesses and building high-performance sales teams in the banking and finance sectors. Here's my conversation with Jocelyn Chong.

The Biggest Myth About Networking

Peter: Let's start with what's a common myth about networking.

Jocelyn: The first thought that comes to mind with the word "networking" is that you're going in there to sell — to get something. You buy a ticket, show up, introduce yourself to strangers, talk about your business, and hope something converts into leads. But what has shifted in recent years is that networking can be intentional for both parties — genuinely meaningful and converting to high-quality introductions that impact your bottom line. If you have 100 people at a networking event and everyone wants to sell something, and no one wants to buy anything, that doesn't work.

What Intentional Networking Looks Like

Jocelyn: Being part of a book collaboration project is a powerful example. You're sharing a journey with 22 to 30 other authors. You're writing a chapter of your story, giving the audience a taste of who you are. Podcasting is another powerful form of networking — you get to share your stories, build a relationship with the host, and find ways to collaborate and add value to each other. These are intentional, relationship-first approaches that go far beyond handing someone your card.

Shifting from Selling to Serving

Jocelyn: The intentional networker asks: how can I serve you? What are your current challenges? And then thinks about who in their network might have the solution — or whether they have it themselves. They introduce the idea without shoving it. People can feel that energy. When you show up with a heart of service, you stand out in all the right ways. It's about listening, inquiring, discovering, being attentive and genuinely interested — not leading with your product features and your package.

Advice for Introverts and Shy Networkers

Jocelyn: You're speaking to my old self. The shy, introverted person — that was me. What I learned is that it is something you can learn. Start small, because everything you can improve by 1% makes you 1% better. I listened to podcasts, attended workshops, read books, joined Toastmasters. Then I started saying yes before I was ready — to speaking opportunities, to committees where I could volunteer and contribute my perspective. And I always sought feedback from people who were 50 steps ahead of me — not just to receive it, but to implement it. That's where the magic is.

Building the Muscle — Online Before In-Person

Jocelyn: If you're shy, start with an online networking event. You're in the comfort of your own home. Once you've built that muscle, find a local event where you can meet people in person — shake hands, make eye contact, join a smaller group, and ask questions. Don't be discouraged if it doesn't go as expected the first time. The more you show up, the better you get. Watch how the people who seem at ease carry themselves. Ask them about their journey. You'll find that most of them had to work at it too.

Peter: One benefit of doing it virtually at the beginning — you can put sticky notes on your computer with reminders or key things you want to say.

Jocelyn: Absolutely. Prepare a 100-word bio of who you are and what you stand for, so when you're asked those questions, you're not tongue-tied. Then record yourself on video — a 60-second talk. Watch it back. See where you can improve your eye contact, your warmth, your energy. Do it 12 or 20 times and you'll begin to embody the message. When you finally show up to an event, it will feel natural.

Peter: Jocelyn, where can listeners connect with you?

Jocelyn: You can find me on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and my website. I'd love to connect with you, see how I can be of service, and be part of your network.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Public Speaking with Peter George. Are you ready to be calm, confident, and credible every time you speak in public? Then visit petergeorgepublicspeaking.com and let's make it happen. I'll see you next time.