We’ve all been there. Burnt out. Tired. Defeated. Feeling like there isn’t ever going to be a way to achieve the networking goals and desires we’ve set out for ourselves. Maybe you’re looking for a new job? Maybe you’re a law student trying to break into a specific legal market? Perhaps you are required to attend an upcoming conference to represent your firm or company? Let’s face it: networking when you just don’t feel like it can lead to the worst anxiety and pressure right before an important moment in your professional life.
I’ve been there! It can be a frustrating and crippling feeling if you don’t actively combat it. In this post, I’m going to provide you with some sources of encouragement that will leave you with a feeling of empowerment!
7 Ways to Make a Conversation With Anyone | Malavika Varadan
This is a great video I stumbled upon recently and thought I’d share. Malavika Varadan gives a TED Talk at the TEDxBITSPilaniDubai about ways you can engage in a meaningful conversation with anyone you meet. If you’re about to attend a conference or networking event, this video will help you understand the best ways to make some small talk and get to to know other professionals. Trust me, no one wants to be standing alone and not talking to another person, so just give it a try.
Your body language shapes who you are | Amy Cuddy
If you haven’t already heard of or seen this video from Amy Cuddy’s TED Talk, you should definitely give it a watch. She provides some extremely important guidance if you’re about to walk into a job interview, important meeting, or countless other situations where you need to feel powerful and ready to charge.
Create a Spotify “Power” Playlist
Find your hype man! Whether it’s Kanye West’s “Power” as your go-to jam to get inspired, or “Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson, you need to fuel your soul and get your mind pumped and ready to attack the goals or hurdles you may be facing. I recommend creating your own Spotify (or music service of your choice) playlist that has all your favorite inspirational songs. If you are drawing a blank, a quick Google search can help get you started. There are also curated playlists on most of the music services that you can jump on and call your own.
Tips To Overcome The Awkward Conference Table
A couple of years ago, I was attending at the ABA’s 30th Annual Intellectual Property Law Conference in Washington, D.C. and wrote a blog post in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the conference. Each year, the ABA invites a team of a dozen law students from across the U.S. to attend the conference and live blog and tweet during the events. Part of those events include multiple luncheons and dinners where everyone is sitting at those standard circular conference tables with complete strangers. If that sounds like a situation you’re about to find yourself in, then I recommend checking out my blog post on the topic and arrive prepared with some tips to overcome that awkward conference table!
Stay Strong
It’s important to take some time for yourself and relax. You have to prepare mentally and emotionally once you reach the burn out phase of networking. Find a mentor, friend or loved one that you can talk to and will listen to your concerns. Sometimes, just talking through how you’re feeling is enough to get it out and finally move forward. I’m also here! Feel free to reach out to me via e-mail or in the comments below.
Image Credit: Ryan Melaugh via Flickr.