Networking as an Introvert.
For those that know me personally, they know that it can take a bit to get my true personality to come to the surface. I consider myself an initial introvert until I truly get a chance to settle in to a relationship. The chances of me initiating a conversation are slim to none. I like my groups small and intimate and usually feel overwhelmed in larger crowds. When I first decided to start my own business I secretly hoped that everyone would magically know about me, that all of my dream clients would come flowing directly to me. Wishful thinking, I know.
The idea of networking honestly put my stomach in knots. Unfortunately all I kept hearing from everyone was that networking was necessary in order to get myself out there and build the relationships I was going to need. I was used to sitting behind the pen and paper and not having to show my face let alone have conversations with people I didn’t know
Babes in Business Breakfast Club at Spirit and Soul, Babylon NY
I had been following a local networking group for women owned businesses on Instagram for a while - admiring the events and the connections they had all seem to make - but from afar, the way I liked it. Buuut, eventually I spontaneously made myself buy a ticket to one of their events not really knowing what I was getting myself into. I contemplated asking one of my friends to come along with me but I knew this was something I should challenge myself to do alone. As I was driving to the event my heart was racing and my stomach was in knots but as badly as I wanted to turn around, I knew I had to do this. I walked into the event and immediately wanted to go home. I started to aimlessly walk around - visited with some of the vendors and checked out what they were offering. One woman came up to me and we had a nice conversation and I was so thankful for her and her bravery to approach me. Then the time came for her to move on & I found myself aimlessly walking around again. I recognized a few ladies from Instagram but couldn’t get up the nerve to go and talk to them. The woman who runs the networking group spotted me and could tell that I was ‘lost’. She came up to me and asked me my name and what I did and we had a very nice conversation. I admitted that this was my first event which she clearly could tell & why she sought me out. I met a few more ladies and listened to a very inspiring panel of speakers as the night went on. After leaving the event, I was so happy that I had stuck it out.
I learned a few things from that event.
I can do hard things.
Networking doesn’t have to be as scary as it may seem.
You aren’t the only person in the room that is nervous.
Not all networking events are the same & you will learn which ones are right for you.
Since going to this event, I have been to many more events this group puts on but I have decided to go to more intimate events rather than the larger ones. I am more at ease at these events - getting to know smaller groups one bit at a time. They are more my speed.
I have settled in nicely to this group & have met some truly amazing people. I am no longer scared, I actually can’t wait for the next events to be scheduled.
Networking doesn’t have to be scary - you just have to find what and who is right for you!
