Alone In A Room Full of Unfamiliar Faces

Guest blogger Jenny Guerrero is a twenty something social media enthusiast. Since leaving her job she takes the time to learn new skills and blogs about the many things she encounters over at A Note or Two . You can also find her on Twitter.
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“Do something that scares you every day. That scares you. Every single day.”

I came across this saying while reading a blog post over at Transient Travels. Although this was not the first time I came across this, something about it hit me this time.

I am a very friendly person but find it hard to take the initiative and go to a networking event alone. There have been many non-profit, social media, marketing, and networking events that I wanted to attend. For some reason or another I am scared at the idea of walking into a room full of unfamiliar faces.

I know, I know, why not go alone? That is the nerve-racking part for me, walking in a room where I don’t know anyone. Yes, I know that once I go to these events I will meet people whom I could possibly establish a relationship and attend future events with. (That doesn’t make it sound any less frightening) Don’t get me wrong I have tried to get over this weird fear. Bizarrely, I only feel this way about networking events. Last summer I joined an internship program in California, flew out not knowing a single soul, and lived there for a couple of months. It turned out to be one of the utmost experiences of my life.

I know that once I get past the awkwardness and meet people I will do perfectly fine. It is the first couple of minutes that scare me. This is where “Do something that scares you every day” comes in. I am ready to get over my fear and stop missing out on great events and the chance to meet great people.

After doing some research I found some good events right here in my hometown. Thursday, June 25th is Young Professionals night at Trinity Brewhouse. I can make some social connections and possibly form great relationships. I guess now that I blogged about it I have to go huh?

Do you do something that scares you every day? Did you ever find yourself attending an event alone? Was it easy/hard?
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Early on in my unemployed career I managed to mustered up enough courage to go to my first "social hour" alone. I was a bit nervous, but it didn't really hit me until I got there and saw the room full of strangers. I asked the greeter where the bathroom was and left the building through the back door. The whole way home I was beating myself up. Why couldn't I just do this? Go up to someone I don't know and introduce myself. Besides, there are probably other people there that don't know anyone either. When I got home, I vowed NEVER to let my nerves get the better of me. And they haven't.