WOMEN ENTRPRENEURS ROCK THE WORLD: Branding, Marketing, Social Media & Sales – This was a 2-day conference I attended in NYC a few weeks ago. Being the self-proclaimed introvert that I am, I couldn’t imagine a more nightmarish title used to describe an event. Here’s the visual I concocted in anticipation: workshop take-a ways broadcasted like the marquee lights on Broadway and a flashing ticker running emergency messages on the bottom of the TV screen.
Yet, according to the buzz out there, my business will cease to exist if I don’t tweet, blog, tag, link, post, share or “like”. So, off I went like a lamb to slaughter. I knew I’d need to have a good night’s sleep and a honking cup of coffee to maintain my stamina.
Don’t get me wrong, the workshop was filled with 200 smart, friendly, successful women, all eager to share their stories, give advice and cheer one another along. I learned quite a bit on day 1, and I was able to take what I needed and leave behind what I didn’t – truly inspiring.
By lunchtime on day 2 however – I WAS COOKED! While my companions enjoyed schmoozing with new acquaintances, I was dreaming about my cozy yoga pants and curling up on the couch with my dogs. There’s just no stopping these thoughts! I slipped away an hour before the close of the conference.
Fast forward to this week, and I was invited by a friend to join her and a group of professional women for tea at a hotel in Boston. Why not? I’m on a roll here stepping outside of my comfort zone. Not knowing what to expect, we rehearsed our elevator speeches on the way into town and threatened to pull over to go shopping instead.
Doors opened to a warm room, with a table set for 12. We were greeted by our hostess, offering drinks with fresh berries… now this I could get used to. One question was asked of the group, and we spent the next two hours sharing our answers: Q. What makes you bubble up? No elevator speeches, no talk of hashtags or book deals. There was actually very little mention of our work. Connecting, laughing, inspiring – this is also what networking looks like.
Comments
Joan: The person you describe is eerily familiar to the person I see in the mirror everyday. I am proud and impressed that you’re on your way to conquering introvertism. Now that’s something I would pay $$$$ to get coached on. I hope you write more on this subject.
On the other hand, I have found that when the chips are down the only person you can count on is yourself. Nobody and I mean nobody gave me a helping hand when I needed it most. Precious few even bothered to say goodbye, and not a soul said “thanks.”
Nancy
Hi Nancy,
Yes, introverts unite! This will be the focus of the blog. I’m so happy to have you aboard. Stay tuned. Joan
Yes, that is the real networking: being real and heart-centered. Glad those tea hosts know what they’re doing.
wonderful joanie.. very proud of you!
i am wondering how does one know they are an introvert.. extrovert.. combination.. how can you really define it for those who border both
the real clearly defined ones are obvious…. the rest…. well harder to know…
once a long time ago i took some kind of personality test.. and there were letters.. cant remember. but four letters.. do you know what i’m talking about?
Nina – you are probably referring to the Myers-Briggs which is used to assess personality types. It’s a great way to identify your tendencies, but a simpler way to think about it is to ask yourself one questions: Do you re-charge your battery by being in the company of a lot of people, or do you need alone-time for centering and restoration? Most people have some combination of both, but usually we tend to lean toward one side or another when it comes to recharging.
Here’s a link to one of my favorite blogs on the topic: http://bethbuelow.com/2010/05/11/the-secret-life-of-introverts/
definitely on my own…
lots of people make me want to run
will look at the blog
Beautiful post Joanie, made me smile so big because it was so you. As a raging extrovert I don’t fall easily into your audience here, but because I adore you and find your wisdom to be far-reaching, I’m eagerly looking forward to your posts… Ironically, perhaps, extroverts often err on the side of thinking “I don’t need downtime, I get charged up by external stimulation” – when really, they DO, in fact need that alone re-charging time… for all human beings – the gift of spending at least 30 minutes a day quiet and alone is regenerative. <3 R
This is so very well written, and, having been at the same conference, it is a remarkable experience to read about it from your view!
What a phenomenal resource you are to all who need support being “the introvert that’s right for you!” Bravo, my Joanie!
Hi Joan,
So great that you are following your heart and moving into this space! So many flowers will be climbing off the walls and towards your light! Way to go, Joan!
Kathy