During my senior year in college, Career Services encouraged all of the seniors to attend workshops on building your resume, how to dress for an interview, and how to construct letters of introduction and follow-up after an interview. There were tests to be taken and books to be read: Myers-Briggs, Does Your Resume Wear Blue Jeans and What Color is Your Parachute? With each test I took and book I read, one career recommendation always stood out the most: SALES. UGH! I was not a salesperson. The idea of picking up the phone to call someone I don’t know, “cold calling”, made me shiver. At 21 years old, I had a visual and belief system for the meaning and occupation of “sales”, and it wasn’t a positive one. Many, many, many years later, I realized that not only are we all in sales, but we “sell” us every day. It can be positive. It can be energizing. It does create opportunities.
There are LIMITLESS possibilities to what you can realize regarding lifestyle and career. The key to creating a dynamic and delicious life is to step and live outside of the box. Tap into your imagination and WOW factor. Some choose to sit in the “waiting room” for opportunities to present themselves neatly. Yes, this can happen and you could be sitting there for a long, long, time. More and more individuals are choosing to Go. Do. Be. GO and choose to show up. DO take charge of your thoughts, words, actions and emotions. BE the very gifts you already are.
Where and how do you create opportunities? It all starts with you.
√ Meetup.com (Do something • Learn something • Share something • Change Something)
There are thousands of Meetup groups all around the world supporting hobbies, interests and passions. These groups are excellent ways to meet people and build relationships. If you don’t find the exact group you are looking for, be BOLD and create your own!
LinkedIn is considered to be the “professionals” equivalent to Facebook. It’s a platform that provides members an opportunity to create a profile outlining their career and expertise. Applications support document uploads, like press releases and resumes, WordPress Blogs, and portfolio slide shows. They also have groups that you can join which provide engagement and collaboration opportunities.
√ Local Chamber of Commerce
Your local Chamber of Commerce provides workshops, classes, events, training and opportunities for relationship building.
√ Change of Scenery
If you are a stay at home parent and/or work from home, it can, at times, feel isolated. When you’re working on creating opportunities, try a change of scenery. More and more establishments are offering free WiFi, and many people are finding their favorite remote offices. I have made countless friends because we share the same remote space!
Now one can argue that at least two of the above suggestions are online and you would be stuck behind a computer. The purpose of using social media as a vehicle and resource is to get you away from technology. The goal is to engage and connect with a group or individual that ignites a spark. An email is sent which results in a phone call that sets the date for a meeting over coffee and BOOM…. OPPORTUNITY. Where does this leave the introverted or shy individual? A whole lot of GROWTH! Yes, you will be stepping outside of your comfort zone. But know this, outgoing and over the top personalities does not equal advantage. People will be drawn to your authenticity.
While it’s rare that I am mistaken for shy, from time to time when I attend social functions where I know no one, whether they are personal or professional, I find myself with knots in my stomach as I enter the room. Those first few minutes where you’re scanning the space to look for an opening or to get a vibe for the energy of those in attendance can feel like torture. In extended motion you take your time to hang up your coat, check your bag and order that first drink with the hopes that someone will see or recognize you and start the conversation. But knowing how important the first impression is when building relationships, by reaching out to connect with someone else first expresses confidence and empowerment. Sometimes we need to rip off that band-aid.
There are many ways to bring down the anxiety levels we might feel before attending functions where the opportunities to meet the right and perfect people for future employment, friendship, or collaboration are limitless.
1. Look Inward.
No one can know you better than you, but sometimes we’ve not taken the time to discover our own unique gifts and talents. Do you know what skills come naturally to you? All of these are an important part of who you are. When you are living your absolute truth an excited and enthusiastic energy emerges when opportunities arise to meet someone new. If your consciousness has shifted from dread to looking forward to an occasion, this will have a significant impact on how you are received from the moment you enter the room. People are able to sense a person’s energy long before words are spoken.
2. Research First.
Often times we’ll know who is sponsoring or attending an event before we arrive. There’s a reason the word “googled” has turned into a popular verb in this technology driven era. You can learn a lot about the venue, the topic or theme of the evening, as well as specific people you would love to meet. By taking the time to research and know how your ideas, goals and interests are in alignment with the relationship building opportunity adds to your self-confidence. We feel a connection to the event before we show up! Of course, there will be those times where the only information we have is the location; however, there’s a reason why you decided to or felt drawn to attend. Sometimes it’s a matter of stepping out on faith and trusting in your inner guidance.
3. Connect with your Inner Child.
Remember the fearlessness you felt as a child, and how at any given moment you could list with exuberance 10 things you wanted to be when you grew up.
4. Ask thought provoking questions.
When you step forward and start a conversation with one or more people, while asking thought provoking questions, you’ll gain insight and information that will allow you to connect others attending the same event or meeting. There’s the potential to be seen as a host instead of a guest and before you know it, others in attendance will be drawn to you. The reason you become a magnet for like-minded individuals is because your authentic self has emerged.
It’s your time to shine! Are you ready to create your opportunities?
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Humanity’s misfortune is when we don’t realize the very gifts we are! We don’t serve the rest of the world or ourselves by playing small. Live your life big! Own your truth! We must embrace the knowing that we deserve to live a life we love, one that supports who and what we are. We need to be willing to say, ‘Yes! I choose me!’
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© 2011 Michele Mattia. All Rights Reserved.
Michele, a nationally recognized speaker on both tv and radio, is an Inspirational Speaker, Best Selling Author, Life Design Coach, New Thought Leader and Creative Strategist. During a silent retreat five years ago, she asked herself the question: “What would I do right now if I wasn’t worried about the “how”?” What manifested next was nothing short of extraordinary! Specializing in Life Design, Michele’s mission is to inspire, support and co-create all possibilities her clients and audiences are courageous enough to demand. She motivates others to claim their unique gifts and talents, while owning that they deserve to create a dynamic and delicious life. Michele believes we must embrace the knowing that we deserve to live a life we love, one that supports who and what we are. We need to be willing to say, “Yes! I choose me!” To learn more about Michele and receive Michele’s Daily Dash, an empowering eZine, go to www.MicheleMattia.com
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