Your inner awkward sixth grader will thank you

Picture this: It’s the sixth grade dance. The gym lights are down, and the music is on. You can hear Spandau Ballet coming from those scratchy, beat up speakers that your gym teacher propped up on the folding tables.

You are standing by the wall, right where the wrestling mats are hanging. Ew. And you are talking to…. No One.  UGH. 

‘Why did my mom make me go to this? I should have faked being sick again. I hate being here and knowing NOBODY and watching the gym teacher dance behind the DJ table, he’s so embarrassing.’

We remember, don’t we? We’ve all had some version of this experience, and it sucks. Just know that it can get better. I know this much is true. (did you catch that??)

Raise your hand if you’ve been to networking events that felt like this sixth grade dance. Look around at all the hands raised (mine’s up too, believe me). Nobody wants to be in a room, talking to people about the business and work you are SO passionate about, feeling like you don’t belong. Like it’s SO MUCH WORK to make these connections.

What’s the remedy then? Hide under the covers? I love that idea, but it won’t keep the lights on. Avoid networking at all costs? Ok, for one thing, that’s no fun. And also, that won’t keep the lights on either.

How about researching to see where your people are hanging out, and then going THERE? Do a little connecting and see where your ideal clients find themselves. Surf around on LinkedIn (or the platform where you find your peeps) and see what’s coming up. Virtual or in person, there are events out there for you. I promise.

Your inner sixth grader will come alive when you find yourself in the RIGHT rooms with the RIGHT people.  How great does it feel to be networking with the people that you want to be with? How great does it feel to know that when you leave with a handful of business cards, you’ll actually be excited to follow up and continue the conversation?

You want to be in the rooms where YOU can make an impact, find power partners, quality referrals and create relationships.

Leave behind that feeling of being alone, and not knowing what to do with yourself. You can find the events that fit. Consider your PLAN for networking - do you even go with a plan? Aha! There’s nothing wrong with making a plan! Decide who you want to meet. Think about the industries and power partners that you can make an impact on. I bet they’d make an impact on you, too. Figure out your STRATEGY. And do NOT forget the FOLLOW UP.* 

All the things.  And if you want to play Spandau Ballet in your car on the way there, you turn that mutha up. Belt it out, and walk in with confidence, ready to tackle networking head on.

If this sounds better than stinking gym dances, it should. It’s your business, you get to call the shots. Whatever soundtrack lights you up, go out there and get it. Show your expertise and share your service with the people that you are meant to be with. They’re out there, trust me.

*Look for another article on follow up. It’s important enough for its own article.

If you like this article and want to opt in to our mail list, we’d love to have you! You’ll find entertaining and informative emails in your inbox regularly, so check us out.  Contact | Susie Moon Business Consulting