I have a few colleagues that say to me, “Trace…  I’m not like you.  I just am not good at going to events, parties, and putting myself out there, making conversation, talking, networking, getting business.”  Ok, I was born with the “gift of gab” as my Mom calls it, and have always been quite the social butterfly, so perhaps it might be a little easier for me than most.  However, that is not an excuse to be a wall flower.  The thing about getting business or finding new outlets of work is…  to not really look for it.  I know that might sound strange?  But the more you keep your mind open to other interests i.e. going to the gym, going for a walk, going to the networking meeting that at first, seems like too much effort; going to meet with old time friends, traveling solo, stopping in a pet store (especially you have no pets), trying new food, etc…  is when you DO bump into work.  It also has a lot to do with a shift in thinking of networking now, vs. the way we typically network.  

What does that mean?  Well, in the olden days (I’m talking circa 70’s/80’s) people networked at specific gatherings.  You know, which ones.  The ones that have been around for a hundred years?  One of the funniest things that still makes me giggle is seeing pr people, who go to a pr gathering, to meet more pr people, who are all looking for new business.  The thing is, when everyone goes right, I dance left.  And you should think about that too.  That means that I go to gatherings at places that have nothing to do with pr or marketing or communications.  That means that I attend events, functions, and parties that are a) sometimes just pure fun, and b) sometimes something that just gets me out of my comfort zone.  You see, when you are used to working in your comfort zone, you get- well…  uh, comfortable.  Then you begin to work that way ALL the freakin’ time….. and Becky, THAT’S NO GOOD.  Don’t make your life or work life, a template that you adhere to each time.  It’s time to shake it up!

So, I dare you.  I double dare you to try it.  Go on.  Attend a function that has nothing to do with what you do.  Accept that party invitation with the friend who has been trying to fix you up with their friend’s sister’s brother’s cousin, who sails boats for a living.  Go for a walk in a new neighborhood and stop into a store that you normally would not stop in.  Sit in a service that you typically would not sit in.  Finally sign up for French lessons and make new friends.  See live theatre with strangers.  When you do that, you may be surprised at what happens, who you meet, what type of conversation you might have, and then when you least expect it, all of that good, inquisitive energy may spin out into… a little project, that sometimes even leads into a bigger project. 

It’s the holiday season folks!  Eat, drink, and be merry…  and get out of your way and let yourself bump into work.   Mele Kalikimaka!!