True Confessions of Networking Fears

Some people enter a room of strangers with no trepidation. For the rest of us, we feel a little jittery. Or maybe it’s just me.

I was content to “network” via my computer from the safety of my desk chair. I’m quite charming and clever when I craft an email. Introducing myself in the flesh to people I’ve never met is not my strong suit. But my biz coach instructed me to get out there in person and start telling people what I do.

Lucky for me, people are interested in books, editing, and publishing. I discovered that I didn’t have to talk about me, I talk about what I do. It’s fun to share client success stories and to hear what lights up other people for their book ideas.

One networking group that I’ve fallen in love with is Engaging Speakers (I go to the Chicagoland locations). Now when I walk in the room, I know several folks and am delighted to meet more. I’ve become a resource partner and have been asked to be a mentor. With a new website in the works, they asked me to share, via video, my reasons for joining the group. Jared Silver of At A Glance Marketing did the videos for Engaging Speakers and then did some edits and provided me a short video to use on my own website.

Ah, the power of networking. When we give, we get.

When we are grateful, we get more. Jared recently sent this email to his subscribers highlighting Birth That Book. Pretty groovy.

It is said that we all have a book inside of us. That we have a unique message, skill, or expertise and… a responsibility to share it with others. Go ahead – admit it. You’ve been thinking about writing that book for years, but you’ve had lots of reasons for putting off… repeatedly. Well, it’s time you put your passion to paper. My colleague, Kelly Epperson, will help you “Birth That Book!” Becoming a published author will transform your life.

Yes, books transform your life and your business. The moral of my story here today, a common theme that needs repeating, is that even when we are scared, when we go anyway, good things come. If you are nervous to go to networking events, go. Be interested in what others do. That’s the bottom line. Take the focus off you and your not-so-polished elevator pitch, and just get out there. Don’t shove your business card and don’t try to sell anyone anything. Just go. Chat. Listen. Follow up.

Find groups that are a good fit for your biz and your style. Some groups are stuffy. Some groups are pushy. Many groups are wonderful.

So inhale and exhale, and put yourself out there. If you are someone who thinks I’m nuts for being nervous in new situations, so be it. For the rest who get a little bit of the sweaty palm syndrome, know that after the first time, it’s not a new situation anymore. And know that a few months down the road, you will be amazed at all the clients, connections, and goodwill that comes.

If you are nervous to write your book, do it anyway. Take one small baby step. A few months down the road, you will be amazed at all the clients, connections and goodwill that comes.

Ah, the power of words.