Hey guys!
I hope you’re well!
When I was little, I was a stage five leg clinger. I was shy, and I was scared of the big, bad world. True story, I would bite people, just so they’d go away. I now recognise this, in myself, as being an introvert. Now, I don’t like categorising myself, but I think it’s important to understand who we are, and being okay with that, when we’re in any social situation.
That’s great Josie, but why are you telling me this? I’m telling you this, because I know how it is, to be in social situations, now that I am an adult, and how this is a continual effort, and one that we must face, the confidence to put ourselves in networking situations, when we’re our own advocate.
In order to put our best foot forward, it’s important to acknowledge that we’re all feeling the same way, in these situations.
This was a great meetup hosted by Jomar, who’s in his last year at JMC, Ultimo, this was a great, low key meetup that broke us all away from the screens, and had us working as a team to create solutions. Hot chocolate and lollies didnt hurt, haha.
The more I’ve put myself forward, to be part of the design community, AGDA, for example, the more I understand how I function, and how I can improve, encourage, and inspire. Recently, I was in a situation, when I came with someone to an event, they left after the talk, and I was there, with a choice, between eu Deaves, and a room full of people, or getting on the next train home, to where I was comfortable, and I knew the outcome of my actions.
In that moment, I had a choice, and I chose the step that would set me on a path in the right direction. I wouldn’t have met the beautiful Audrey, who is essentially my spirit animal, a talented illustrator, and a bubbly personality to match. This is the connection I might have never had, If I chose what was comfortable.
AGDA’S Where to From Here talk was great! This was my first talk I’d ever been to, and I ended up swallowing my fear, and asking a question. phew!
Since I’ve started taking this road, I’ve collected amazing people along the way, that I can call friends, and a growing sense of community, amongst like-minded people, and I did have fear, all the way! But we all feel it, and it’s a part of growing as a person, professionally and personally. Are you clinging to the leg of fear? Or are you stepping up, and using your own, to step up, create beautiful connections, and be proud of all that you are? You may be that person, that inspires someone to achieve more, that models the behaviour they aspire to!
This is where I’ve been able to go, since I’ve swallowed the fear, and put myself out there! Here I am, on stage, at The Design Conference, in front of 700 people! Crazy! But, i wouldn’t call it luck, I put in the work. That morning, I set my intentions, exercised, and took a chance!
also, if you’re nervous, just say so! Im sure everyone else is feeling it, too! And there is no need to act, or talk a certain way, just bring yourself to the equation, because you already have everything you ever needed. Also, if you see me at any events, come and say hi! Id love to meet you!
Tips
Sit next to somebody and introduce yourself, there’s nothing to lose
Always always always bring your business cards, you never know who you might meet!
Do some exercise beforehand, exercise is great, because it’ll wake you up, if the event is in the afternoon, or night, it’ll get your feel good chemicals pumping, and you’ll get some exercise! Nothing to lose
Set an intention for how you want to turn up, because when you’re intentional, you won’t get caught up with your emotions
You don’t need to talk constantly, just join a group, listen, and add in, when you’ve got something to say. It always helps to think before you talk!
Do some preparation before you go - I always google to people talking, so I can get a good idea of who they are, and what I can ask them, before - preparation nips nerves in the bud!
If all else fails, bring a friend, call it training wheels, then build up for the next time!
Add people on your socials, it’s particularly advantageous right after the event, as you’ll be front of mind!
Talk about your craft, people love to see your eyes light up when you talk about your passions, trust me.
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