Talking about "Getting out of my comfort zone."

I am an introvert person by nature. I have never felt comfortable being around people while growing up including my family. After school and work, I would hide in my bedroom as I really enjoyed my 'alone' time without being alone and that felt damn good.

A lot of things changed after starting my photography business in 2015. Most of the changes were all about me getting out of my comfort zone to keep the business running.

One day, I chatted with an established photographer based in The US. She strongly advised me to get out there to meet people if I wanted people to know what I do.

With no experience in business, my first thoughts were: "Shit, go out and meet people? Do I need to?"

So, I asked myself: "Am I able to do that, based on my introvert nature?"

In fact, I didn't do much between 2015 and mid-2017 with regards to meeting people because I was too shy to talk to others. Due to my stubbornness, the business started to decline. 

For the sake of my business and dreams, I finally decided to do something about it. So, I started looking out for network events in Amsterdam and I remember seeing several photos of Global Woman's club on social media around September 2017. They were opening their club in Amsterdam.

"That's intriguing", I told myself. 

Although I wanted to attend their event, I was a bit hesitant to contact them, thinking they might decline men to their events.

So, fast forward, I received an email from the Director of Global Woman Club Amsterdam, Giovana Vega, that men were welcome. I was thrilled, very thrilled because that was my first business network event. Feeling a bit awkward, I attended their first breakfast in October 2017. Needless to say, I was the only male guest in the audience, apart from the husband of Giovana.

As this was their first breakfast event in Amsterdam, non-members were allowed to give a 2-minute pitch.

Immediately, I told myself: "Ok Herman, this is your opportunity. You have to do this. Get out of your comfort zone, go on stage and show people who you are."

Can you imagine how challenging it was, especially for someone who does not feel comfortable to be around with people, let alone giving a pitch? But I pushed myself to do it and you know what? I did it!

In fact, that opportunity to speak to an audience changed me. I started to develop an interest in "speaking." From then on, I watched a lot of youtube videos on how to improve my pitch and to become a better speaker. To my biggest surprise, I have also been selected to speak at TEDx Amstelveen (The Netherlands) which will take place on 17th May 2020. That's mind-blowing:-)

If I had not spoken to the photographer earlier about my business, if I had not pushed myself to get out of my comfort zone to get in touch with other business networks, I would still be stuck in my rut.

So for that, I am very grateful for this opportunity and to have met many people along the way via networking.

I am still an introvert person. But I have to say that I have changed so much in the last couple of years with regards to the way I now communicate and interact with people. And now, I love having a warm heartfelt conversation with someone.

Greetings,

Your Fairy Godmother

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