This post is long overdue. Confessions of a Networker is a concept I came up with after catching up with a friend a Panera Bread. During our discussion I was telling her that my book has raised the bar as to how people view my networking activity and skills. Rightfully, so. Moreover, I still have my insecurities and obstacles at events.
We all know the the popular quote “if you are the smartest person in the room, then you are in the wrong room.” Yet no one acknowledges the discomfort in the room.
- Which room do I belong in nonprofit, technology or the political arena? Or as I state, how do I navigate this professional maze?
- How do I start a conversation with someone that is 20 yrs my senior?
- The person I admire within my profession, will he/she become my mentor?
- For most of us we think it’s a simple you are either networking or your not. We are all networking, but it’s not always smooth sailing.
I was hoping to have this as the first post explaining the concept of Confessions of a Networker. Instead I had an incident the day after the McKinney video went viral and wrote about my experience at a networking event the day after. Yeah, I was in my feelings. I don’t want to consume you with rainbow esque highlights filled with new relationships, ventures and potential money making deals. If you read the initial post, Confessions of a Networker: Is Racial Tension High or Am I Overly Sensitive?, I also don’t want to bore you down with unpleasantries of rudeness, race and radical notions. I want to provide you with honest thoughts, feelings and experiences that are relatable to you the reader. I encourage you to remain open minded during these moments. Feel free to provide feedback and ask questions. Perhaps, you have some confessions you want to share?
