Part 17: Networking Events
This one will be short since I don't have a lot of experience with it. I'll have to stick with the struggles that were brought up in the article. It seems like whether it's an event specifically for networking or just a large group activity these things are common.
- Balance food and drink: It might be more awkward for me that I don't drink alcohol in the first place, including wine, so people would notice that. There may also be the issue that I don't like to talk and eat at the same time. I didn't grow up with social meals, so having to balance the eating and socializing might be a little weird.
- Make yourself heard over the din: I hate loud rooms. There's nothing more draining, and then to add on to the effort of trying to speak up even to what feels like shouting level. That's a killer. I mean, I know how to speak up, but that zaps the energy out of me quickly. The noise itself without talking is enough to make me want to take the exit door.
- Being enclosed by the press of bodies: Oh goodness. Even the thought of that makes me cringe. Depending on how close those bodies are, I could get anxiety and get desperate for some space and fresh air. You don't know how much of a nightmare this is unless you've experienced it yourself. It's confining and restricting, and not only does my body experience it, but so does my mentality. It's exactly like the sensation of being suffocated.
- Filter out all conversations so you can focus on what's being said: Truth. I'm one of those who picks up on my surroundings. I hear the sounds around me. I hear what people around me are saying, and when multiple people are talking and I'm trying to listen to someone, it gets extremely confusing. I can't understand the person I'm trying to listen to, because of all these other voices I'm overhearing trying to speak at the same time. That's definitely a headache producer.
- Be brilliant and sparkling! LOL. I'm the easiest person in the room to overlook. I can sneak out the door without anyone noticing. Brilliant and sparkling isn't my strength. With a large crowd, I'm easily camouflaged. You want me to shine? Don't put me in a sea of people where I could drown. I have my ways of standing out, but it's definitely not this way.
- Introductions: So this one isn't quite as difficult for me to do, at least when I'm introducing myself, provided that's all that I'm doing and not expected to promote myself. Introducing other people? You mean someone would tag along with me? If that event ever happens, It'll probably be someone I know well enough to have no problems provided my tongue and brain keep the talking connection going. It's likely that other person would get chatty and make my presence null.
That's my take on this one.
Time for relaxation mode. Some might recognize this place:
