I’m a dog walker, and I usually feel extremely awkward when I go to networking events. First, I HATE large crowds.
I love pets. Starting a pet sitting business was a natural way for me to spend more time with animals and less time with people.
Second, I realize that a lot of people out there don’t treat pet sitting and dog walking as a real career. Therefore, I catch myself explaining to people what being a dog walker really means. In full honesty, though, it did get better in the past couple years. Back in 2003 when I started my company, it was a different story: I got a lot of blank stares. So I guess it wore off a little.
I can honestly say that I seize every opportunity to miss a networking event. Yes, I am that awkward girl in the corner of the room stuffing my face with fried appetizers and looking like a complete mess. I have no idea what to say, what to ask, and what to offer.
Why would I need anyone in this room? Or why would anyone need me? What am I doing here? I can find more dog walking clients on Google than in this room…
One of the things that I have learned over the years is if I want to achieve anything in my life (either personally or as a dog walker), I must put in an effort.
And it has to be a lot of effort. So much effort, that I am exhausted and vulnerable. That’s when I move to the center of the room. And that’s when I look around and smile. Yep, standing in the center of the room, smiling, but trembling inside.
The good news is that everyone in that room is trying to mix and mingle, so it doesn’t take much time for someone to approach me and start talking. And the good news is that once I start talking, I start connecting with people. And when I connect, I get motivated, excited and creative. Scheduling those coffee dates with peers is rejuvenating to my spirit. When my spirit is balanced, I am a better person, mother, dog walker, friend, partner… I’m still that awkward girl in the room every. single. time. However, I’m not in the corner of the room anymore. I’m right in the center.