DROP YOUR WALLS & CONNECT AUTHENTICALLY

Do you have the guts to be authentic?

We hear this word everywhere these days, Authentic.

Living authentically. Being our authentic selves. Speaking with authenticity.

What does it look like to be authentic? Or perhaps more importantly, how do we tune-in to when we are not being authentic so we can uncover any insecurities we feel we need to hide behind a mask of inauthenticity? And how does this change the way we network and the connections we make?

Inauthenticity when networking will feel fake. Like we are putting up a false bravado or hiding what we feel we lack. It makes it difficult to connect and creates a wall between us and the outside world.

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” - Theodore Roosevelt

I don’t know anyone who doesn't feel inferior and lacking when comparing themselves to others. We feel the need to put those walls up and act bigger than what we believe we are in order to fit in and be accepted. To not be "found out".  And that’s not fun. In fact, that creates pressure, compounds insecurities, hinders our ability to connect, relate and build relationships. We block beneficial and rich connections, opportunities, and creative collaborations.

What would it feel like if we dropped that wall and learned to be comfortable in our own skin? What if we stopped comparing ourselves to others or focusing on our perceived weaknesses. Dare we stop tallying up these little strikes against ourselves and instead embrace our strengths, our talents, our passions, and let ourselves shine when connecting.

What would happen if we decided to be confident?

“When you have confidence, you can have a lot of fun. And when you have fun, you can do amazing things.”

- Joe Namath

Confidence and knowing your value, your talents, and what makes you brilliant allows you connect with others and align with the synchronicities in life.

Why?

Because when you move through your life knowing who you are and the awesomeness you bring to this world you open up to connecting with others, being real, having fun, and living authentically. Life begins to flow in your direction.

"An open heart opens doors."

So I ask again, do you have the guts to live authentically?

Below are a few questions to ask yourself. I encourage you to grab a journal and sit with these questions. Think about how these questions apply to social, professional, and networking events you’ve attended in the past. Reflect on situations, conversations, or presentations you’ve experienced. Ask yourself how you felt, what you were hiding, and how the situation might have been different had you approached it from a place of confidence….of authenticity.

1. Have you been feeling pressured to impress people?
2. Do you feel insecure about, and focus on, what you lack?
3. Do you ever feel disconnected or like you're only half engaged with people?
4. Do you attend events where you feel out of your element or like an outsider?
5. What would it feel/look like if YOU were 100% confident and authentic?
6. When and where do you feel most confident and comfortable?
7. What are you most proud of?
8. What are your strengths or unique skill sets?
9. What do you most like to do outside of work?
10. What do you like most about meeting new people?

Use these questions to move you from a place of insecurity and inauthenticity towards a more confident, authentic YOU!

 Watch your network expand and opportunities open before you, and start having a lot more fun connecting with new people.

Happy (Authentic) Networking!

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The Networking Boutique helps professionals master the art of networking. We take the anxiety, fear, and frustration out of networking events and help you fine tune your networking personality and strategies. Get out of the corner and into the Party!