The tattoo on my arm says, find comfort in the uncomfortable. It is my constant reminder that growth happens when you push yourself into the uncomfortable. You probably don’t need to run headfirst into it like I do, but you have to put yourself out there. Oh, and there is a REALLY good chance it’s gonna be super cringe. (I stole this from a Gen Z; he knows who he is)
My very first networking event ever was an Econ Club lunch at the Amway Hotel. Talk about intimidating. I was the only young person and female at the table, there were more utensils than I had hands and what the fuck water was even mine? They also served bone in chicken, which in no way was I gonna eat.
Side note: Who has time for a 2+ hour lunch in the middle of the day? Don’t ya’ll have work to do?
My point is, that easily could’ve been the end of my networking career. It would’ve been a hell of a lot easier to avoid all luncheons, breakfasts, receptions for the rest of my life. Unfortunately, I had some pretty big plans for myself; which was going to require people knowing my name. I new I had to show up, talk with other humans, and embrace the awkward…the awkward being me.
I say this all the time, but it bears repeating, “It’s not who you know, it’s who knows you.” If people can’t find you, then how will they know you? You have to show up – online and in-person.
One of the attendees at the last Big Deal Energy workshop joined Toastmasters, which I thought was just for old people. The irony of typing that and realizing I am the old person…ANYWAYS.
She joined to get more comfortable in front of crowds, become a better public speaker and to expand her network. What I love SO MUCH about this is most people would stop there but she then volunteered for the board PR position. Why? BECAUSE it isn’t just about meeting people, it’s about adding value; when you do that (well), people notice and other good shit comes your way.
If you get involved cause it makes you look good and don’t show up to events, meetings or do the things you say you’re gonna – you are a jerk…and your personal brand will reflect this.
Part of Big Deal Energy is to share or create a mantra, or tattoo on your arm – whatever floats your boat. Hers was: do it anyway.
I love this, because your brain, that voice in your head will give you a thousand reasons not to do the thing that scares you.
Do it anyway.
Ask yourself what makes you uncomfortable. Is it walking into a networking event alone? Is it finally starting that podcast (ask me about Everyone Hates Gen Z)? Is it asking for the promotion?
Whatever it is; do it anways.
On the other side of the discomfort is the person you are trying to become. It is where growth happens and opportunity lives.
Go find it.
Register for the next Big Deal Energy™️ workshop and I’ll show you how.
