This morning I had the
opportunity to attend a networking event put on by The Chamber at the new Main Street Theatre in downtown Kansas City. Basically, it was a meet and greet over coffee and breakfast for professionals in the area who wanted to advance their careers and get their name out. I walked in not knowing what to expect... the surroundings were fabulous though... everyone was dressed sharply... I was given a name tag and info... but alas, I was left at the entrance completely on my own. I stood facing a glitzy room of chattering people, all in their own little circles and I realized bleakly how impossible it would be for me to just start "networking"... a term always spoken of as if it were the easiest thing in the world. Its so not. I was terrified. The feeling of
"I'm not experienced enough to be in this sort of situation" came to mind. It also didn't help that I was, for certain, the youngest person there.
Megan, you're so ridiculous!... I chided myself.
Pull yourself together... you're in your power heels after all... So first things first... I got some coffee. It was boiling hot. I really hadn't thought things through because suddenly my arms were full of literature, a sweater draped over an arm that I had decided to take off, and now I have a cup of coffee to juggle as well.
Smooth. I felt kind of trapped. Even if I wanted to network, I wouldn't have a hand to shake with and that always makes conversations start off awkwardly. Oh but then all of my problems were magically solved when some guy bumped into me and I spilled my high temperature hot coffee on my papers... on my sweater... and on my dress. Perfect. Probably one of my favorite outfits in the world too... both articles of clothing came from Spain and its not often that I can say that I have clothes from Spain.
Sigh. I smiled and told him it was no big deal... you know...
just write a check for about $3,000 so I can fly back over to Seville to buy replacements at Zara's please... Right then and there I could have shrunk back and become a permanent wallflower... or I could have just turned around and left, but I'm trying to be braver so I stayed put. Soon enough, my eyes made contact with one gentleman and I walked up to him and put my hand out. He was from The Kansas City Star (local newspaper) and we started conversing. We had a great time actually and exchanged business cards. Another guy came up to talk to that guy... and we three were talking. First guy left. Second guy stayed put. Third guy came up to talk with second guy. Second guy left. Third guy stayed put. Fourth guy came up to talk with third guy. Third guy stayed put. Fourth guy stayed put. Fifth guy came along and talked with 3rd and 4th and me. Why did I ever think networking was hard?!
Lol I just basically stood there and people came up to me. It was quite nice actually. Of course it took that one courageous moment of walking up to start it all.
Its been an interesting month as I have been in many social settings where I had to really put myself out there by walking up to complete strangers to say hi and
somehow make it go smoothly. Tough job! In one week, I attended two pre-reception cocktail and hors doeuvres hours where I didn't know a soul because either my guest hadn't shown up yet or those I did know weren't able to make it. And then there's the ever-wonderful situation of attending a wedding and only knowing one person there: the bride's mother. Who, of course, is busy with bridal things. I had to learn how to work a room filled with a sea of unfamiliar faces and how to fill an entire hour doing so. Amazingly... I ended up making a success of it and loving every minute. Besides, what does being a wallflower accomplish? It only shows the other individuals in the room that you're not confident enough to introduce yourself to strangers. As one Starbucks cup quoted: "Just say hi. They may ignore you or you may marry them. The possibility is worth it."
It certainly was :) I ended up meeting VIPs... presidents and CEO's of various organizations and corporations. Writers. Journalists. Owner's of restaurants (all who offered me a free drink at their restaurant next time I pop in. If I were the sort of person who did that I would never be thirsty again lol). I was frequently asked for my business cards. I got a photography job. I found many possible clients. I have a future coffee-meet planned with a lawyer who works with the U.N... I wanted to hear all about that job of course! :) I have freelance graphic design opportunities. Also got a possible job assisting an archivist with digitizing WWI memorabilia (newspapers, diaries, letters, etc.). Mainly though, I simply enjoyed getting to meet some fantastic people who shared their tremendous life stories :)
Really... its amazing the type of contacts you can make when you just go up to people and say hello. It could be at a coffee shop or a store... a party or at the gas station at the pump next to yours. The possibilities are quite endless and I'm already amazed at how much more confident I feel after having been in these situations.
After all... how do I expect to one day be an Ambassador when I can't muster up enough courage to just say hello to strangers? Smiling strangers at that...
And having on black high-heeled shoes really does make a world of difference... ;)
Comments (24)
this absolutely-completely-entirely encouraged me. thank you.
I am sure you'll make a good Ambassador someday
@oaxacaborn - Aw! I'm so glad :d
I'm still trying to get over my shyness... so I'm in constant need of encouragement myself
Wow! thats fantastic. Congratulations. Working with the WWI memorabilia sounds like a dream come true. However, all the oportunities sound great.
