Personal Networking Experience

      I use to shy from networking, never thinking I was good enough to be in a room with 'professionals' - they wouldn't take me serious. I didn't know what types of professionals would be there, would they judge me and shrug me off? For me to stand up- even for a short moment- introducing myself, business name, and what I do- would I mess it up? If only they could be one on one, then again, that could have its downfalls too.

     My first networking event was quite daunting- at least the parts leading up to my introduction. You see, my dad talked me into going, reassuring me that my schooling, and experience was paying off. He reminded me that if everyone I knew had the faith in my abilities then I needed to do the same. He also mentioned that the group was normally small and easy going. so speaking in front of them shouldn't be too hard.

     As is the story of my life, nothing is as simple, or as easy, as one would think. This so called small group (3-5) was at a record breaking number the day I went. Go figure. Two long tables, chairs all around, with a sold 24 people or more. OYE! The part I feared the most of introducing myself, as I mentioned before, came around, but to my surprise my intro just rolled off my tongue and impressed the whole crowd.

     It felt good to see the positive reactions, and watch their expressions. My 40 second infomercial was over soon enough and I could sit easy. My future networking meetings have gotten a little easier. I still get that 'anxiety' that bubbles up, but it passes soon enough each time. From these meetings is where the 1 on 1 meetings come into play, and as you have read or seen attached to my website, many of these people are great to work with and thus are displayed for all to see! "Affiliate Websites"

     Anyhoo, at least the group networking gives you an introduction to others so you can figure out to whom you wish to meet up with later. This way they are not a complete stranger.

      In the end, I have found that networking is the strongest foundation to promoting your business. It will be your greatest advantage. Building those working relationships with others is what will make you memorable. The more you network, the more you get your name out there, and the more your name is out there, the better the job opportunities.