You Want to Network. You Go to Network, but Something Deep Inside Says NO!!! What Can You Do?

I love sharing inspiration and affirmations in the Networking for Introverts Facebook Group. I feel happy knowing one quote can inspire or help a member.

A quote by Louise Hay spoke to me on several levels. “ I respect my boundaries and insist that others respect them, too.”

I work with introverted, sensitive professionals and teach them how to network, their way, in a way that works for them. What works for you and me, may not work for you and you. This is why it is important to have a personalized plan.

Have you ever looked forward to attending an event, got dressed, and when you were ready to walk out the door, something deep inside said NO!!!?

I have. Yes, that is correct. I have. I’ve even backed the car out of the driveway and driven to the closest major street before returning home.

I know what it feels like to have your body scream NO!!! when you go to network.

I can help because I’ve been there and done that.

I can assure you networking is an art, a skill and can be learned.

What can you do when you want to network, but when you go to network, something deep inside SAYS NO!!!?

HONOR THAT FEELING and Listen to Your Body.

I assure you it is okay to honor what your body is telling you. As introverted, sensitive professionals, it’s important we listen to our bodies. Our strength comes from within.

Breakthroughs happen when we acknowledge where we are and what’s going on.

Acknowledging something is holding you back and honoring that feeling is the first step to working through it.

Sometimes, we can figure out what’s going on and how to move forward by doing the inner work. Other times, we need assistance. Working with someone who has been there, done that can help us get from point A to B more quickly.

I recently reconnected with colleagues I met when I launched Errands Galore, my first business. I shared why I helped with registration. I helped not because it is a good way to meet people, but because it was something to do. Back then, I didn’t have the skill set to make small talk. I did not want to spend the mix and mingle portion of the meeting hiding in the ladies’ room.

I saw someone grin when I shared this story. I thought, “Oh crap, she remembers how shy and awkward I was.” Nope. She came up to me afterward and said “that was me when I launched my business.” She recently said she wished there was someone like me in her early years, someone who could have helped her get from point A to B more quickly.

Feeling shy, awkward, wanting to hide in the ladies’ room, not feeling comfortable making small talk, secretly praying they would run out of time so I wouldn’t have to give my 30-second introduction and helping with registration helped me get to where I am today. And, I am very grateful for the experience.

The other thing that helped is working with professional mentors aka a coach. I’ve worked with more than one, depending on where I was and became a certified coach.

I am looking for 3 to 5 introverted, sensitive professionals to join the More Clients Through Networking Group Program. Participants will go from feeling shy or stuck to Confident when networking. You will gain skills, confidence and learn to network your way, in a way that works for you. Click here to learn more and here to sign up.

For those who want to fast track, work one on one with me, to become Networking ROCK STARS, I have 2 openings in my schedule for the More Clients Through Networking VIP Program. Click here to learn more and here to sign up.

Listen to what your body is telling you.

Learn to Network Your Way, in a Way that Works for YOU!

About the Author: Lisa Platt

I am a networking coach and an introvert. I know what it feels like to be on the outside looking in. I also know networking is an art, a skill and can be learned. You can read my networking story on the About Lisa page. I am the proud owner of West Valley Women, a women's networking group in the greater Phoenix area. I am a certified coach, entrepreneur, small business owner, author of Your Personal Guide to Networking, and a Distinguished Toastmaster. I have 20 years’ experience with managing successful networking organizations while at the same time representing my business. I've seen what works and what doesn’t. I can help you master the art of business networking.