My sister once told me that in college George Bush would know the names of everyone at a party of 100 people by the time he left.
At the very least, I think you can make ambassador.
@StrokeofThought - Haha! Philip... you are wonderful :) You've made my day.
That is a neat tid-bit about Bush. I now have a new goal.
And thank you for recommending
@CdllcEnthus - Thank you!
I hope so.
@phatboybruce - I know... its such a perfect job! I'm a huge history buff. I could barely breath when he mentioned the job possibility actually... ;)
@londonsgirl - Thats great! When it comes to fruition let me know how it goes. I'm hopefully bound for an internship at the Holocaust museum, hopefully I'll be doing similarly interesting projects, that or I'll opt to be a tour guide. ;)
Great post.
Heheee! We've never met. But boy I feel like I'm rapidly getting to know you just reading your posts!! If you ever come to Tryon, NC. Stop By for Tea and meet my Family. I have a lovely wife of 24 yrs., 5 beautiful kids ( the oldest one is married and gone. ) I like meeting "nice" Friendlypeople. And If you never met a Mennonite.....Ha! Here is your chance.
hey megan those are really great situations, glad you seem to be thriving in them... i know going up and saying hi normally works in those situation...not sure about the power heels for me though...
@cd2078 - Well I'm "surviving" them at any rate. lol But I definitely am starting to feel more confidence in these situations :)
I think for men... it would be called a power suit
@huntwest - Well thank you, sir! lol Actually I have met many Mennonites before. But I'll keep your NC invite in mind
@phatboybruce - The Holocaust Museum in D.C.?
Impressive. Airplanes are another place where I find myself making the most unexpected, but good, contacts.
It's amazing what can happen when we muster up the courage to come out of our comfort zone's. this is a really encouraging post. :)
That was very inspiring to read. Sometimes, the only one who knows you feel awkward is you, and you just have to hide it. I'm beginning to think that sometimes you just have to act the way you want to be before it can become second nature.
This is so encouraging! I'm horribly shy and awkward in company, but am slowly trying to overcome it, to just jump in somewhere and see what happens. That Starbucks quote is excellent! And I'm sorry about your outfit from Spain :-\
By the by, I have no idea where the clip/quote was from. I stumbled across the picture on the internet somewheres
Yeah, I wouldn't mind working in one of the other holocaust museums, like in Israel or maybe the one in Berlin, but the one in D.C. is one of the highest acclaimed and I've had my eye on it for a while. I am not sure exactly what I'll do for sure. I'm keeping my options open, I have perhaps too many plans.
What are some of your plans for the future? when do you expect to graduate?
@phatboybruce - Oo... I've been to the one in Israel. Its phenomenal! But honestly... the one in D.C. is the best. Hope you make it there!
I'm graduating this summer with a degree in Graphic Imaging Design... then I'll be continuing that education this fall but focusing more on economics, journalism, and political science. My graphic design education is more so that I can always have a freelance business on the side. Its something I enjoy and can fall back on. I'm applying to many internships in D.C. for next spring and summer... after that, we'll see. I'd absolutely love to live and work in DC as a conservative leader in some capacity. And then of course, hopefully, one day... being an ambassador. lol
I have many plans too
@JadedJanissary - I really like airplane meets as well. I would rather sit next to someone than in a row alone.
Having a freelance business on the side sounds like a smart plan, and fun, you can always do something you love. I've always been weary of economics in my studies. I thought it would be worth while at one point and tried to read a couple of books on the subject, but failed at becoming interested in the subject in itself. It interest me in how it effects politics and history, but beyond that I lose interest. I still want to learn more.
I have been swaying through my interests for a career. But there is no reason I see to pick just one. I plan on doing missions in Africa, God's given me a heart for the contininent, children, and honestly my heart and mind for adventure draw me as well. It's a perfect combination for me to go, at least in my mind. I'm a History Major and Political Science minor, so I would love to do hands on work in those fields, hence the Holocaust Museum. Also working on some Entertainment business interest on the side. Who knows what might come of this.
But I think my overall priority after graduation is to go with AIM on the mission trip, get started.
From what I've read of your blog you'd make a convincing and classy leader in the political world. Ambassador may not be too far off ;) Good luck with graduation this summer. I'll graduate in May. Maybe I'll see you in D.C. Where are you going to school? Will you continue school at the same university?
Have a great night.
Phillip
yea..I'm kind of bad at meeting new people. I can do it, socialize with random strangers, but it's usually when I have to do it out of social obligation. I really hate small talk though