Getting Over My Shyness

The Palazzo - where we're staying!

I’m still in Vegas, and it’s like an oven. Unlike Florida, there is absolutely NO humidity, and it is SO SO SO dry. Being here has taught me some things about myself, mostly because my husband and I are at a conference (for his blog). When you’re at a conference like this, you really have to go up and talk to people in order to get information. Although it’s my husband who is the one who is more knowledgeable about fishing products, and talking to people, it has taught me some things. Networking is definitely important at events like these!

Maybe you relate: It’s interesting how someone is when amongst close friends or family, because most likely, they’re completely themselves. But put that person in a room full of strangers, and that person is quiet and doesn’t talk to anyone. That is an example of how I am.  The weird thing is that once I get to know a person, I am outgoing.  I am weird. Not many people see this side of me.

I’ve always been shy. Very rarely do I even go up to a complete stranger. Usually I only do that if I need to get their attention for some reason. I usually wait until someone comes up to me and starts a conversation. Once the conversation is going, I start opening up. If the conversation interests me then I’ll continue talking.

I think that it’s important to meet other people.  Network.  A good place for that is Meetup.com.   The best way to have great conversations are with people who have similar interests with you.  That’s why Meetup is a great place, because you join groups that interest you, go to meetups and talk about those similar interests.  I also think Twitter is also another great place.  And for us shy ones, it’s easier to chat.  What I usually do is go to search.twitter.com, type in a keyword (for example, fitness) and see what comes up.  If I see a tweet interesting to me, or have something to say, I’ll @ them.  Hopefully they return the favor.  Most of them do in my case.  People are different and have different experiences in life and it’s great to talk to people and learn from them.

I’m not completely ‘shy free’ and continue to improve getting over my shyness everyday.  I want to be more outgoing like I am around the people I know, and not be so afraid.  I realize that networking is an important part of business, and even life! You never know who can help you!