Secretly Shy

     In a past life, I think I was a hermit crab. I go through phases of extreme introverted-ness. I love to stay in, get re-acquainted with my pjs, and only communicate with my favorite book. When I'm around too much social activity, I find myself exhausted. I recharge with "me" time.

   This is getting in the way when it comes to networking, partially because I just don't like it. It doesn't come naturally to me. This is where I'm envious of my mother, who seems to make a new friend wherever she goes.

   I love meeting new people and learning about their journey, and I like to think that I'll talk to almost anyone. When I'm first thrown into the mix of a new group of people, my style is to hang back and slowly dip my toe in. I'm a better listener than talker; but once I'm warmed up, I'll practically tell you my life story. The trouble is that it takes me a few minutes to warm up; and in an audition situation, you don't always have that luxury. You need to show your personality right away.

   I've been trying to pull myself out of my comfort zone and be more extroverted. To all my shmoozers out there - How do you convey who you are in a quick, "Hi, my name is [  ]"? 

   I had a teacher this summer who called this process "zapping," - where you look at someone and are open to letting them see you. She said to practice this in restaurants, to really see the person you who was taking your order, and you'd be in effect, "zapping" them; giving them the opportunity to see you and to let you see them, if they chose to let down their guard. 

  How do I become more of a people person? 

(photo courtesy of Tara Welch)

 

Hope you had a restful Thanksgiving,

-- Brittany Baratz

Comments

[Brandi Ford]

Totally off-topic but I had to give you props for the awesome birdcage veil! Looks really pretty on you.

[Brittany Baratz]

Thanks, Brandi :)

[Jordan]

Realize first that being a good listener is probably more important than being incredibly talkative when it comes to "networking."

Also, note the times when you do feel you are out of your shell. You're probably more social than you believe yourself to be. Celebrating the times in which you are will help destroy some of your self doubt when you are out of your comfort zone socially. That self doubt is probably all that's holding you back. :)

[Brittany Baratz]

Hi Jordan,
Really good points. Sometimes we get wrapped up in our insecurities and fail to pat ourselves on the back for what we are doing right. Love your blog, too!

[Jordan]

Thanks a bunch for checking out our blog Brittany!

Yeah, it can be way too easy to allow negative thoughts to take over. Definitely pat yourself on the back once and a while. :) It can only help. Good luck.