Coach Lisa

I recently introduced a new theme Wellness Wednesday in the Networking for Introverts Facebook Group. It’s designed to celebrate what is going well, to celebrate a success one has had during the week.

I introduced Wellness Wednesday simply because we often focus on the one thing, that mistake, that oops, and we forget to acknowledge things we are proud of, put a smile on our face, or make our heart sing.

After posting the theme, I tried organizing my thoughts to succinctly describe something that had gone well during the week.

The one thing I did not expect and was surprised by was the amount of deeply rooted programming that came up. I had a difficult time sharing something that had gone or was going well.

I loudly heard my mother telling me NOT TO SEND graduation announcements. Because if I sent them, I’d be asking for gifts. And, asking for gifts is wrong.

I did not expect how difficult it would be for me to simply share something that is going well.

Deep rooted programming that translates to “I’m not worthy” or “I’m not good enough” is something that sometimes comes up for some Introverts and Highly Sensitive Individuals.

I believe deep rooted programming, “I’m not good enough,” is one reason why networking is difficult, and why networking often feels icky or challenging.

Networking is relationship building. Ultimately, the task, doing it, involves talking about yourself, sharing something that you do well.

This task of talking about yourself, sharing something that is going well, can easily go against deep rooted messaging. Messaging that says, don’t brag about yourself; don’t share what you do well.

Messaging that easily is translated to “If you do, you’ll be asking for gifts. And, asking for gifts is wrong.”

Somewhere in this process, don’t brag about yourself got translated to “I’m not worthy or I’m not good enough.”

I used to hate networking. You can read my story here.

Today, I own a top-rated networking organization, The List, Phoenix Business Journal. I’ve spent the past 20 years working both sides of the table. I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t.

I want you to know, networking is an art, a skill and can be learned.

Enrollment opens July 1 for the upcoming Networking for Introverts Group Program. You can read about it here.

I want you to feel good about what you do well; to be proud of your accomplishments.

You are worthy. You are good enough. And, you can learn to network in a way that feels good to you.

Lisa

PS. . . After some reflection, I am changing Wellness Wednesday  to Celebration Wednesday.