Networking is not something that everyone is comfortable
with. For some, they would rather go to
the dentist than go networking. But what
if you changed the perspective on networking?
Instead of it being something to dread or fear, start by taking one small
step at a time.
I remember a few years back when my life changed
significantly. Networking was not
something I kept up with since care giving and other issues were
priorities. Previously I had been very
active networking and also volunteered on various committees.
When it was time to reach out and get more involved building
my network, I registered for an event. It wasn’t as easy as I expected. I felt so out of place and nervous. I talked myself into staying by using positive
affirmations to overcome the terror I felt.
This was one of those events where each participant gets up to
introduce themselves to the whole group. There were approximately 40 entrepreneurs and
business owners. Would you believe, I
even had a hard time saying my name! But
the cost of not networking was bigger than the fear.
From experiencing the resistance and seeing the same
apprehension with my clients, it inspired me to produce a workshop called “Fearless
Networking” with various tag lines. The
workshop is very interactive and a place for others to design their networking
style as they grow their network.
It isn’t that
networking is difficult, it is getting past the fear and being comfortable when
being uncomfortable.
We have too much trash in our heads filling us with detours
to our desires. We listen to the wrong
messages like:
- What will people think of me?
- I don’t know what to say?
- I have to have the “perfect” introduction.
- I won’t do it right.
- Networking doesn’t work.
- People don’t care
- I am not dressed right.
If you are interested in building your career, your
business, your social life, or some cause you believe in, networking is definitely
a route to take. There are numerous
ways to build your network. From these
venues you can develop your own personal networking style.
Networking works!
“What makes networking
work is that it sets up win-win
situations in which all parties involved get to take something
home. Networking is a sharing process. Until you understand
that, you won’t have much of a network."
– Earl G. Graves, Sr.
situations in which all parties involved get to take something
home. Networking is a sharing process. Until you understand
that, you won’t have much of a network."
– Earl G. Graves, Sr.
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