Everyone tells us that you need to network and you need to go to events where you can meet people. But, do people talk about how difficult networking is? How breaking down the first few barriers is frightening? And, I’m outgoing. I mean, I’m really comfortable around people.
The other day I went to a tweetup. I originally texted my friend, Jenny, asking if she’d go with me, because that seemed safer, much less intimidating. She said she couldn’t go and I knew that if I didn’t go, knowing full well I had the time and desire to, I would be making an excuse. I would be saying to myself that networking and tweetups and bringing social media to life can only happen, in my life, if I have a friend there to hold my hand.
So, against my better judgment, I started on my drive to Half Moon Bay. It took me a long time to get there and I almost ran out of gas and as I was walking up to the restaurant I think my dress blew up by the wind and if anyone was watching me, they got a show.
(photo by Thomas Hawk)
I was over two hours late and the entire time I was driving, I was frightened. But, I told myself if I’m going to be bold and then write about how other people can be bold with social media, then damnit I better toughen up for this experience.
So, I took a deep breath, walked outside to a group of over fifteen people I maybe see in my Twitter stream and introduced myself. It felt intimate and like I had walked in on someone’s private brunch. But, I did it. And, now I can tell you that you can do it.
You can walk into a room full of strangers for a tweetup and instantly feel like you have something to throw onto the table. You know why? You live within that space. You tweet. You friendfeed. You do whatever networking you do. And it’s liberating to be able to speak freely offline about the things we do online.
(photo by Thomas Hawk)
So, seriously – fearful or not, I’m telling you it’s perfectly normal to be frightened about these events. Lots of people talk about networking like it’s the easiest thing to do, but it’s not. Especially when you’re new. But, that’s especially when you should.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I like that your walking the talk, Jamie. That kind of post is never boring, especially from a writer like you
Wow I’d have an anxiety attack if I saw 15 people (Tweople?) standing around, kudos for having courage.
I’m so proud of you for going! It takes a lot of balls to walk up to a group of people you’ve never met, relax and fit right in. Most people would never push themselves to take that risk – I love that you did! (And thanks for the shout-out – happy to send encouraging texts, tweets, comments or whatever-the-next-great-social-communication-mechanism-is anytime!)
You both terrify and inspire me.
That was a very inspiring and encouraging note. I am glad you went and met some nice twitter peeps. You are so discriptive in your writing its so wonderful and interesting to read. It’s like enjoying the day with you.
P.S. I hope no-one saw your dress blow up, I hate it when that happens!!!
It’s amazing how no matter how old we are, we still get that “first day of school” feeling when meeting a big group of people for the first time.
I felt exactly the same way when I went to my first tweetup. I was late too.
It was very strange to walk up to a group of people that I recognised but had never met.
I’d recommend it for anyone that tweets though – it’s great to take the discovery offline.
I agree with your comments Jamie. My first meeting was on another social network, and I felt out of place. These people felt comfortable in their skin, and this was all new to me. So the concerns you mention are valid at least in my mind.
What other ways do you suggest is best to communite with others on job searching methods? It has been a long journey for me, and I’m always looking for new ways to do things.