Quarter Life Crisis

One of the first goals that I set for myself when I began blogging more than half a year ago was to become adept at schmoozing and building a network in the community. For the past 6 months, I have averaged about 2 networking events and 2 informational interviews/meetings/phone calls per month. I forced myself into uncomfortable situations until I became comfortable in them. I asked for their time and shared my interests with them. I convinced myself that the worst they could do is say no.. Not all of the events yielded solid contacts. Not all of the interviews and phone calls went well. But each experience (good or bad) left a lasting impression on me. I used to be a nervous wreck before interviews and networking events but not so much anymore. The experience of selling yourself to CEOs and former CEOs on a weekly basis really makes going through HR or lower level management not quite as daunting anymore. It has really been a growing process for me. Anyone who has this type of social anxiety or Career Social Anxiety as I’d like to call it should try this approach.