It was a rough 2020 when everyone had to suddenly pivot to online and get used to meeting on Zoom vs. in person, but we made it through like rock stars!
Things are starting to open up a bit again and there are some things you can attend in person so I know many people that are happy about that.
My question for you though, is how much networking were you doing before vs. now?
I spent many years of my business hiding out from networking. I am an introvert and these in person meetings were intimidating to me. Then one day I realized if I wanted to move up to the next level I needed to get out and meet more people. That was when it all changed for me.
I put on my brave face and started to attend events in person. I opened up and connected with others but I put boundaries in place to make sure I was taking care of myself too.
For example, if I attend a big in person event, I take time in the morning to keep my morning routine in place, even if I am traveling. I ease into my day before I leave for the event.
Now that my energy is high, as I enter the event I begin connecting with people. I will spend time chatting with other attendees and getting to know them a little before the event begins. If I hit it off with someone I will arrange to have lunch or dinner with them.
At the end of the day though, when everyone else is going for happy hour or out for the evening, I know that I need to recharge. It is rare for me to attend any evening events. I much prefer to go back to my hotel and spend the evening winding down. I review my notes from the day, write out any follow up I need to do, and put on comfy clothes, get dinner sent to my room and just relax with a good book.
When it comes to Zoom meetings, I hear often about Zoom fatigue but I don’t have that issue either. The reason is that I guard my time furiously. I don’t book more than a few Zooms in a day and I don’t do them back to back either. I know I need a break between calls and I know that I am at my best when I am not over tired.