Why I Hate Networking With Women
In 2011 I was what most people would call a 'starving artist' doing what I could to get by and desperately yearning to grow into the type of woman I knew I could be.
A very close friend of mine decided it was time that I enter into the “dreaded” world of networking in order to promote my business and meet potential clients and supporters.
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I had been to a few networking events before and honestly, it was awful. I started out in the fashion industry and quickly realized that the people at these events weren’t quite aligned with my ideals. I generally felt out of place, a little bit judged, and definitely not enticed to go back to another event.
So, as you can imagine, when this friend invited me to another networking event I was not overly enthused. Not only had I had multiple bad previous experiences, but it was about an hour away from where I lived, at what seemed like an inconvenient time of day for me, with a bunch of women whom I had never met before. Yikes!
I knew I would have to talk about myself, my business and what I would like to offer the world, but at the time I felt lost. My confidence was minimal, I hated my business cards, and my elevator pitch was pretty weak. As a chronic perfectionist, my self criticism was on high alert, but, with encouragement from my friend I worked up the courage to share myself.
So here’s why my ego hates networking with women: I had to let go of being perfect, accept that people might judge me, and take a risk in order to grow. Of course, it’s going to feel uncomfortable, and being vulnerable in front of a bunch of strangers who I assumed were wealthier than me, smarter than me and generally better than me didn’t make it any better.
But I gave in, I let go, I put myself out there and it ended up being one of the best decisions of my life.
First of all, I met a group of women who I could relate to, they knew what it took to run a heart based business and the type of challenges that arise. On top of that, most of them ended up becoming clients of mine. They were the target market, and community, I had been looking for all along.
All of those things aside, the most important part of the experience were the friendships I made, specifically with the lovely Allison Braun.
Allison and I immediately clicked. The connection was instantaneous and developed with rapid speed. We realized we had grown up in a similar way, surrounded by boys and for the most part while struggling to make and maintain strong relationships with women. There was that moment of seeing yourself in another and knowing that being you, in the most vulnerable way, was actually possible.
After one coffee date we were destined to become best friends and partners in creating the type of experiences for women that would leave them forever changed.
Allison is my go to woman for everything business, and on top of that, I know I can ugly cry in her arms if I need to. What more could I ask for? Business Advice and Ugly Crying Freedom? Priceless.
I seriously equate a huge portion of my success to knowing Allison and having her support in my life.
My point is that even though the idea of networking with women sent me into a ego based, fear dance that could have kept me stuck forever, I decided to get over myself and it was the best business decisions I’ve ever made.
Having Allison in my life has led to the creation of one of the most amazing retreats ever, one that I know is going to alter the course of 12 women’s lives forever.
After seeing the immense shifts in the women from last year, and now this year having both Cortnee Loren Brown, Allison and myself sharing all the business smarts, intuitive know how, and pleasure inducing freedom techniques we can muster, I know this years Pleasure Retreat is going to be out of this world.
If after you check out The Pleasure Retreat (the amazing retreat mentioned above), you’re still not convinced that going to networking events is for you, consider this.
No person has ever created something truly masterful all by themselves. Every great creation in life has been due to the combined efforts of people with similar dreams, passions and goals. Even having a friend who is there to support you when you’ve hit a wall, it truly goes to show that we as humans are not here to be alone, or do it alone.
So give yourself a leg up, head out and meet some like-minded women (at The Pleasure Retreat, a local event, or anywhere else you can have the possibility of finding them), I bet they’ll change your life forever.
xo
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Heather wants to live in a world where people with a heart based business are on the front cover of magazines. As a Brand Visionary and Photographer Extraordinaire, she’s been spotlighted on Elephant Journal, Conscious Divas, 303 magazine, Scout Mag, and Awakening Source. When she’s not helping conscious-preneurs increase their visibility and hone their brand, you can find her dancing at a music festival, rafting the Nahatlatch river, and traveling around the world. www.heatherpennell.com
