Recently I’ve been to a few events where networking and making online friends or meeting online friends for the first time is the ultimate goal. It’s just recently that I’ve given in to the fact that this is important for my business but also for me as a person.
Now that I work from home running my own business I no longer have coworkers. The nice thing about having people around to talk to is that you can quickly and easily vent any frustrations your having, brainstorm ideas, make plans for the weekend, collaborate, and so on. For me having coworkers was both business and pleasure as a lot of them were close friends of mine. Working from home I’m sort of cut off from both (and the fact that I live super far away from most of my friends and family).
It’s taken me a while to change my thinking and realize that other bloggers and handmade shop owners can be my new coworkers. And the best way for me to connect with them is at live events where I can get to know the person behind the persona if you will. I struggle connecting online because I get so easily overwhelmed with all the different social media outlets and all the bloggers and shop owners I feel like I should be following. For now anyhow I’ve decided to try and narrow my prospects to people I’ve met in person and had a connection with. This gives me motivation to continue getting to know them and hopefully form some relationships and friendships.
It’s really been forcing me out of my comfort zone though, I’ll be honest. Being so new at this networking thing I often times feel like I should know more ahead of time. I’ve tried to not let that stop be though because I will always feel like I should know more and I can bet you I’m not the only one. It’s totally fine to learn as I go. Also I sometimes get intimidated in larger crowds. I feel silly walking up to a group of women that seem to know each other and attempt to join in.
It also brings up a lot of self doubt. I wonder if I’m interesting enough or if I’m letting my true personality come through. Sometimes I feel like my work isn’t good enough or important enough. I think my blog has no focus (maybe it doesn’t). I’m trying my best to turn these thoughts around because if I don’t believe in what I’m doing then why should anyone else.
I’m getting better but it’s a constant struggle and a never ending learning curve.
What’s been on your mind lately?
