Have you ever felt like you don’t fit in?

by | Mar 6, 2012

Do You Ever Feel Like You Don’t Fit In?
 
 
Well, guess what, so do the rest of us.  Social dis-ease is at an all time high. There has never been a time in our history when social interaction has been such a constant in our daily life and has even reached into the confusing cyber world of social media.

 

It is a fact that to develop our professional and personal relationships we must interact on many levels. The key is being comfortable in and out of your element. It is fairly easy to shine in our comfort zone, but what should we do when we find ourselves outside of our comfort zone?

 

The key is to shine in and out of your element.

  1. Cowboy up with the fact that social dis-ease is an experience we all share. Knowing we aren’t the only one takes a little pressure off.
  2. We aren’t born with perfect social skills. From ages 5 to 95 they can be learned. Something as simple as proper eye contact can make or break a business relationship. Will it go forward or stop dead in its track.
  3. Learn the very basics of social etiquette. For example, proper introductions and responses are a great place to start. When someone tells you their name, don’t just say “nice to meet you.” Say “nice to meet you, Susan.” Using their name shows them that you are listening and they are important.
  4. The simple handshake is so vital because it is the initial physical contact we have with another person. So no more dead fish or rubber glove handshaking. Use the perfect snug committed two to three pump handshake to convey you are competent, confident and trustworthy.
  5. Decide how we will dance with our dis-ease in professional and personal social situations. Will we just take it with us where ever we go or will we:
 

a. Find a solution

b. Find a mentor

c. Ask a friend what tools they use

d. Accept that it’s part of our lives and laugh with it
 
I have put together a new video series on business etiquette that makes it easy for you to learn in the convenience of your home and on your schedule. It is called the Business Success Series and in it I share with you step by step how to arrive, survive and thrive at a social event. You’ll have the confidence and credibility to make meaningful connections in any social situation. If you have ever sat outside a networking event dreading to go in or if simple social interaction causes you discomfort, then check out my video series.

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