"You want ME to DO WHAT??"

Meeting Facilitator: "Let's get to know each other by playing an Icebreaker game."??

Me: "You want ME to DO WHAT??" "Heck NO!! I said to myself"

Yet, I put on my 'let's be a good corporate citizen panties, secretly rolled my eyes, faked a smile, and did my best. I knew that those who play 'by the rules' tend to be noticed and receive promotions. I witnessed this scenario many times during my time working in corporate America.

Since then, I've learned I am not alone. I don't enjoy playing silly games even if they're designed with intention and have a purpose.?I prefer conversations that happen naturally. The best relationships I've built have come from authentic conversations.

Sometimes initiating conversation can feel challenging or daunting. What should I say? Will the other person want to talk to me?

"Please help me...I feel so dumb going up to someone and saying hello,"?

I excelled with negative self-talk when I began networking. I hated going to events. I didn't know what to say. I felt awkward and out of place.

Over time, I learned to fit in. I became more comfortable talking to strangers and learned how to initiate conversation.

Initiating conversation can be challenging, yet it can be done.

An easy way to initiate conversation is to ask a question or look for something in common.?

Hi, I overheard you say you're responsible for customer relations?with those who work in a specific market.?Do you know Suzy??Suzy works in that market.?The exhibitor and I chatted, exchanged business cards, and quickly learned more about each other. She didn't know Suzy. Yet, she knows people who do work similar to Suzy.

I noticed a brand specific specialty advertising item on a display table. I asked the gentleman if he knows Sally.?Sally works for that company and was responsible for introducing that brand to our market.?He knows Sally and we had a great conversation. We also exchanged business cards.

I felt comfortable visiting each exhibitor at their display table and made many new connections.

I was sincere and spoke with intention.?I confidently?initiated conversation without playing games or telling silly jokes.?I was my authentic self.?Being able to communicate with confidence is key to building business?relationships.?Look for things in common and speak authentically when initiating conversation.?Be yourself and?communicate with intention.?

About Me: With much trial and tribulation, many tears and frustration, I figured out how to navigate this maze, this thing, called business networking.?I admit, I learned the hard way. I disliked going to events. I didn’t feel comfortable initiating conversations. Often, I’d pretend I had an important phone call to return – just so I could avoid talking to people during the mix and mingle portion of the event.

I volunteered to help with registration.?Not because it’s a great way to meet people.?It is. But because it gave me something to do.?I excelled at helping with registration simply I could follow a script. “Hello, welcome. This is what you need to know about today’s event.”

Today, I help clients write their own scripts.?I help sensitive introverted professionals connect with confidence by learning to communicate with intention.

I am also the proud owner of the?West Valley Women Networking Association.?In 2022, the organization will celebrate its 17th year of fostering business connections, networking opportunities and friendships for women in the community.