How I Become Uncomfortable with my Networking

I attended the Fresno Women's Network meeting this Tuesday, as I do nearly every month. Much to my surprise, I felt a little bit awkward. It was an uncomfortable feeling and it seemed like I was having to work harder than usual. This isn't normal for me. I network frequently and feel comfortable, especially among my friends at the FWN.

What was the difference this time? I had been out (a combination of illness and vacation) for nearly three weeks. Not only was I gone from work, but I didn't check email, take voice messages or even think about work during that time. I was "rusty." I had to get back in the groove and get my mind wrapped around work and networking again.

Do you find yourself uncomfortable at networking events? Let me suggest that it may simply be from taking too much time between activities. If you were going to learn the piano, you wouldn't go weeks between practice sessions. Or if you did, you wouldn't be surprised that your next session needed a lot of backtracking and review.

Networking is a skill like any other. Wouldn't it make sense that you would need to be a regular and consistent networker in order to keep your abilities working well, much less improving?

4 comments:

  1. Beth,

    Once again you nailed it. This seems so logical now that you've explained it, but somehow we think it shoulod just all be natural. I look forward to sharing this post with chamber members and friends.

    Susan

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beth, I am reading this at the perfect time. I am giving a Networking 101 presentation to a group of NPO's from United Way tonight and you truly exemplify the need to stay consistant as well as 'top of mind' to others. Thanks for sharing your insight.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Beth,

    Thanks for posting this great reminder. It's not net-eating, and not net-sitting, it's net-working. Being effective and efficient involves repetition, even when networking at any type of event.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous9:40 PM

    Beth:
    I thought this was a really insightful post. I even quoted you in my networking blog! You can see my post here:
    http://makefriendsgetjobgo.wordpress.com/2010/03/22/just-because-its-cliche-doesnt-mean-its-crucial-practice-make-perfect/

    Or just visit my whole blog at makefriendsgetjobgo.wordpress.com

    Have an awesome day!

    ReplyDelete