I am going to my first in person networking meeting tonight and my stomach is doing somersaults just thinking about it!

I also am going to my first local BNI meeting next Thursday. For someone that is perpetually shy I sure am breaking out of my mold, huh? The way I see it, I only have one life to live. Why on earth not get out there and do all the things I can to grow my business, if it means talking and mingling with strangers then so be it, darnit!

That is all well and good, but I am still nervous as all heck. 2 1/2 hours and counting!

Any last words of advice?

Wish me luck!

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Darlene Victoria Gonzalez
The Voice & Vision Behind Your Business

Darlene, you've grown in leaps and bounds since I first 'met' you here - I'm so impressed and inspired by how you continuously step outside of your comfort zone in a conscious effort toward personal and business development.

You'll do GREAT tonight!
Have you been practicing your elevator speech?

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Darlene

I wish you all the best. I know how you feel about being shy i'm like that as well. But like you said we only have one life to live. Go out there and knock them dead. I know you can do it. Just keep telling your that.

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Maria Quick Link Virtual Assistant Services
www.getquicklink.com
Let Quick Link be your link to today's virtual world

I am sure everyone is nervous their first event, with the exception of the sales-types.

Be sure to bring lots of business cards and any other promotional information you may have for your business.

Write down keywords on the business cards you receive that will remind you about the opportunities you have discussed.

Just breathe....You will be AWESOME!

Marie

Darlene,

You'll do great! You've got a wonderful, positive attitude, which can be the hardest part. Just keep reminding yourself that you're providing a service that will help these people. And if they're not interested, it's no reflection on you. It just means that they're not a good fit with you, in which case you wouldn't want to do business with them anyway!

And like Tess said, practice, practice, practice your elevator speech! The more comfortable it is coming out of your mouth, the less likely you are to freeze up. I completely understand your feelings - as a writer, I'd much rather hole myself up in my office with my trusty keyboard than venture out and have to actually talk to people (heaven forbid!)

Kudos to you for placing your fears on the back burner and putting the needs of your business first and foremost. Can't wait to hear about all the interesting people you met and contacts you made!

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Tammi Metzler ~ The Write Associate
Free call: "How to Write Email Subject Lines That Grab Attention!"

Well done on getting out there and giving your all.

I know it is hard going to the first meeting, I was also the same, I just introduced myself to the person who was organising the event and she than introduced me to some others in the group. Also if there is tea/coffee been served, stand by the table, anyone that comes up will say "hi" so just go from there.

Bring lots of business cards and information with you. Don't worry if nobody is interested in you business you never know maybe they know someone that could use your services.

Be proud of yourself and your business, and don't be afraid to speak it up as you have a great business.

Mind you by the time you get this, your meeting will be all over and you will be advising us on how to network.

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Vicky
www.c-vas.eu

Networking can be scary! I need to follow your lead and just get out there and do it!

I hope everything is going great right now and I look forward to hearing all about it!

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Cassi
More Time Virtual Assistance, LLC What could you do with More Time?

Here's my take: find the right kind of networking event for you - do you prefer mornings or evenings, lots of structure or only a little, more social or more serious, etc. Then don't worry about a thing, because you're a VA and we are needed everywhere. Just be friendly and yourself, and people will ask what you do, and you'll watch the smiles break out! I feel like people are glad to know there's a VA nearby, and the work will come.

'Course this comes too late for you, Darlene, but you'll know what I mean, having been there!

BTW, you really ARE pretty extraordinary in your willingness to stretch beyond your comfort zones. It's truly impressive, m'dear.

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Mary H. Ruth/Virtual Writing & Communications
http://www.writingVA.com

Thank you everyone for your advice, thoughts and kind words

The meeting went well. I was a tad bit shy, but I suppose with time that will dissipate. I got a few business cards and handed out a few. I think I am going to make a mini-podcast episode about it, well not about the meeting exactly, but networking meetings in general. Ah well, you will see what I mean

I did meet someone that lived in the next town over from where I grew up. So, that was kind of neat. He had friends that even went to the same high school as I did. They were a wee bit younger than me and I was out of the town and out of the school loooooonnnng before they even graduated, lol. That made me feel a bit old All and all, it made for a nice evening.

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Darlene Victoria Gonzalez
The Voice & Vision Behind Your Business

See, it isn't as bad as you thought... people are just people after all. Good for you on going and trying it.

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Cheryl Richey
Carte Blanche Assistance, LLC
Virtual Assistance...Creating Time for You!