“Your Business Moves at The Speed of Your Relationships…”
How being an Introvert In the Big City Changed My Business This Week.
One of my mentors, Todd Herman, has been trying to drill that quote into my head for the past two years. Either I’m a slow learner, or my introverted self gets in my way more than I often want to admit to myself.
I have been feeling myself pulled to write this since the moment I arrived in New York last Sunday, but I would sit down to write and then would feel like I should be working in my business, instead of sharing my musings and insights (that no one really wants to hear anyway – right?)
First, I LOVE cities! I love the energy! I love the hustle and bustle. I love the people rushing to get places. I love the lights. I love that often the “doers” of the world have strategically put themselves in the city – to be able to connect with the other “doers” of the world!
What people are often surprised to find about me is that I am extremely introverted. I walk into a room, I smile, I stick out my hand, and I introduce myself. And I’ll do it all day long from 7 am to 11 pm. But at the end of the night, I go to my room, crawl into my bed, and think, “Thank goodness I’m now sitting here alone! I’m so exhausted. That isn’t easy for me. I hope they liked me. I hope I made an impression. I would love to get to know Jenny better.”
But I know that when I’ve paid to participate in a high powered event or a high powered group that I need to step out of my comfort zone and get the most out of it – spending as much time with others as possible!
So, even if you’re introverted or shy – step up, stick out your hand, and smile. Find ONE person that looks friendly enough that you can chat with them, then introduce yourself to a few people at a time. And if you’re one of the ones standing in a big room and you see people struggling – TAKE THEM IN! They are probably a bit introverted – trying to find their way in an extroverted world!