CIP025: Should I Go To This Networking Event? (Tips for Indecisive Introverts)

Should I stay or should I go? I can never decide! I don’t meet the right people at networking events. I go to events but I feel so awkward there I don’t feel like I make a good impression. I sign up to events but end up bailing at the last minute because I can’t bear to go. I’ve been there. In fact, I was there just last night. There are lots of events where I live - currently Brighton - and coming from London, there were even more! I could very easily go to something every night of the week. But. I’m aware that I’m an introvert. Why would I put myself through that hell? Last night for example I had to do a real costs/benefits analysis on the bloody thing before I worked out I was running late and that gave me the permission to stay home. Whoops. What I am also aware of the value of meeting new people. Talking to people about my work. Offering advice and may be landing a new client. Or making a new friend, a business partner, someone to collaborate with on an exciting project. Fair enough if you get all your clients and customers from a site like Upwork or Fiverr or even your own website - but I’ll be honest: the biggest and best opportunities I’ve ever had? All started with meeting someone - yes - face to face. Now this isn’t true for 100% of the time and I promise I will do a podcast on the most introvert-friendly ways of landing new clients and connecting with collaborators and reaching customers - I will! But today I just want to help you with that age old introvert question that comes up when we’re tempted to go to a real life in person event. In this week's episode of the Creative Introvert Podcast, I'm helping you answer that age-old introvert question: Should I stay or should I go? I discuss: One of the biggest myths about networking events Kevin Bacon How to work out your ideal networking outcome My one principle for expanding my comfort zone What you can do before the event to make it easier to go How to make a game plan My go-to game plan How to assess your energy levels The best mindset to be in   Links mentioned: 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon Wildfire Women 2017 My Energy Ledger method