3 Tips To Survive Networking Events For Writers
If you're a writer like me, you're most likely and introvert.I know all of us aren't, but for the most part we are.We were kids who liked playing make believe, writing stories about non-existent worlds or characters who only existed in our minds. Then we became adults and that same thing carried over. Now were fiction writers, writing about complex characters who sometimes exist in made up worlds.
Cool, right?!
Most of us writers would rather sit at home with a glass of wine, and our laptop than go explain to a group of people what it is that we do and what that book we wrote is about.Coming up this month, I have two different opportunities to attend networking events. I am not only a writer/author, I am also an entrepreneur. In addition to being an author, I also sell handmade goods and vintage items on Etsy.
However, I usually avoid networking events like the plague.
I mean it's not that I don't like people...it's just I really hate being put on the spot!I get all twitchy, figit-y and uncomfortable in large social scenes as it is. I am getting better at it, but to have to speak or be put on the spot I get sweaty and sometime my mind goes blank honestly.My husband is the total opposite...he is a social kind of guy. So I went to him and told him about my slight social anxiety problem and he gave me the following tips that I thought I'd share with you all...Don't think about it so much- My husband tells me that I often overthink stuff. But he gets my personality. I'm just naturally shy. But getting out amongst actual people is a great way to meet others that do the same thing you do. If you don't think about it so much and mull over it and (try to find silly excuses like I did) you'll just "Do It" like Nike.Put on your heels or flats and give it a go- dress up, make it fun! Be yourself! If some ask a difficult or annoying question try to be personable and just answer to the best of your ability, then laugh about it later. You can never beat yourself up for being YOU! Try and relax...enjoy some good 'ol real human interaction - It's difficult for some of us. Online is easy! But there's nothing like seeing a persons actual reaction on their face when you tell them what you do.Do you like networking? Social settings? How do you handle it? Comment!Until next time...