My partner Katrin and I had an exciting day on Tuesday (clipping a deer was just the beginning). Katrin is Icelandic, and she is involved with a small group of fellow Icelanders living in Nova Scotia who were invited to an event where the president of Iceland, the first lady, and Icelandic and Nova Scotian business people were in attendance. The event started with President Guðni Jóhannesson and Nova Scotian Minister of Labour, Skills, and Immigration Jill Balser each giving a speech talking about the challenges and opportunities of immigration in Iceland and Nova Scotia. Interesting stuff.
That part was easy. Aside from the deer, who I think made out worse than our car. Poor thing. That was a rough way to start our adventure, no doubt, but the truly difficult part for me was what came after the speeches. This was a networking event. There were dozens of business people and political types from both Iceland and Nova Scotia. This was a real opportunity to make connections with fellow professionals. But I froze. Me and my daughter-in-law, also an introvert, grabbed a glass of wine and quickly found the quietest corner we could. I came prepared with a handful of business cards, I had spiels bouncing around in my head. I was Joseph, I run a small digital marketing firm, I am particularly interested in nonprofits, small businesses, and ethical marketing. But I just couldn't find the courage to put myself out there. My old friend self-doubt had grabbed me tight and refused to let go. Once again I was suffering from imposter syndrome. I only spoke to one person during this event that was outside of my circle, a nice guy named Winston Morton but he approached me.
None of this is a surprise to me, I was nervous about it days before attending. I am well aware of my social phobias and how they sometimes hold me back. They are a work in progress. The positive that came from this event was that it did make me think about my own self-doubt and more specifically how imposter syndrome affects my networking skills.
What follows is what I learned from researching imposter syndrome and networking. I hope it is helpful.
Imposter syndrome is a common psychological phenomenon that affects individuals across various aspects of their lives, including professional networking. It's that nagging feeling of self-doubt, the persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud despite evidence of competence and achievements. In this blog post, we will explore how imposter syndrome can impact your networking efforts and provide practical strategies to overcome it. By understanding and addressing this internal struggle, you can unlock the full potential of your networking skills and forge meaningful connections.
The Imposter Syndrome and Networking Connection
Imposter syndrome is widely prevalent in today's competitive world.
Imposter syndrome can affect networking, leading to missed opportunities, self-sabotage, and social anxiety.
There are negative impacts of imposter syndrome on building professional relationships and accessing new opportunities.
Identifying Imposter Syndrome Patterns
The common signs and symptoms of imposter syndrome, are self-doubt, fear of failure, discounting achievements, and comparing oneself to others.
Use self-reflection and introspection to identify personal imposter syndrome patterns.
Share relatable anecdotes or real-life examples to resonate with fellow networkers and make them feel understood.
Strategies to Overcome Imposter Syndrome in Networking
Cultivate Self-Awareness and Challenge Negative Self-Talk:
It is important to become aware of negative self-talk and challenge it with positive affirmations.
Try to practice self-compassion and embrace imperfections.
Use exercises or techniques to reframe negative thoughts and boost self-confidence.
Embrace Authenticity and Vulnerability:
Highlight the power of authenticity in networking and forming genuine connections.
Embrace vulnerability by sharing their challenges and fears with trusted individuals.
Understand that vulnerability fosters trust and relatability, leading to more meaningful relationships.
Celebrate Achievements and Seek Validation:
Emphasize the importance of acknowledging and celebrating personal achievements.
Don't be afraid to seek validation from trusted mentors, colleagues, or friends.
Keep a success journal or gratitude list to reinforce positive self-perception.
Build a Supportive Network:
There is great value in surrounding oneself with a supportive network of like-minded individuals.
Seek out networking events, communities, or online forums where they can find encouragement and mentorship.
Reach out to potential mentors or role models who can provide guidance and perspective.
Taking Action and Moving Forward
Develop a step-by-step action plan to implement the strategies to improve networking skills.
Set achievable goals, such as attending networking events, initiating conversations, or joining professional groups.
Remember to be patient and persistent, as overcoming imposter syndrome is a journey that takes time and effort.
Overcoming imposter syndrome is a transformative process that can have a profound impact on your networking journey. By recognizing and addressing the self-doubt that holds you back, you can unleash your true potential and forge meaningful connections. Remember, you are not alone in this struggle, and with the right mindset and strategies, you can conquer imposter syndrome and thrive in your networking endeavors. Embrace your unique qualities, step out of your comfort zone, and unlock a world of new opportunities. Start your networking journey with confidence, and watch as the doors of success swing wide open.
If you'd like to help me in my journey, or if you'd like help with your journey battling self-doubt, imposter syndrome, or fear of networking, please feel free to contact me.