Be Yourself

Written on the 25 July 2017 by Janet Culpitt

Be Yourself is easy to say and it should be easy to do.

The problem with networking is we often overthink what we have to do or we try and conform to what others are doing.

This often moves us away from our authentic self and sees us "playing a part" or acting out a role.

By doing this you may feel that it is easier than being yourself , especially of you are nervous , unsure how to act ,intimidated or just simply out of your comfort zone.

The trap is though you can get caught out. It is not dissimilar to telling a little white lie. You must always make sure you dont say or doing something that gives the "act" away.

And you know what - you will get caught out . It may take a while but you will , in my opinion.

Scenario - imagine you have this great professional networking persona. You have practiced and you have it down pat. This is how everyone will see you when you are networking.

A client is referred to you and starts asking you questions based on what the referring person has told them. If any of this was in fact untrue or , even simply bending the truth, you will get caught out.

You could lose new business or just as bad, lose the confidence the other person had to refer their connection to you.

Dont ask for more than you can handle.

Dont give a false impression of your workspace.

Dont give a false impression of how you really feel - if your nervous thats OK - it will get better. If you have to hold something and read from it thats Ok too - you will get used to what you have to say.

If you dont feel comfortable handing out business cards adhoc then dont.

If you dont have the time for venue follow up "coffee dates" then make it a virtual one. 

If you give the expectation of follow up - follow up.

If you know you wont be able to attend a catch up dont set the time and then cancel .

If you give your job title as something extordinary make sure it is actually something that you do.

Get the drift of this authenticity? Its about You being comfortable about being you and having others get to Loke , Know and Trust You.

Not every one has to like you - ythats Ok too - but there is more of a chance that they will if you are being yourself.

Remember at all times to treat others as you would like to be treated, this is showing a part of the real you.

Be Yourself.