Identify what your weakest areas in the subject of power networking is. What do you wish you could improve?
Shyness/Social Anxiety – I have absolutely no problem speaking in front of groups of people, but I find it very hard to have one-on-one conversations with people, or to introduce myself to someone I don’t know. I have honestly had people say “Oh I thought you were a bitch when I first met you”, because I’m that shy and have such a hard time talking to people before I get to know them. As far as social interaction goes I’m pretty much Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory.
Based on the presentation, what action items will you do to improve your networking skills?
I think this is a matter of “fake it till you make it”. I need to just talk to people no matter how uncomfortable I am, and the more I do it, the more I will get used to it and the less nervous I will be.
I know there are books about “How to talk to anyone”, so I’ll read some of those. Maybe also “How to win friends and influence people” by Dale Carnegie. Also practicing the 30 second elevator speech.
Where are you stuck?
Basically what I said above. The one-on-one social situations.
In the ideal world, who would you want in your network to put you where you want to be?
Positive people who want to work hard and love to help people. There are too many people in Halifax who just want to make money and sell people recycled plans. There’s also a lot of internet fighting between trainers. Everyone thinks their way is the right/best way. I want people in my network who keep an open mind and are always willing to learn new things and try different approaches to a situation.
What is holding you back?
I’ve been working very hard the past year or two on positive thinking. I used to be my own worst enemy. I could talk myself out of anything. This strategy would have helped me so much when I was younger in competitive sports. I probably could have gone to the US to play college tennis, but I just couldn’t work on my mental game and it destroyed me.
As I pursue these endeavors that others think are crazy, it’s very imperative that I stay focused and positive. I realize that when people say “no” to Isagenix etc. it’s not personal towards me, and I have to remind myself not to let that discourage me.